Pull-Apart Garlic Butter Bread Wreath Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fresh herbs and butter, the Pull-Apart Garlic Butter Bread Wreath will absolutely win you over. This golden, fluffy bread is generously layered with a garlicky, herby, cheesy butter, then baked to pillowy perfection. It’s the ultimate sharing bread—just the thing for festive gatherings or cozy family dinners, where everyone gets to tear off a warm, buttery square straight from the wreath.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Pull-Apart Garlic Butter Bread Wreath lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients—each one plays a special role in creating the pillowy texture, rich flavor, and inviting aroma that makes this bread impossible to resist. Here’s a closer look at the components that transform these staples into something spectacular.

• All-purpose flour: This creates the perfect foundation for a soft, tender crumb that holds up to generous layers of garlic butter.
• Instant yeast: For a reliable, quick rise that guarantees your loaf will be sky-high and fluffy, not dense.
• Kosher salt: Enhances every other flavor in the dough and balances out the richness.
• Warm whole milk & warm heavy cream: This duo brings moisture and richness, resulting in an ultra-soft, melt-in-your-mouth bread.
• Honey: A touch of sweetness to gently activate the yeast and round out the savory flavors with warmth.
• Vermont Creamery Cultured Butter: Using luscious, high-quality butter is what gives every bite a dreamy, tangy depth that regular butter just can’t match.
• Large egg: Adds structure and adds just a hint of richness without making the bread heavy.
• Fresh garlic (grated): The star of the show—use lots, or a little, to match your love for garlic!
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Brings a punch of salty, nutty flavor to the garlic butter filling for serious savory impact.
• Dried parsley & fresh sage/oregano: For fresh, herby depth and a pop of color baked right in.
• Flaky sea salt & fresh thyme: The final flourish! Sprinkled on top for sparkle, crunch, and an earthy aroma that makes the wreath extra inviting.

Variations

The Pull-Apart Garlic Butter Bread Wreath is a playground for your creativity, so feel free to tweak ingredients based on cravings, dietary needs, or what’s already on hand in your kitchen. Here are some of my favorite ideas to inspire you!

• Cheesy Supreme: Swap parmesan with a blend of mozzarella, asiago, or sharp cheddar for extra cheesy pockets in every bite.
• Herb Garden: Try rosemary, basil, or chives in the garlic butter to match your favorite flavor profile or whatever herbs you have growing on the windowsill.
• Spicy Kick: Add a handful of chopped pickled jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes into the butter for a welcome heat.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute with oat milk, vegan butter, and vegan cheese shreds for a plant-based version (bonus if you add roasted garlic for extra depth).

How to Make Pull-Apart Garlic Butter Bread Wreath

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Add in your warm milk and heavy cream, honey, room temperature egg, and those tablespoons of rich, cultured butter. Use the dough hook and let the mixer knead everything until fully combined—about 4–5 minutes. If the dough is super sticky, toss in a bit more flour until it pulls away from the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature, where it’ll get puffy and light—this takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on how cozy your kitchen is.

Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Butter Filling

While your dough rises, it’s garlic butter time! In a small bowl, mash together softened butter, lots of freshly grated garlic, parmesan, parsley, sage or oregano, and a sprinkle of salt. Go for a nice, spreadable paste—this fragrant mixture is the secret to those irresistible buttery layers.

Step 3: Shape and Stack the Dough

Transfer your risen dough to a lightly floured surface and cut it into four equal chunks. One piece at a time, roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about 14×10 inches is ideal). Slather a quarter of your garlic butter over the surface, then cut it lengthwise into three strips and then crosswise into four strips—making 12 neat squares. Stack these, one on top of the other, then repeat with your remaining dough and butter. Layer all the buttery stacks upright in a generously buttered tube pan, arranging them like little books with space to puff up as they bake.

Step 4: Proof Again and Preheat

Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let the shaped wreath rise another hour in a warm spot—this is when it fluffs up to fill the pan. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F, so it’s piping hot when your bread is ready to go in!

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, until the loaf turns golden brown and the kitchen smells absolutely heavenly. Let it rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully turn it out. For the grand finale: brush with a bit of extra melted butter and sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt and fresh thyme. Now, the Pull-Apart Garlic Butter Bread Wreath is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Pull-Apart Garlic Butter Bread Wreath

Garnishes

For an eye-catching and fragrant finish, sprinkle your Pull-Apart Garlic Butter Bread Wreath fresh out of the oven with flaky sea salt, bright green sprigs of fresh thyme, and a small shower of extra parmesan. If you want even more color, try a scatter of chopped parsley or basil—those vibrant greens really pop against the golden crust.

Side Dishes

This bread is the ultimate partner for saucy comfort food! Serve it alongside hearty pasta dishes like baked ziti, alongside creamy potato soup, or with your favorite chili. It’s also dreamy as a companion to a traditional roast or a rich tomato salad for a fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Build a holiday tablescape by placing a ramekin of warm marinara or whipped ricotta dip in the center of the wreath so guests can dunk as they tear. If you’re going for rustic charm, serve on a big wooden board as the centerpiece and let everyone pull-apart their own piece. For parties, slice into smaller “petals” and tuck into lined bread baskets for easy, grab-and-go servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (a rare occasion!), wrap the cooled Pull-Apart Garlic Butter Bread Wreath tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps preserve its moisture and keep the crumb tender.

Freezing

To freeze, let the baked bread cool completely, then wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap or foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. You can also assemble the unbaked bread and freeze before the final rise (just be sure to thaw and finish rising before baking).

Reheating

To freshen up your wreath, warm slices in a 325°F oven, covered loosely with foil, for 8–10 minutes. If reheating from freezer, allow the bread to thaw completely first for even warming. A quick brush of melted butter before serving makes it taste just-baked again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing bread that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, and the Pull-Apart Garlic Butter Bread Wreath never fails to gather everyone around the table with smiles and hungry hands. I hope you give this recipe a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, and I promise, every pull-apart bite will be met with pure delight!

Print