Bavarian Ham Cheese Wreath (Printer-Friendly)
Savory ham and cheese filled pretzel wreath with a golden crust and flavorful mustard honey blend.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Pretzel Dough
01 -
1.5 cups warm water (approx. 115°F)
02 -
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
03 -
1 packet active dry yeast
04 -
0.5 cups German-style beer or non-alcoholic beer
05 -
3 tablespoons salted butter, melted
06 -
1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
07 -
4 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
→ Filling
08 -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
09 -
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 -
1 cup diced ham (leftover or deli)
11 -
2 tablespoons Dusseldorf mustard or preferred mustard
12 -
2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
→ Lye Bath
13 -
3 cups cold water
14 -
0.25 cups food-grade lye (baking soda as substitute)
15 -
1 egg (for egg wash)
→ Topping
16 -
1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning (optional)
17 -
2 teaspoons coarse pretzel salt or sea salt
18 -
2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
19 -
1 tablespoon fresh dill (for garnish)
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and light brown sugar. Allow to bloom for 5 minutes until frothy.
02 -
Add melted butter, German-style beer, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate the flour until a smooth dough forms.
03 -
Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
04 -
Meanwhile, combine cream cheese, honey, mustard, cheddar cheese, and diced ham in a bowl until evenly blended.
05 -
Punch down the risen dough gently. Divide into three portions, roll each into strips, fill with the cream cheese mixture, and seal edges tightly.
06 -
Braid the filled strips together, shape into a circular wreath on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and allow to rise for 15 to 20 minutes.
07 -
In a heat-proof bowl, mix cold water with food-grade lye. Using a brush, apply the lye solution onto the risen wreath carefully.
08 -
Preheat oven to 425°F. Brush the wreath with egg wash and sprinkle with pretzel salt and optional everything bagel seasoning. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until golden.
09 -
Remove from oven, brush with melted butter, let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh dill if desired. Serve warm.
# Additional Suggestions:
01 -
Ensure yeast is fresh for optimal rise. Baking soda can substitute food-grade lye for the bath but alters traditional crust texture.