Herbed Spinach and Artichoke Pull Apart Pretzel Bread.

If you’re searching for a fun and delicious appetizer or snack, look no further than this Herbed Spinach and Artichoke Pull Apart Pretzel Bread. This delightful twist on traditional pretzel bread features a savory filling of creamy cheeses, vibrant spinach, and tangy artichokes, making it the perfect addition to any gathering. Imagine tearing off warm, soft pieces of this bread, each oozing with cheesy goodness.

With a few simple steps, you can create a show-stopping dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The best part? You can customize it to suit your taste. So, let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

Why It Works Every Time

The combination of warm, fluffy pretzel bread with a rich, herbed filling is a match made in culinary heaven. The instant yeast ensures a quick rise, while the honey adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the savory elements. Using a mix of cheeses, like mascarpone, fontina, and parmesan, creates a creamy texture that melts beautifully. The addition of spinach and artichokes not only enhances the flavor but also provides a lovely contrast in color. The coarse salt sprinkled on top mimics the classic pretzel flavor, making every bite irresistible.

Gather These Ingredients

To make your own Herbed Spinach and Artichoke Pull Apart Pretzel Bread, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3 1/2-4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• Coarse pretzel salt or sea salt, for sprinkling
• 4 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry of excess water
• 1 jar (6-8 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

Kitchen Gear Checklist

Before you start baking, make sure you have the following kitchen gear:

• Large mixing bowl – For mixing the dough.
• Whisk – To combine the yeast, water, and honey.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – To mix the ingredients.
• Plastic wrap – To cover the dough while it rises.
• Baking sheet – For baking the pretzel bread.
• Parchment paper – To line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
• Pastry brush – To apply melted butter and sprinkle salt.

From Start to Finish: Herbed Spinach and Artichoke Pull Apart Pretzel Bread.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm water, instant yeast, and honey. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Add 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until it’s manageable.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, fontina cheese, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, thawed spinach, and chopped artichokes. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into squares, approximately 3×3 inches.

Step 6: Assemble the Pull Apart Bread

Place a spoonful of the cheese and spinach filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners over the filling to create little pockets. Arrange the filled dough squares in a greased baking sheet, standing them up next to each other.

Step 7: Brush and Sprinkle

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough is arranged, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle coarse salt over them.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the pretzel bread for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell divine as it bakes!

Step 9: Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Pull apart the pieces and enjoy this delicious Herbed Spinach and Artichoke Pull Apart Pretzel Bread warm.

Health-Conscious Tweaks

If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit healthier, consider these adjustments:

• Substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour to increase fiber content.
• Use low-fat cream cheese instead of mascarpone for a lighter version.
• Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor without extra calories.
• Reduce the amount of cheese by half if you prefer a lighter filling.

What Could Go Wrong

While this recipe is straightforward, here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Not activating the yeast properly – Make sure your water is warm, but not hot, as boiling water can kill the yeast.
• Using too much flour – This can make the dough dry and tough. Start with less and add as necessary.
• Overbaking – Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes to prevent it from becoming too hard or burnt.
• Skipping the cooling step – Allowing the bread to cool slightly will make it easier to pull apart without burning your fingers.

Storage & Reheat Guide

To keep your Herbed Spinach and Artichoke Pull Apart Pretzel Bread fresh:

You can store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Quick Q&A

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, sauté it briefly to wilt and then squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the filling.

What can I serve with this bread?

This pretzel bread pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or a creamy dip. You can even serve it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the bread up to the baking stage and refrigerate it for a day. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can substitute active dry yeast, but you’ll need to activate it in warm water for about 10 minutes before mixing with the other ingredients.

Weekend Projects

If you enjoyed making this Herbed Spinach and Artichoke Pull Apart Pretzel Bread, consider trying these other weekend projects:

• Cheesy Garlic Herb Monkey Bread
• Savory Stuffed Breadsticks
• Mediterranean Flatbread with Feta and Olives
• Cinnamon Sugar Pull Apart Bread

Let’s Eat

Now that you have all the steps and tips laid out for making the Herbed Spinach and Artichoke Pull Apart Pretzel Bread, it’s time to get baking! The aroma of freshly baked bread is irresistible, and the combination of cheesy filling and soft pretzel dough will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it at a party, enjoying it as a snack, or making it for game day, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking! Your taste buds will thank you.