Magical Holiday Garlic Bread Wreath Recipe for Cheerful Feasts

Crisp winter evenings call for a comforting homemade garlic bread wreath that sparks pure culinary delight.

This golden, herb-infused creation weaves aromatic garlic and fresh herbs into a stunning circular masterpiece.

Soft, pillowy dough embraces rich butter and minced garlic, creating a delectable canvas of flavor.

Each slice promises a warm, buttery experience that melts in your mouth with robust herbal notes.

The wreath’s elegant circular design makes it a showstopping centerpiece for holiday gatherings.

Perfectly seasoned and beautifully braided, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary bread experience.

Prepare to dazzle your guests with this irresistible garlic bread wreath that celebrates winter’s warmth and comfort.

FAQs

• Is this recipe beginner-friendly?

Yes, this pull apart garlic bread wreath is perfect for home bakers with basic skills. The steps are straightforward, and the techniques like kneading and shaping are simple to learn.

• What kind of yeast should I use?

Active dry yeast or instant yeast works best for this recipe. Make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired to ensure proper rising of the dough.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. After the first rise, cover and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature and proceed with shaping and baking.

• How do I know the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough should become smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. When you gently stretch a small piece, it should form a thin, translucent “windowpane” without tearing.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath

• Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the bread, choose all-purpose for consistent texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth, use fine table salt for even distribution.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and richness, select extra virgin for best flavor profile.

• Warm Water: Wakes up and feeds yeast, ensure temperature is between 100-110°F for optimal activation.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps with fermentation, use granulated white sugar for reliable results.
• Active Dry Yeast: Creates bread's rise and airy texture, check expiration date for maximum potency.

• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic flavor, choose fresh cloves for most intense taste.
• Melted Butter: Delivers rich, creamy coating, use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Parsley: Adds fresh, green brightness, select crisp, vibrant leaves.
• Italian Seasoning: Introduces complex herb notes, look for blend without excessive salt.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers salty, umami finish, grate fresh for maximum flavor impact.

Tools That Help Shape a Garlic Bread Wreath Neatly

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining flour and creating dough.
• Stand mixer or dough hook: Optional but helpful for kneading dough quickly and efficiently.
• Small bowl: Perfect for activating yeast and mixing garlic butter.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Baking sheet or round pan: Needed for shaping and baking the bread wreath.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Pastry brush: Useful for coating dough balls in garlic butter and adding final butter glaze.
• Kitchen towel: Great for covering dough during rising process.
• Cutting board or floured surface: Required for kneading and shaping dough.

Bake Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath to Golden

• Wake Up the Yeast

Grab warm water, sugar, and yeast. Mix them together and let the happen for about 5 minutes until it gets all puffy and alive.

• Create the Dough

Toss flour and salt into a big mixing bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead the dough until it feels smooth and stretchy – either by hand on a floured surface or using a stand mixer with a dough hook.

• Let the Dough Rest and Grow

Nestle the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it chill in a cozy spot until it doubles in size – about 1-1.5 hours.

• Craft Flavor-Packed Butter

Whip together melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.

• Build the Wreath

Fire up the oven to 375F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

Punch down the dough and divide it into 20-25 cute little balls. Dunk each ball into the garlic butter, making sure it’s completely coated.

Arrange the buttery balls in a circle, leaving a bit of breathing room between them.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the wreath into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

• Finish and Feast

Brush with extra garlic butter, sprinkle some Parmesan, and add a handful of fresh parsley.

Serve piping hot with marinara sauce or herb butter for dipping.

Tips for Buttery and Garlicky Bread Layers

• Create a warm, draft-free environment by placing the dough in a slightly heated oven (turned off) or near a warm appliance to ensure optimal yeast activation and consistent rising.
• Prepare the dough up to one day in advance and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking for maximum flavor development and convenience.
• Swap traditional flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the bread's structure and achieve a similar soft, pillowy texture.
• Replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain the rich, savory flavor profile while keeping the recipe completely dairy-free.
• Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil in the garlic butter mixture to create unique flavor combinations that complement various meals and personal taste preferences.

Serve This Wreath as a Savory Holiday Centerpiece

• Festive Party Centerpiece: Transform this garlic bread wreath into a stunning table centerpiece during holiday gatherings, perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving celebrations.
• Dipping Delights: Serve alongside marinara sauce, herb butter, or homemade ranch dressing for irresistible flavor combinations that guests will love digging into.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Break this bread apart during sports watching parties, offering a shareable and interactive appetizer that keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack this wreath in a portable container for outdoor events, potlucks, or family picnics as a delicious and eye-catching bread option that travels well.

Store Garlic Bread Wreath and Reheat Gently

• Allow bread to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and soggy texture.
• Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, store in airtight container for 3-4 days in refrigerator.
• Separate individual portions, freeze in freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature and reheat in oven for best results.
• Warm in 350F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy exterior and soft interior, bringing back that freshly baked taste and aroma.

Festive Garlic Bread Wreath Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Delectable Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath celebrates holiday gathering traditions with herbed butter and golden-brown edges. Bread circles interlock on platters, promising savory warmth and festive cheer you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups / 375 g all-purpose flour
• 1 cup / 240 ml warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 ¼ tsps / 1 packet active dry yeast
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ cup / 60 g unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried italian seasoning
• grated parmesan cheese
• fresh parsley for decoration

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Combine tepid water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Allow the mixture to bloom until frothy, signaling active fermentation.
2. Dough Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, blend flour and salt. Incorporate the activated yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a unified dough forms. Knead on a floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased container, cover with a damp cloth, and rest in a warm environment. Let the dough expand and double in volume for approximately 90 minutes.
4. Garlic Butter Creation: Whisk melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning until thoroughly blended.
5. Dough Shaping: Deflate the risen dough and divide into 20-25 small balls. Completely coat each ball in the aromatic garlic butter mixture.
6. Wreath Assembly: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange the butter-coated dough balls in a circular pattern on a parchment-lined baking sheet or circular pan, leaving minimal space between pieces.
7. Baking and Finishing: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden-brown and the bread is fully cooked. Brush the warm bread with remaining garlic butter, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh parsley.
8. Serving: Present immediately while warm, offering marinara sauce or herb-infused butter as a complementary dipping option.

Notes

Manage Yeast Activation: Ensure water temperature is precisely between 100-110°F to activate yeast without killing it, creating perfect fermentation conditions for soft, fluffy bread.

Knead with Precision: Develop gluten structure by kneading 8-10 minutes manually or 5-6 minutes using a stand mixer, which guarantees a smooth, elastic dough texture that rises beautifully.

Control Moisture Levels: Avoid adding excess flour during kneading; slightly sticky dough yields more tender bread, so use minimal flour when handling to maintain optimal hydration.

Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, thyme, or oregano in the garlic butter for unique taste profiles while maintaining the bread’s classic soft interior and crispy exterior.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg