If you love garlic bread but want to impress on a cozy night in or at your next gathering, the Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath Recipe is a showstopper that's as fun to eat as it is to make. Picture glossy, buttery bread balls baked close together in a golden ring, bursting with garlic and melted mozzarella-perfect for sharing and dipping anytime.
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What Sets This Apart
This recipe transforms simple dough balls into a festive, crowd-pleasing centerpiece that's as flavorful as it is beautiful. You get that irresistible pull-apart texture with each bite bursting with fresh garlic, herbs, and melty cheese.
- Consistent Results: Even novice bakers can achieve fluffy, golden bread by following the timed rises and kneading steps I share.
- Rich, Balanced Flavor: Using fresh minced garlic paired with butter and parsley keeps the profile bright, not overpowering.
- Pantry-First Ingredients: Standard baking pantry staples combine into something special without hunting for odd components.
- Weeknight Friendly: You can prep this ahead or start after dinner prep, with a total hands-on time that fits busy evenings.
Ingredient Snapshot
Choosing quality ingredients really elevates your Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath Recipe. I always recommend fresh garlic and good butter to make the flavors pop, and fresh parsley brightens it up perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: Look for unbleached for best texture and slightly nutty flavor.
- Instant yeast: This ensures a quick and reliable rise without needing proofing.
- Unsalted butter: Melts smoothly and lets you control the salt balance.
- Fresh garlic: The fresher, the better-pre-mince just before mixing so it stays juicy and pungent.
- Mozzarella cheese: Use shredded for even melting and gooey pockets between bread balls.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through buttery richness.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Start by mixing your flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Add warm water-aim for about 105°F (40°C)-then stir until a rough dough forms. Knead this dough on a lightly floured surface for about five minutes until it's smooth and elastic. You'll notice the dough gets glossy and springy under your hands, which means you're on track. Cover it and leave it someplace warm to rise for an hour until it nearly doubles-that's when the magic starts.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
After the first rise, punch down the dough gently to release air. Divide it into small, even pieces-about the size of a golf ball works perfectly. As you roll each piece into a ball, brush it generously with the melted butter mixed with fresh minced garlic and parsley. This layering locks the flavor in and ensures every bite is bursting with that perfect garlicky richness. Arrange your coated dough balls closely in a circular pattern on a lined baking sheet. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella between the balls, getting ready for that irresistible gooey cheese pull.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Let the assembled wreath rise for another 30 minutes-it'll puff up nicely, touching at the edges. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is a deep golden brown and the cheese bubbles in between. Avoid opening the oven too early; you want a sturdy crust without drying out the soft interior. When it's done, you'll smell that buttery-garlic aroma filling your kitchen-trust me, this is when you know it's time to dig in.
Cook's Notes & Tricks
I find that a good warm spot for rising-like near a radiator or inside an oven with just the light on-makes all the difference. Also, brushing the dough balls twice with garlic butter (once before and once after arranging) intensifies the flavor. Don't skip the second rise; that final fluffiness is what makes this recipe special. Lastly, resist slicing the wreath too soon-you want the cheese to cool slightly so it stays delightfully gooey but less messy.
- Doneness Cue: Look for a glossy, golden crust and bubbling cheese in between the pieces.
- Temperature Trick: Use warm, not hot water when mixing the dough to preserve yeast activity.
- Make-Ahead Move: The dough can be refrigerated overnight before shaping, which deepens flavor and fit into your schedule.
- Avoid This Pitfall: Don't overcrowd the baking sheet or the bread balls won't puff properly.
Serve & Enjoy
Finishing Touches
I love finishing this wreath with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a drizzle of extra melted butter right out of the oven. It complements the garlic and cheese beautifully, giving a glossy sheen and that irresistible savory crunch with each pull.
Pairs Beautifully With
This Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath Recipe is a perfect accompaniment to soups like tomato basil or creamy mushroom, or alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, serve it with pasta dishes or your favorite roast chicken recipe.
Simple Plating Wins
Serve the wreath on a warm wooden board or rustic platter with a small bowl of marinara or herb-infused olive oil in the center for dipping. You'll delight in the communal aspect as everyone pulls at the glowing, cheesy bread balls, perfect for casual nights or holiday spreads.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheat
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover garlic bread wreath in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with foil. Store in the fridge up to 3 days. You might notice the crust soften a bit, but reheating crisps it back up nicely.
Freezing Tips
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the whole wreath tightly in plastic wrap then foil before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath Recipe Without Drying Out
For best results, warm leftovers in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep it moist. You can use an air fryer at 320°F for 5-7 minutes, checking often. If in a hurry, microwave briefly with a damp paper towel on top-but don't overdo it or the bread becomes chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can. Bread flour will yield a chewier texture and slightly more rise, which works well if you prefer that style in your garlic bread wreath.
Mix fresh minced garlic with melted butter and apply it to dough balls rather than raw garlic. This gentle cooking during baking softens harshness and brings out a mellow, rich garlic aroma.
Absolutely! Rosemary or thyme make great additions, either mixed into the butter or sprinkled on top just before baking. Just avoid overpowering with too much, so the garlic and cheese remain the stars.
Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze longer. Reheat gently in the oven with foil to maintain moisture and crispiness-avoid microwaving for long periods to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
Making this Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath Recipe felt like a small celebration every time in my kitchen. It's approachable, cozy, and a real crowd-pleaser that makes a simple meal feel special. You'll enjoy how the flavors come together effortlessly while your friends and family marvel at the delightful presentation. Trust me, once you try it, this wreath will become your go-to comfort food and party centerpiece.
PrintFull Recipe
Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath Recipe
This Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath is a delightful twist on classic garlic bread, perfect for any occasion. Soft, buttery dough pieces are infused with garlic and fresh parsley, baked together with melted mozzarella cheese for a gooey, pull-apart treat that's both visually impressive and delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water
Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons instant yeast, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar.
- Add Water and Form Dough: Pour in 1 cup warm water and stir until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Prepare Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Divide and Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
- Coat Dough Balls: Brush each dough ball with the melted butter mixture combined with minced garlic and chopped parsley for maximum flavor.
- Arrange Wreath: Place the coated dough balls in a circular wreath shape on a baking sheet.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese in the gaps between the dough balls.
- Second Rise: Let the arranged wreath rise another 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- For a stronger garlic flavor, increase the amount of minced garlic or add a garlic powder sprinkle.
- Use warm water (about 110°F) to activate the yeast properly.
- Try adding other herbs like rosemary or thyme for variation.
- If mozzarella isn't available, substitute with provolone or cheddar cheese.
- Check the bread halfway through baking to ensure it doesn't brown too quickly; cover with foil if necessary.
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