I’m delighted to share my favorite garlic herb bread wreath recipe, perfect for special occasions that bring people together. This mouthwatering treat is sure to delight both garlic bread enthusiasts and anyone looking for a delightful accompaniment to their holiday feast. The best part? Making homemade bread can be surprisingly easy, even for those who don’t typically bake from scratch. With this straightforward recipe, you’ll be whipping up a show-stopping garlic herb bread wreath in no time. And let’s be honest – the aroma and flavor of freshly baked bread are simply irresistible, making it impossible to resist grabbing another slice. Serve warm from the oven, and enjoy its tantalizing scent wafting through your home. This versatile recipe is perfect for serving alongside festive appetizers or as a centerpiece on the serving platter at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other celebration.
How to Make this Easy Bread Recipe
To begin, combine the fast-acting dry yeast, honey, and warm milk, whisking well to incorporate the ingredients. Next, add in the eggs, whisked cup of all-purpose flour, and 2 tablespoons of butter, gradually introducing more flour and salt as needed. Once the dough pulls away from the bowl’s sides, stop adding flour. The resulting mixture should be smooth and consistent.Transfer the yeast mixture dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until it reaches a silky texture. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place, such as the countertop, refrigerator top, or sunny windowsill, for about an hour.While the dough is rising, prepare the herb garlic butter mixture by mincing fresh herbs and combining them with softened butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Once the dough has risen, knead it briefly on a work surface before rolling it out into a rectangular shape.Brush the herb garlic butter mixture evenly over the dough, then roll it up to form a log shape. Cut the log lengthwise, leaving about an inch intact at one end. Twist the two strands around each other and shape the resulting wreath. Place the garlic herb bread wreath on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for half an hour.Finally, bake the wreath in the oven until golden brown, then brush melted butter over the top and serve warm alongside other festive appetizers. Cut the wreath into smaller pieces using a sharp knife for optimal presentation.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
This easy bread recipe is perfect just as it is, but feel free to get creative with the ingredients if you’d like. For a different flavor profile, consider swapping out the basil and parsley for rosemary – its strong herbal taste can add a nice depth to the bread. And don’t be afraid to add some extra garlic – there’s no such thing as too much of this pungent ingredient! If you want to add an extra design element to your wreath, try incorporating halved black olives or whole fresh herb leaves before baking. Alternatively, sun-dried tomatoes could also work well. When it comes to the yeast, you can substitute fast-acting dry yeast with instant yeast or active dry yeast, but be sure to adjust the recipe according to the package instructions. If you’re short on time, consider using pre-made pizza dough or making dough balls or garlic knots instead of the traditional wreath shape – after all, it’s your bread, and you should feel free to put your own personal touch on it!
Garlic Bread Recipe FAQs
You can take the traditional garlic bread wreath to new heights by experimenting with different shapes and sizes. Instead of a single wreath, why not create individual garlic bread rolls that are perfect for snacking? Or, go big and make a pull-apart bread loaf that’s sure to be a hit. You could even get creative and shape the loaf into a festive star or Christmas tree. The possibilities are endless!As for how long this deliciousness will stay fresh, you’re in luck – it keeps remarkably well for a day or two when stored loosely wrapped in a clean kitchen towel on the countertop. No need to refrigerate! If you want to give it a little TLC and warm it back up, simply pop it in the oven at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes or nuke it for about 15 seconds with a glass of water nearby. The moisture will help keep it soft and delicious.
Garlic Herb Bread Wreath Recipe
Garlic Herb Bread Wreath
I’m often asked to bring a show-stopping bread to special gatherings, and my garlic herb bread wreath never fails to impress. Its savory aroma and flavor are sure to delight even the most discerning palates, making it the perfect accompaniment to any holiday feast. What’s more, crafting this homemade bread is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to my tried-and-true recipe.
Instructions
To begin making this herb wreath bread, combine yeast, honey, and warm milk in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth, then add eggs and whisk again. Gradually incorporate one cup of flour, followed by 2 tablespoons of softened butter, another cup of flour, salt, and finally, more flour until the dough pulls away from the sides. This process typically requires around 3.5 to 4 cups of flour in total. Knead the dough for 5-8 minutes until it becomes smooth, then place it in a greased bowl and cover. Allow the mixture to rise in a warm environment for one hour or until doubled in size. Next, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and setting it aside. Chop fresh herbs finely, then combine them with remaining butter, garlic, and parmesan in a small bowl. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a large rectangle shape. Spread the herb butter evenly over the top, then roll up the dough tightly to form a log. Cut the log in half lengthwise, leaving the final inch of dough intact at one end. Twist the two strands together and shape into a wreath, securing with a pinch at each end. Carefully place the wreath on the prepared baking sheet, loosely covering it with plastic wrap and allowing it to rise softly to nearly double in volume over about 30 minutes. Finally, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, then bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Finish by brushing the top of the bread with melted butter.