Print

Easy Oktoberfest Pretzel Board for Two

Oktoberfest pretzel board for two - featured image
Print Recipe

A cozy, no-boil soft pretzel board for two, featuring warm pretzels, bratwurst, beer cheese, and pickles. Perfect for date nights or game days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • 1 cup warm water (for the wash)
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt (for sprinkling)
  • 2–3 soft pretzels (warm from the oven)
  • 2 bratwurst or smoked sausages (sliced and pan-fried)
  • ½ cup beer cheese (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¼ cup spicy brown mustard
  • ¼ cup whole-grain mustard
  • ½ cup pickles (dill spears or cornichons)
  • ¼ cup pickled red onions (optional)
  • Fresh apple slices
  • Small handful of nuts (almonds or pecans)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (110°F), brown sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add remaining 1 ½ cups flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 20-25 minutes until doubled.
  5. Preheat and prep: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix ¼ cup baking soda with 1 cup warm water until dissolved.
  6. Shape the pretzels: Punch down dough and divide into 2-3 equal pieces. Roll each into a 20-24 inch rope. Form a U-shape, cross ends, and press onto the bottom of the U.
  7. Apply the baking soda wash: Place shaped pretzels on the baking sheet. Generously brush with baking soda wash. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
  8. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown. Let cool on sheet for 5 minutes. Brush with melted butter if desired.
  9. Prepare the board: While pretzels cool, pan-fry sliced bratwurst until browned. Arrange pretzels, sausages, mustards, cheese, pickles, onions, apple slices, and nuts on a board. Serve warm.

Notes

The baking soda wash creates the classic pretzel crust without boiling. Be generous with the wash for best browning. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese sauce. Pretzels can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Oktoberfest, pretzel board, soft pretzels, no-boil pretzels, date night, game day, beer cheese, bratwurst

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/easy-oktoberfest-pretzel-board-for-two/