# Components:
→ Dough
01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet instant yeast (0.25 oz)
03 - 1 tablespoon sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Cheese Filling
07 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
08 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
09 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 1 tablespoon chopped chives
11 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Pretzel Bath & Topping
13 - 1/2 cup baking soda
14 - 8 cups water
15 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
16 - Coarse pretzel salt, for sprinkling
17 - 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing)
→ Garnish
18 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
19 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
# Directions:
01 - Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add warm milk and melted butter, then mix and knead until a smooth, soft dough forms, about 5 to 7 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
02 - In a separate bowl, blend mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, chives, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly combined. Set aside.
03 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
04 - Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 24 equal portions. Flatten each piece, place approximately 1 teaspoon of cheese filling in the center, then seal the dough around the filling to form a ball.
05 - Arrange the dough balls in a ring on the baking sheet, ensuring each ball touches the next to create a wreath shape.
06 - Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Carefully dip each dough ball into the boiling solution for 15 to 20 seconds, then return them to the baking sheet, maintaining the wreath formation.
07 - Brush the dough balls with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse pretzel salt evenly.
08 - Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until deep golden brown.
09 - Immediately brush the baked wreath with melted butter if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and nestle halved cherry tomatoes between the pretzel balls for a festive presentation.
10 - Serve the pretzel wreath warm, encouraging guests to pull apart and enjoy.
