Festive Pull-Apart Bread Wreath

Featured in: Vegetarian & Plant-Based Grill

This soft, pull-apart bread is shaped into a festive wreath, filled with a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and rosemary. The dough, enriched with melted butter and warm milk, is kneaded to a smooth elasticity, then shaped and baked until golden. Brushed with olive oil and egg wash, it features a delicate crust topped optionally with sesame or poppy seeds. Perfect for sharing, it offers a blend of savory herbs and cheese that complement holiday meals.

Preparation involves mixing warm milk and yeast, combining dry and wet ingredients, followed by kneading and rising. Each piece is filled, shaped, and arranged in a ring before baking. Variations include adding sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed onions for extra flavor, and serving with dipping sauces like marinara or garlic butter.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:22:00 GMT
Golden, aromatic Festive Pull-Apart Bread Wreath, a savory holiday appetizer with melting cheese. Save
Golden, aromatic Festive Pull-Apart Bread Wreath, a savory holiday appetizer with melting cheese. | bitegrill.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.

I made this bread for our holiday party, and everyone loved pulling apart the cheesy, herby 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.
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This bread has brought our family closer during the holidays as we all gathered to pull apart and enjoy it together.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

Calories 240 Total Fat 9 g Carbohydrates 31 g Protein 8 g per serving

Category & Difficulty

Category Appetizer Bread Difficulty Medium Cuisine European Yield 8–10 servings Diet Vegetarian

Freshly baked Festive Pull-Apart Bread Wreath showcasing fluffy, herb-infused bread perfect for sharing. Save
Freshly baked Festive Pull-Apart Bread Wreath showcasing fluffy, herb-infused bread perfect for sharing. | bitegrill.com

This festive bread makes any holiday table feel warm and inviting.

Recipe FAQ

What herbs are used in this bread wreath?

Fresh parsley, chives, and rosemary finely chopped are used to infuse the bread with a vibrant herbal flavor.

Can I substitute the cheese used in the filling?

Mozzarella and parmesan provide a balanced cheesy taste, but you can use other semi-hard cheeses if preferred.

How long should the dough rise before shaping?

The dough should rise for about 1 hour in a warm spot until it doubles in size, ensuring a light texture.

Is it possible to prepare this bread in advance?

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

What are some serving suggestions for this bread?

It pairs well with marinara sauce or garlic butter for dipping, enhancing its savory herb and cheese profile.

Can I add toppings to this bread wreath?

Sesame or poppy seeds can be sprinkled on top before baking to add a subtle crunchy texture.

Festive Pull-Apart Bread Wreath

Soft bread shaped as a wreath, filled with herbs and cheese, ideal for holiday gatherings.

Prep duration
25 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
55 min
Created by Ethan Walker


Skill Level Medium

Heritage European

Output 9 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

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 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
08 2 tablespoons sesame or poppy seeds (optional)

Method

Phase 01

Activate yeast: Combine warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Let rest for 5 minutes until foamy.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Prepare baking surface: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 05

Shape dough balls: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, fill with a pinch of mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped herbs, then pinch closed and shape into a ball.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Apply toppings: Brush wreath with olive oil and beaten egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.

Phase 08

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

Phase 09

Cool and serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Optionally garnish with extra fresh herbs.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain about sensitivities.
  • Contains gluten (wheat), dairy, and eggs.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 240
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Proteins: 8 g