This Christmas wreath bread is the cozy, golden centerpiece your holiday table has been waiting for. Its soft, fluffy bread and melty pockets of cheese make every bite irresistible, combining festive charm with comforting flavor.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, it instantly elevates any spread, whether it’s a family dinner, a party with friends, or a gift for someone special. The warm, inviting aroma alone will have everyone gathered in the kitchen before it even hits the table.
Even better, this Christmas bread for gift recipe is effortless enough for busy moms who want something impressive without the stress. It looks stunning on the table and tastes even better, making it the ultimate go-to for easy, show-stopping Christmas treats. Everyone will admire the wreath’s festive shape and savor the rich, cheesy flavor, while you enjoy the compliments without the hassle.
Ingredients for Christmas Wreath Bread
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk or water (110–115°F)
- 1 ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until bubbly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, fresh rosemary, and melted butter.
Mix until the dough comes together.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a plastic wrap and a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1–1.5 hours, until it doubles in size.
Roll the bread dough into a 1-inch-thick rectangle and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and crumbled feta.
Roll the bread dough up.
Roll the dough again to blend the cheese evenly.
Divide the dough into 8 balls and roll each into a long, thin strip.
Gather two of the strips together by braiding them.
You will have 4 braids. Roll each one around itself so that you get a round shape.
Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Let them double in size for about 30 minutes. During this time, preheat the oven to 375°F.
Once they have doubled in size, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and bake until golden.
Serve your Christmas bread warm and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Christmas Wreath Bread
- Don’t Rush the Rise: A full rise ensures that soft and fluffy bread texture.
- Roll and Re-Roll: Rolling twice helps the cheese soak into the dough and gives every bite that perfect cheesy pull.
- Use Fresh Rosemary: Fresh herbs make the bread extra aromatic, but dried rosemary works in a pinch.
- Mix Your Cheeses: Mozzarella melts beautifully, while feta adds tang and richness.
Serving Ideas
- Holiday Appetizer: Serve warm with olive oil and balsamic or a garlic herb dip.
- Christmas Dinner Side: Perfect with roasted meats, soups, or pasta.
- As a Gift: Wrap a cooled wreath in parchment and twine for a beautiful homemade present.
- Savory Snack: Heat leftovers and enjoy them with hot cider or tea.
Recipe Variations to Try
- Cheesy Twist: Add cheddar, gouda, or parmesan for extra depth.
- Herb Lover’s Version: Mix in thyme, basil, or Italian seasoning.
- Garlic Bread Wreath: Add minced garlic to the dough or brush the baked wreaths with garlic butter.
- Mediterranean Style: Add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store: Keep the mozzarella bread leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes to restore that soft, bakery-fresh texture.
One Last Thing
If this is your first time making a Christmas cheese bread, you’re in for a treat. The process is simple, the results are stunning, and the flavor is everything you could want in a festive herb and cheese bread.
It’s the kind of cozy, homemade recipe that instantly fills your home with holiday joy. Give it a try—you might find yourself baking batch after batch all season long.
Your Turn
If you make this cute herb and cheese bread, please take a moment to let me know how you liked it by leaving a rating and a comment below on the recipe card. Follow me on Pinterest and Facebook for more easy and tasty recipes!
More Christmas Appetizers to Try Next
Cheesy Christmas Wreath Bread That Steals the Holiday Spotlight
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk or water (110–115°F)
- 1 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until bubbly.1/2 tbsp sugar, 1 cup warm milk or water, 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, fresh rosemary, and melted butter.4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1 tbsp honey, 3 tsp salt, 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
- Mix until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a plastic wrap and a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1–1.5 hours, until it doubles in size.
- Roll the bread dough into a 1-inch-thick rectangle and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and crumbled feta.1 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup feta cheese
- Roll the bread dough up.
- Roll the dough again to blend the cheese evenly.
- Divide the dough into 8 balls and roll each into a long, thin strip.
- Gather two of the strips together by braiding them.
- You will have 4 braids. Roll each one around itself so that you get a round shape.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Let them double in size for about 30 minutes. During this time, preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Once they have doubled in size, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and bake until golden.
- If golden brown, serve your Christmas bread warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Rush the Rise: A full rise ensures that soft and fluffy bread texture.
- Roll and Re-Roll: Rolling twice helps the cheese soak into the dough and gives every bite that perfect cheesy pull.
- Use Fresh Rosemary: Fresh herbs make the bread extra aromatic, but dried rosemary works in a pinch.
- Mix Your Cheeses: Mozzarella melts beautifully, while feta adds tang and richness.
Nutrition
Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting, a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things P A R E N T I N G.
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