Save A beautiful, soft pull-apart bread shaped as a wreath, perfect for holiday gatherings. Flavored with herbs and cheese, this centerpiece is fun to share and irresistibly delicious.
This festive pull-apart bread wreath has become our holiday favorite to share with family and friends. Every bite is full of cheesy, herby goodness that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- Dough: 500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour, 7 g (2¼ tsp) instant dry yeast, 1 tsp sugar, 1½ tsp salt, 250 ml (1 cup) warm milk, 60 g (¼ cup) unsalted butter melted, 2 large eggs
- Filling & Topping: 100 g (1 cup) grated mozzarella, 50 g (½ cup) grated parmesan, 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped, 2 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped, 2 tbsp fresh rosemary finely chopped, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 egg beaten (for egg wash), 2 tbsp sesame or poppy seeds (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2:
- Add flour, salt, melted butter, and eggs. Mix to form a soft dough. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 3:
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 4:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 5:
- Punch down the dough and divide into 24 equal pieces.
- Step 6:
- Flatten each piece, fill with a pinch of mozzarella, parmesan, and herbs, then pinch to seal and shape into a ball.
- Step 7:
- Arrange the balls in a ring (wreath shape) on the prepared baking sheet, slightly touching.
- Step 8:
- Brush with olive oil and beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
- Step 9:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 10:
- Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Save Sharing this bread at our holiday dinners always brings everyone closer around the table, making festive memories.
Serving Suggestions
This bread pairs wonderfully with a warm bowl of soup or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Variations
Add sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed onions to the filling for a richer taste.
Save This bread is perfect for making your holiday gatherings extra special with minimal effort.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What herbs enhance the flavor in the bread?
Fresh parsley, chives, and rosemary provide aromatic and savory notes, perfectly complementing the cheeses.
- → How should the dough be prepared for the best texture?
Use warm milk with activated yeast, sugar, and salt; knead until smooth and elastic for a soft, tender crumb.
- → Can I add other fillings to the bread?
Yes, sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed onions can be added to the cheese and herbs for a richer taste.
- → What is the purpose of the egg wash?
Brushing with a beaten egg before baking creates a glossy, golden crust and helps seeds adhere.
- → How do I store leftovers to maintain freshness?
Store wrapped in foil or airtight container at room temperature for up to two days; reheat gently before serving.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
The bread contains gluten, milk, eggs, and cheese; check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.