Lattice Window Pretzel Layer (Printable)

Crisp pretzel sticks woven over layers of meats and cheeses create a vibrant, flavorful starter.

# What you need:

→ Meats

01 - 3.5 oz thinly sliced prosciutto
02 - 3.5 oz sliced salami

→ Cheeses

03 - 3.5 oz sliced Swiss cheese
04 - 3.5 oz sliced sharp cheddar cheese

→ Base & Garnish

05 - 1 small baguette, sliced into thin rounds
06 - 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
07 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives

→ Topping

08 - 40–50 regular-length unbroken pretzel sticks

# Directions:

01 - Arrange the sliced baguette in a single layer on a large serving platter or tray.
02 - Spread whole grain mustard evenly over each baguette slice.
03 - Place prosciutto, salami, Swiss cheese, and cheddar cheese evenly over baguette slices, overlapping slightly to create an abundant rustic appearance.
04 - Lay pretzel sticks horizontally across the layered ingredients, spacing about 0.4 inches apart. Next, weave pretzel sticks vertically over and under the horizontal sticks to form a lattice pattern.
05 - Sprinkle chopped fresh chives over the pretzel lattice for color and freshness.
06 - Present immediately, allowing guests to break through the lattice and enjoy the layered flavors.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • It looks restaurant-worthy but takes just 20 minutes, which means you can make it while guests are arriving.
  • The contrast between crispy pretzels and tender cured meats feels like eating in three different bites at once.
  • There's something irresistible about the interactive element—people love breaking through the lattice to get to what's hidden.
02 -
  • If you assemble this more than 30 minutes ahead, the pretzels will absorb moisture and lose their snap—prep everything except the lattice, then weave just before guests arrive.
  • The overlapping cheese and meat do way more than look pretty; they prevent the lattice from sinking into the bread and help distribute weight.
  • Spacing your pretzel sticks matters; too close together and the lattice becomes visually cluttered, too far apart and it looks sparse.
03 -
  • If your pretzels are slightly soft when you open the package, leave them out uncovered for an hour to re-crisp before assembling.
  • The quality of your cured meats and cheese is worth paying attention to—this is a simple enough recipe that every ingredient shines, so buy things you actually want to eat.
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