Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Wreath: A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer for family dinners, parties, or special occasions, the Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Wreath is a perfect choice. This fun, festive bread is soft, warm, and bursting with garlicky, buttery flavor. Its pull-apart design makes it interactive and perfect for sharing, while the golden, cheese-topped crust adds an irresistible aroma and taste that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

What makes this bread truly special is its presentation. Shaped into a wreath, it’s both visually appealing and practical—each bite is perfectly portioned. Whether served with marinara sauce for dipping or enjoyed on its own, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Best of all, it’s simple enough to make with store-bought dough, though homemade pizza dough takes it to the next level.

Ingredients

Bread:

• 1 ½ pounds pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan

Dipping Sauce:

• 1 cup marinara sauce

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• 6-ounce ramekin
• Digital scale (optional, for uniform dough pieces)
• Small bowl
• Pastry brush

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Let the pizza dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This makes it easier to work with and ensures soft, fluffy bread.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Set Up the Wreath

1. Lightly oil the outside of a 6-ounce ramekin or coat with nonstick spray and place it in the center of the prepared baking sheet. Fill the ramekin with water—this creates a small steam pocket that helps the wreath bake evenly.

Step 3: Shape the Dough Balls

1. Using a digital scale, divide the dough into 1-ounce pieces (you should get 22–24 pieces).
2. Press each piece into a disk, then shape it into a smooth ball.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter

1. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and kosher salt. Mix well.

Step 5: Assemble the Wreath

1. Arrange the dough balls in a circular pattern around the ramekin on the baking sheet.
2. Brush the tops of the dough balls generously with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven until the bread is golden brown, about 25–30 minutes.
2. Carefully remove the ramekin and discard the water.
3. Fill the center of the wreath with marinara sauce. Brush any remaining garlic butter over the tops of the bread balls for extra flavor.

Step 7: Serve

• Serve immediately while warm. Pull apart the bread balls and dip them into the marinara sauce for a fun, interactive appetizer.

Tips and Tricks

• Uniform Dough Balls: Using a digital scale ensures all dough pieces are the same size, which helps the wreath bake evenly.
• Garlic Butter: For extra flavor, lightly sauté the garlic in butter before brushing it onto the dough.
• Cheese Options: Add shredded mozzarella or Asiago on top for a cheesy variation.
• Presentation: The wreath shape is festive and perfect for holidays or special occasions. You can garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan before serving.
• Make Ahead: Dough balls can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for a few hours before assembling. Brush with butter just before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! Store-bought dough works perfectly for this recipe and is a time-saver.

The Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Wreath is more than just an appetizer—it’s an experience. Soft, golden bread, garlicky butter, and a fun pull-apart design make it perfect for sharing with friends and family. Paired with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce, this wreath is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with gluten-free pizza dough. Keep in mind that baking times and texture may vary slightly.

3. Can I prepare the wreath ahead of time?
You can shape the dough balls and refrigerate them for a few hours. Brush with garlic butter right before baking.

4. How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days. Reheat in the oven for 5–10 minutes to restore softness.

5. Can I add cheese inside the bread balls?
Absolutely! Small cubes of mozzarella or cheddar can be stuffed inside each dough ball for a cheesy surprise.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a dinner party, or just craving a comforting snack, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and visually impressive. Give it a try, and watch it disappear from the table in minutes!

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

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