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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for making the dough rise. If you’re out of dry yeast, you can use fresh yeast, just double the amount. Instant yeast can also work, and you wouldn’t need to dissolve it beforehand.

Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect here. For a healthier twist, you can substitute half of it with whole wheat flour. Just note that it might change the texture a bit, making it slightly denser.

Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its stretchy quality, but feel free to mix it up! Cheddar or Gruyère add a nice flavor. Just ensure any cheese you use melts well.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch—use about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove and add it to the butter mixture.

Herbs: Fresh parsley really brightens the flavor. If fresh isn’t available, dried is great, but a little goes a long way—1 tablespoon should suffice. You might also use any favorite herb like basil or oregano.

How Do I Make Sure My Dough Rises Well?

Getting the perfect rise on dough is crucial for a fluffy wreath! Here’s how to ensure success:

• Warm Water: Use water that’s warm but not boiling, about 110°F. Too hot can kill the yeast!
• Proof the Yeast: Ensure your yeast bubbles up after mixing with water and sugar before adding it to the flour. This indicates it’s active.
• Knead Well: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops gluten, helping the dough rise.
• Warm Environment: Let the dough rise in a warm spot, like an oven turned off but with the light on. This encourages yeast activity.

With these tips, your dough should rise beautifully, giving you a light and fluffy wreath to enjoy!

Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Wreath

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Optional: fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for garnish
• Marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce (optional)

Time Needed:

This delightful Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Wreath will take about 15 minutes for prep, plus 1 hour for the dough to rise, and another 20-25 minutes for baking. So overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 40 minutes, including cooling time before serving!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it looks bubbly and foamy—that means your yeast is good to go! In another bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mix. Stir until a dough starts to form. Dust a clean surface with flour, take the dough out, and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s nice and smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it’s doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Cheese Mixture:

While your dough is rising, let’s get that yummy garlic butter ready! In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a tiny pinch of salt. Set it aside so it’s ready for later.

3. Assemble the Wreath:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a round baking pan, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Once your dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into about 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Take one ball, flatten it slightly in your palm, brush it with some of that garlic butter mixture, and sprinkle it with a bit of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Fold it over to encase the cheese and reshape it into a ball again. Place the balls seam-side down in a circle around the edge of the pan, leaving a bit of space between each one. You can create a smaller circle in the middle if you like, to make that beautiful wreath shape!

4. Final Rise and Brush:

Loosely cover your arranged dough balls with a towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes until they look puffy. After they’ve risen, use the rest of your garlic butter to brush the tops generously before baking.

5. Bake:

Pop the wreath in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until it’s golden brown and the cheese is all melted and delish! If you want an extra golden color on top, feel free to broil it for a minute or two at the end, just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

6. Serve:

Let your wreath cool for about 5 minutes (if you can resist!), then garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for that fancy touch. Enjoy it warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Now, get ready to pull it apart and savor the cheesy, garlicky goodness with your friends and family!

This Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Wreath is sure to impress—perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in!

Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?

Absolutely! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just keep in mind it may yield a denser texture.

What Should I Do If the Dough Doesn’t Rise?

If your dough isn’t rising, ensure that your yeast is fresh and active. Check the water temperature; it should be warm but not hot. Additionally, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area to encourage rising.

How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

You can prepare the dough and assemble the wreath the night before. After assembling, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover wreath in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore that gooey cheese goodness!