Pin this 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 bread has become a staple at my family's holiday table and always impresses guests with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste.
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.
Pin this Enjoying this bread fresh from the oven with my family around the holiday table has created lasting memories we cherish every year.
Variations
Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed onions to the filling for a richer taste. You can also experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of marinara sauce or garlic butter for dipping to complement the savory flavors of the bread.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer storage.
Pin this This festive bread wreath adds a delicious and beautiful centerpiece to any holiday gathering, sure to impress all your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a soft texture for the pull-apart bread?
Use warm milk and melted butter in the dough, knead it well until smooth, and allow sufficient rising time for a soft crumb.
- → Can I add other fillings besides cheese and herbs?
Yes, sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed onions can be incorporated for richer flavors.
- → What is the purpose of the egg wash before baking?
Brushing with beaten egg gives the bread a shiny, golden crust and helps seeds adhere.
- → How long should the dough rise before shaping?
Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.
- → Can this bread be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight to develop deeper flavors before shaping and baking.