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Quick Oktoberfest Charcuterie Board with Easy Pretzels

Oktoberfest Charcuterie Board - featured image
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A quick and easy Oktoberfest-inspired charcuterie board featuring soft pretzels, bratwurst, cheese, and tangy mustard. Perfect for weeknights or gatherings, this board comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (312g)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
  • ¾ cup warm water (180ml, about 110°F)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • ¼ cup baking soda (60g)
  • Coarse salt for topping
  • 2–3 links bratwurst or smoked sausage, cooked and sliced
  • 8 oz cheese (sharp cheddar and brie or camembert)
  • ¼ cup German mustard (whole grain or spicy brown)
  • ½ cup pickles (cornichons or dill pickle spears)
  • 1 apple, thinly sliced (Granny Smith recommended)
  • 1 cup red grapes
  • ½ cup roasted almonds or pecans

Instructions

  1. Make the pretzel dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup warm water (110°F) and 1 tablespoon sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add 2 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes until smooth.
  2. Shape the pretzels: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 12 inches long. Form a U-shape, then cross the ends over each other and press them onto the bottom of the U to create the classic pretzel shape. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Prepare the baking soda wash: In a small saucepan, combine ¼ cup baking soda with 2 cups water. Bring to a simmer—it will foam up. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  4. Wash the pretzels: Using a pastry brush, generously brush each pretzel with the baking soda wash. Sprinkle coarse salt on top.
  5. Bake the pretzels: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the pretzels for 10-12 minutes, until deep golden brown. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through.
  6. While the pretzels bake, assemble the board: Arrange the sliced bratwurst, cheeses, pickles, apple slices, grapes, and nuts on a large board or platter. Leave space in the center for the pretzels. Place mustard in a small bowl and nestle into the board.
  7. Finish and serve: When the pretzels come out of the oven, let them cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet. Transfer to the board while still warm. Serve immediately.

Notes

The baking soda wash is essential for the pretzel crust. Don’t skip it. For best results, serve pretzels warm. Leftover pretzels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days and reheated in a damp paper towel in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Nutrition

Keywords: Oktoberfest, charcuterie board, pretzels, bratwurst, fall entertaining, easy appetizer

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/quick-oktoberfest-charcuterie-board-with-easy-pretzels/