Save to Pinterest 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.
I first made this bread for a family holiday and everyone loved pulling apart the warm, 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 (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted 2 large eggs
- Filling & Topping: 100 g (1 cup) grated mozzarella 50 g (1/2 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 to Pinterest This recipe has become a holiday tradition, bringing my family together to enjoy warm bread and great conversation.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (wheat), milk, eggs, and cheese (dairy). Check cheese labels for specific allergens if needed.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 240 per serving. Total Fat: 9 g. Carbohydrates: 31 g. Protein: 8 g.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy warm from the oven or reheat gently for a fresh-baked feel.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I ensure the bread stays soft?
Knead the dough thoroughly until smooth and elastic, and avoid overbaking to maintain softness.
- → Can I use different herbs in the filling?
Yes, fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or oregano can be used to customize the flavor profile.
- → What type of cheese works best for the filling?
Combining mozzarella and parmesan gives a balanced melt and savory taste, but other cheeses like cheddar or gouda can be used too.
- → Is it possible to prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight to develop deeper flavors before shaping and baking.
- → How can I add a richer taste to the filling?
Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed onions into the filling for enhanced richness.