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Best Halloween Charcuterie Board: Easy Pretzel Bones Recipe

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A festive Halloween snack board featuring homemade pretzel bones with a chewy, salty crust, paired with a variety of cheeses, meats, and dips for a spooky yet comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (420g) Bread Flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) Warm Water (110°F/43°C)
  • 2 teaspoons (7g) Active Dry Yeast
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Large Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1/3 cup Baking Soda (for boiling water)
  • Coarse Sea Salt (for sprinkling)
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese, cubed or sliced
  • Smoked Gouda, sliced
  • Salami or Pepperoni, rolled or folded
  • Black Olives, whole or sliced
  • Dark Grapes
  • Mustard or Whole Grain Honey
  • Crackers, plain or seeded
  • Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Warm water to 110°F. Pour into a large bowl, sprinkle with yeast and sugar, and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, stirring until thick. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky.
  3. First rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Shape the bones: Punch down dough. Divide into tennis ball-sized portions. Roll into 12-inch ropes and shape into bones by pinching one end to create a bulbous shape. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Second rise: Cover shaped pretzels loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for 20 minutes until puffy.
  6. Boil the pretzels: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of water and baking soda to a boil. Drop pretzels in for 30 seconds per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and return to the baking sheet.
  7. Bake: Brush pretzels with beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

The baking soda bath is crucial for the authentic pretzel flavor and dark color. Do not skip this step. For make-ahead prep, you can freeze the shaped raw pretzels on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. Serve warm for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween, charcuterie board, pretzel bones, easy snacks, party food, fall recipes, homemade pretzels, spooky snacks

Find it online: https://islatable.com/best-halloween-charcuterie-board-easy-pretzel-bones-recipe/