# Components:
→ Pretzel Dough
01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
03 - 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
04 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
05 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
06 - 1 tsp salt
→ Baking Soda Bath
07 - 1/2 cup baking soda
08 - 8 cups water
→ Topping
09 - 1 egg, beaten
10 - 1 tbsp coarse sea salt
→ Spinach Cheese Dip
11 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
12 - 1/2 cup sour cream
13 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
16 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
17 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
18 - 1/4 tsp salt
# Directions:
01 - In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in melted butter and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
02 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
03 - Punch down dough and divide into 32 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball. Arrange the balls in two concentric circles on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space in the center for the dip.
04 - Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Working in batches, immerse dough balls for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and return to the baking sheet.
05 - Brush each pretzel ball with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
06 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown.
07 - In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped spinach, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
08 - Spoon the dip into an ovenproof bowl and place it in the wreath's center on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until hot and bubbling.
09 - Remove the wreath and dip from the oven. Serve immediately, allowing guests to pull pretzel bites and dip them.
