Description
Garlic bread wreath elevates holiday gatherings with Mediterranean charm. Crisp rosemary-infused edges and melted cheese create irresistible comfort you’ll crave at every festive celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Flour and Yeast Ingredients:
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Liquid and Oil Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (110F/45C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Butter and Herb Ingredients:
- ¼ 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
- Awaken the yeast by whisking it with warm water and sugar in a compact vessel. Allow the mixture to bloom and become frothy for approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Craft the dough foundation by combining flour and salt in a spacious mixing container. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil, blending until a cohesive mass emerges. Transfer to a lightly dusted surface and knead energetically, developing a silky, resilient texture. The process should take roughly 10 minutes by hand or 5-6 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Create a nurturing environment for dough development by placing the kneaded mass in a lightly greased bowl. Drape with a damp cloth and position in a warm, draft-free zone. Allow the dough to expand and double in volume, which typically requires 1-1.5 hours.
- Construct the aromatic garlic butter by whisking melted butter with finely minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning until thoroughly combined.
- Prepare for baking by heating the oven to 375F (190C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Deflate the risen dough and divide into 20-25 uniform spherical portions. Generously coat each dough ball in the herbed garlic butter mixture.
- Arrange the butter-coated dough balls in a circular formation on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring slight separation to allow expansion during baking. The configuration should resemble a festive wreath.
- Bake until the bread transforms into a golden, enticing masterpiece, approximately 22-25 minutes. The surface should appear uniformly bronzed and sound hollow when tapped.
- Elevate the presentation by brushing the warm bread with residual garlic butter. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately, accompanied by marinara sauce or herb-infused butter for an indulgent dipping experience.
Notes
- Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to perfectly activate yeast without killing it. Too hot or cold water can prevent proper rising.
- Dough Kneading Hack: Windowpane test works wonders – stretch a small piece of dough; if it stretches thin without breaking, your gluten development is spot-on.
- Garlic Butter Magic: Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor punch. Roasting garlic beforehand can create a deeper, more mellow taste profile.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare dough the night before and let it slow-rise in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor complexity and convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg