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 recipe quickly became a festive favorite in my family because everyone loves pulling apart the savory, cheesy pieces together.
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 This bread brings my family together every holiday, turning each meal into a shared celebration.
Preparation Tips
Use room temperature ingredients for the best dough rise. Knead well until elastic for a soft texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with marinara sauce or garlic butter for dipping to enhance the flavor.
Storage Advice
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Save This festive bread is a delightful addition to any holiday table and easy to customize to your taste.
Common recipe questions
- → How do I achieve a soft texture in the pull-apart bread?
Use warm milk and melted butter in the dough, knead until smooth and elastic, and allow the dough to rise until doubled for a tender crumb.
- → Can I add other herbs or fillings to the wreath?
Yes, sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed onions can enhance flavor, or substitute herbs like thyme or basil to suit your taste.
- → What is the best way to shape the wreath evenly?
Divide the dough into equal pieces, fill with cheese and herbs, shape into balls, then arrange tightly in a ring on the baking sheet.
- → How long should I bake the bread for a golden crust?
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- → What alternatives can I use for the topping seeds?
Sesame or poppy seeds add texture, but you can also omit them or use flaxseeds or sunflower seeds according to preference.