If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer or side dish that will leave everyone at your holiday gathering in awe, look no further than this Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath. Easy to prepare, deliciously buttery, and perfect for sharing, this recipe brings together the irresistible flavors of garlic, herbs, and melted cheese in a fun and festive wreath shape. Whether for a Christmas dinner, Thanksgiving feast, or any celebratory occasion, this savory treat will quickly become the star of your spread.
Why You’ll Love This Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath
- Visually Stunning: The wreath shape makes it a perfect centerpiece for your table, adding a touch of elegance and festive flair.
- Flavor-packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a rich, savory flavor that will have everyone reaching for more.
- Easy to Serve: This bread is designed for sharing. The pull-apart style makes it super easy to serve without fuss, and it’s a fun, interactive dish for guests.
- Versatile: You can customize this garlic bread wreath with different herbs, cheeses, or even add a touch of heat with chili flakes for an extra kick.
Ingredients for the Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated pizza dough (or use homemade dough)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or more for extra flavor!)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a round baking dish or a pizza stone. Unroll the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle, approximately 12×8 inches.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the butter mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Wreath
Cut the pizza dough into 12 even squares. Take each square and dip it into the garlic butter mixture, ensuring the dough is well coated. Arrange the buttered dough squares in a circular, wreath-like shape in your prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the dough squares, making sure to distribute it evenly. If you want to take the flavor to the next level, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the garlic bread wreath in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like your garlic bread extra crispy, bake it for a few more minutes, keeping an eye on the color.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. You can garnish it with additional fresh parsley for an extra pop of color. Serve the wreath warm, allowing your guests to pull apart the dough with their hands and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and rosemary add a vibrant, aromatic flavor. If you only have dried herbs, that’s fine too, but fresh herbs are definitely worth the extra effort.
- Customize Your Cheese: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or provolone for a unique twist on flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the wreath in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
Perfect Pairings
- Soup: Serve this pull-apart garlic bread wreath with a rich, creamy soup like tomato basil, creamy potato, or a hearty minestrone.
- Salad: Balance the richness of the garlic bread with a fresh, tangy salad. A simple arugula and lemon salad or a Caesar salad pairs wonderfully.
- Dip: Serve it alongside marinara or a creamy dip for even more indulgence!
Conclusion
This Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath is the perfect dish to impress your guests at your next holiday gathering, party, or dinner. With its buttery, garlicky goodness and interactive, festive design, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Whether you’re hosting a big celebration or just craving something warm and comforting, this garlic bread wreath will add a delicious touch to any occasion.
Serving and Storage Tips for Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath
Serving Tips:
- Serve Warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve the pull-apart garlic bread wreath while it’s still warm from the oven. The gooey cheese and buttery garlic flavor are at their peak when freshly baked.
- Dipping Sauces: Consider serving the wreath with a variety of dipping sauces to enhance the flavor. Classic options include marinara, ranch, or even a creamy herb dip. You can also serve it alongside a fresh tomato salsa or a tangy balsamic glaze.
- Pair with Other Dishes: This garlic bread wreath makes an excellent appetizer, but it can also be served as a side dish with a variety of meals. Pair it with pasta dishes, salads, or soups for a more filling, satisfying meal.
- Interactive Eating: Since the bread is pull-apart, it’s a fun and interactive dish for guests. Provide napkins or small plates to make it easy to enjoy without any mess.
- Garnishing: Before serving, add a little more chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top of the wreath for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Storage Tips:
- Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, allow the garlic bread wreath to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
- Refrigerating: Store the wreath in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. While the texture may change slightly after refrigeration, it will still taste great when reheated.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the garlic bread wreath in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual pieces for a quicker reheating option, though the oven will help retain the crispness of the bread.
- Freezing: If you want to make the wreath in advance, you can freeze it before baking. Assemble the wreath, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed. Alternatively, you can freeze individual pieces of the wreath for a quick snack later.
- Avoid Overbaking: If reheating leftovers in the oven, keep an eye on the wreath to prevent it from overbaking and becoming too dry.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your delicious Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath for multiple occasions or save leftovers for later without sacrificing flavor!
1. Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated pizza dough?
Yes! You can definitely use homemade dough for this recipe. A soft, pillowy dough will work best, but feel free to experiment with different types of dough (such as bread dough or even a biscuit dough) to suit your preference.
2. How can I make the Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath spicier?
To add a spicy kick to your wreath, simply incorporate chili flakes or cayenne pepper into the garlic butter mixture. You can also add finely chopped jalapeños or another hot pepper for an extra burst of heat.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the garlic bread wreath in advance. Assemble the wreath, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it as directed.
4. Can I add other ingredients like meats or vegetables?
Absolutely! You can customize your garlic bread wreath by adding ingredients like cooked bacon, sausage, sautéed onions, or even roasted vegetables. Just be sure not to overload the dough to keep the wreath structure intact.
Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1–1 1/2 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Description
This pull-apart garlic bread wreath is a stunning and delicious centerpiece for any dinner table. Made with fluffy, buttery dough balls infused with garlic and herbs, it’s perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings, parties, or as a family dinner side.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the garlic butter:
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Optional garnish:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra parsley for decoration
Instructions
- Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.
- Let the dough rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the garlic butter:
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning.
- Shape the wreath:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a round pan.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 20–25 small pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Dip each ball in the garlic butter mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Arrange the dough balls in a circle on the baking sheet, leaving a small space between them for expansion.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish and serve:
- Optional: Brush the warm bread with any remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Garnish with extra parsley for a festive look.
- Serve warm, with marinara sauce or herb butter for dipping.
Notes
- For convenience, use pre-made biscuit dough or frozen bread dough.
- Add mozzarella cheese inside each dough ball for a cheesy surprise.
- Shape the dough in other festive patterns, like a tree or a star, for variety.