Festive Pull-Apart Bread Wreath

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Plates

This festive pull-apart bread wreath features a soft, tender dough infused with fragrant herbs and layered with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. The dough is divided into small balls filled with a savory herb and cheese blend, then arranged in a circular wreath shape and baked to golden perfection. The final touch of olive oil and optional sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and shine. Ideal as a centerpiece for holiday gatherings, it’s delicious served warm and pairs well with dipping sauces like marinara or garlic butter.

Preparation involves mixing warm milk with yeast and sugar, kneading a dough enriched with butter and eggs, allowing it to rise, and then forming the bread balls. Fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, and rosemary provide aromatic notes, enhancing the bread’s flavor profile. This pull-apart bread offers a fun, shareable eating experience, making it a festive addition to any meal.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 14:17:00 GMT
Golden festive pull-apart bread wreath, aromatic with herbs, ready to be shared and enjoyed. Save to Pinterest
Golden festive pull-apart bread wreath, aromatic with herbs, ready to be shared and enjoyed. | velvetthyme.com

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 wreath bread quickly became a favorite at family holiday dinners because it's both beautiful and delicious.

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.
Warm and cheesy festive pull-apart bread wreath, perfect for a holiday appetizer centerpiece. Save to Pinterest
Warm and cheesy festive pull-apart bread wreath, perfect for a holiday appetizer centerpiece. | velvetthyme.com

Sharing this bread wreath while gathered around the table makes every holiday feel extra special.

Preparation Time

25 minutes plus 2 hours including rising time

Cooking Time

30 minutes

Serving Tips

Serve with marinara or garlic butter for dipping for added richness.

This inviting bread wreath features a savory, pull-apart texture, ideal for festive gatherings. Save to Pinterest
This inviting bread wreath features a savory, pull-apart texture, ideal for festive gatherings. | velvetthyme.com

This bread wreath is sure to impress and delight your guests. Enjoy baking and sharing!

Recipe FAQs

Can the dough be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated overnight to develop deeper flavors before baking.

What herbs work best in this bread wreath?

Fresh parsley, chives, and rosemary are used to impart a bright, aromatic flavor that complements the cheese.

Can I substitute the cheeses used in this bread?

Yes, mozzarella and parmesan can be swapped for similar melting or aged cheeses according to taste preferences.

Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?

Gluten-free adaptations require special flour blends and adjustments to hydration and rising times.

How should leftovers be stored?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Festive Pull-Apart Bread Wreath

Soft, herb-flavored bread shaped as a wreath with melted cheese and fresh herbs, ideal for festive occasions.

Prep time
25 min
Time for cooking
30 min
Total process time
55 min
Created by Velvet Thyme Eleanor Hayes

Recipe category Everyday Cozy Plates

Skill level Medium

Cuisine type European

Yield amount 9 Number of servings

Dietary details Vegetarian-friendly

List of ingredients

Dough

01 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 2¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast
03 1 teaspoon sugar
04 1½ teaspoons salt
05 1 cup warm milk
06 ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
07 2 large eggs

Filling & Topping

01 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
02 ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
03 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
04 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
05 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
06 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
08 2 tablespoons sesame or poppy seeds (optional)

How to make it

Step 01

Activate yeast: Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 02

Prepare dough: Add flour, salt, melted butter, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 03

First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 04

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Set oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 05

Divide dough: Punch down the dough and divide it into 24 equal pieces.

Step 06

Shape and fill dough balls: Flatten each piece, fill with a pinch of mozzarella, parmesan, and herbs, then seal and shape into a ball.

Step 07

Arrange wreath: Place the dough balls in a ring on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they slightly touch.

Step 08

Apply egg wash and seeds: Brush the wreath with olive oil and beaten egg, then sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if using.

Step 09

Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 10

Cool and serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving, garnishing with additional fresh herbs as desired.

Essential tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush

Allergy warnings

Be sure to carefully review every ingredient for allergens and seek expert advice as needed.
  • Contains gluten (wheat), milk, eggs, and cheese (dairy).

Nutrition details per serving

Details here are meant for guidance. Please contact health professionals for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 240
  • Fat content: 9 g
  • Carbohydrate: 31 g
  • Protein amount: 8 g