Save A stunning, pull-apart bread shaped like a festive wreath, bursting with fresh herbs, melty cheese, and briny olives—perfect as a centerpiece for gatherings or as an appetizer.
Ingredients
- Dough: 3 1/2 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp/7 g) active dry yeast 1 cup (240 ml) warm water 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp salt
- Filling: 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese 2/3 cup (100 g) pitted green olives, chopped 1/3 cup (50 g) pitted black olives, chopped 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Topping: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped (parsley, rosemary, or thyme) 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2:
- Add olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix to form a dough, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 3:
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 4:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 5:
- Punch down the dough and roll out on a floured surface to a 10x18-inch (25x45 cm) rectangle.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped olives, herbs, garlic, and black pepper.
- Step 7:
- Starting from the long side, roll up the dough tightly into a log.
- Step 8:
- With a sharp knife, slice the log in half lengthwise, exposing the filling, and carefully twist the two strands together, keeping the cut sides facing up.
- Step 9:
- Shape the twisted dough into a circle, pinching the ends to seal and forming a wreath shape on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 10:
- Brush with beaten egg, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with extra herbs and Parmesan.
- Step 11:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 12:
- Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Save 
Save Recipe Q&A
- → How do I shape the dough into a wreath?
After rolling the dough with filling, slice it lengthwise, twist the two strands with filling sides up, then form a circle by pinching ends together.
- → Can I prepare this wreath ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough through shaping, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh before serving.
- → What herbs work best in this bread wreath?
Fresh parsley, rosemary, and basil add brightness, but thyme or oregano can also enhance flavor.
- → How should I serve the wreath?
Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it contains vegetarian-friendly cheeses and no meat products.
- → What can I substitute if I don’t have mozzarella?
Soft cheeses like fontina or provolone can be used for a similar melty texture.