The holiday season is all about sharing delicious food, and this Christmas Bread Wreath is the perfect addition to your festive table. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a grand holiday party, this edible centerpiece is sure to impress. Combining the warmth of freshly baked bread with the elegance of a braided wreath design, it’s a recipe that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

(updated December 2024)

Is it just me or do you think less people are complaining about being tired during this holiday season than in previous years?

Maybe it’s just me but I think that people are kinda excited to share these holidays with their families.

I don’t know if it’s all the mahem going on around the world or the lingering affects of the pandemic (this March, it will be 5 years ago!!!), but I feel like people just want to celebrate

Am I right?

So, I declaring this year an “Extra Special Christmas” with all the trimmings…like, ALL THE TRIMMINGS!!!

Let’s make sure we decorate ‘all the things’ and make ‘all the food’ that brings us joy.

K?

Let’s start with bread…because Bread. Is. Life 😉

In the cookbook, I have a recipe for muffuletta baguettes – a super yummy loaf filled with all the flavours of Italy! When I was flipping through the book the other day, I had a thought…could I transform this for Christmas?

This year I thought I’d take my recipe for muffuletta baguettes and magically make them into a beautiful, edible wreath!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Bread Wreath:

1. Visually Stunning: The wreath shape and golden-brown crust make it a stunning centerpiece that will wow your guests.
2. Customizable: You can tailor the flavors to suit your preferences, from sweet cinnamon sugar to savory garlic and herbs.
3. Perfect for Sharing: This pull-apart bread is ideal for family-style dining or serving at parties.
4. Homemade Touch: Nothing beats the aroma and taste of freshly baked bread, especially when it’s crafted into a festive design.
5. Fun to Make: Shaping the Christmas bread wreath is a creative activity that’s perfect for involving kids or showcasing your baking skills.

Ingredients and Their Roles

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the bread and ensures a light, fluffy texture.

Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives it a soft, airy texture.

Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the bread.

Salt: Balances the flavors and strengthens the dough structure.

Egg: In this recipe, it’s used as an eggwash to create a nice golden crust.

Muffuletta Mix: This is the star of this loaf! It adds a great savoury profile all in one jar!

How to Change This Recipe

1. Savoury Variations:
   • Replace the muffuletta filling with a mix of garlic butter, grated Parmesan, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.
   • Add shredded cheese and crumbled bacon for a rich, savory option.
2. Sweet Variations:
   • Add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins to the filling for a festive touch.
   • Spread a layer of fruit preserves or Nutella for a decadent treat.
   • Use a cinnamon sugar filling
3. Dietary Adjustments:
   • Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
   • Use gluten free flour to make it gluten free (I advise you use Caputo GF flour as it is what seems to work best)
4. Decorative Add-Ons:
   • Sprinkle slivered almonds or crushed pecans on top before baking for added texture.
   • Decorate with candied fruits or edible glitter for a festive finish.

How to Make this Christmas Bread Wreath

Prepare the Dough: combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Add salt, flour and muffuletta mix and knead. Let it rise in a greased bowl

Shape the Wreath: With oiled hands, roll the dough into a long log and connect to form a circle; snip edges to look more rustic and leave to rise again.

Bake: Brush the wreath with egg wash and bake until golden brown.

Decorate: If desired, add savoury toppings like rosemary and prosciutto

Storing and Make-Ahead Instructions

1. Room Temperature:
   • Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 days.
2. Refrigeration:
   • Keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
3. Freezing:
   • Freeze the baked wreath for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.
4. Make-Ahead:
   • Prepare the dough and shape the wreath the day before. Cover and store in the fridge. Bring to room temperature and bake as instructed.

Similar Recipes to Try:

1. Stuffed Bread Christmas Tree: A crowd-pleaser for any dinner party.
2. Buche de Noel: A classic show-stopper with a festive twist.
3. Nutella Puff Pastry Tree: A fun pull apart dessert perfect for the season.

Creating a Christmas Bread Wreath is more than just baking—it’s a way to bring warmth, joy, and a touch of artistry to your holiday table. With its stunning presentation and customizable flavors, this recipe is sure to become a cherished holiday tradition. Happy baking!

Festive Muffuletta Wreath

This is just one way to make a festive holiday Christmas bread wreath! But if you take these basic instructions, you'll be able to create your own version of this magnificent beauty!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course bread

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Ingredients

  

• 1 8g pkg quick-rising (instant) dry yeast (or 2½ tsp)
• 1½ cups warm water 100-110°F
• 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
• 1½ tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup muffuletta mix (in a jar) in the pickle sections of your grocery store
• 1 large egg beaten
• salt for finishing
• Rosemary, parsley, thinly sliced onion, prosciutto, tomatoes for decorating

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water; let sit for 5 minutes.
• Once it begins to bubble, add flour, sugar and salt; mix together with a wooden spoon until it all comes together. Add the muffuletta mix and combine well (the dough will be sticky).
• Turn dough onto a well-floured surface and form into a ball. Cover the bowl and put in a draft-free place for a least a few hours, until doubled in size (you can leave it all day or even overnight in the refrigerator).
• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• On a well-floured board, separate the dough into two portions; roll out each piece of into two long rolls and pinch the two ends together to form a circle. To make the wreath more decorative, snip the edges (see tip below) or make cuts and pull out pieces (see photos above); cover with plastic wrap and let rest for about 20 to 30 minutes.
• Lightly brush tops with egg and bake until golden on top and hollow sounding on the bottom, about 20 minutes.
• Decorate wreaths as you wish and serve warm!

Notes

If you would like the baguette to be more decorative, you can take kitchen shears (or clean scissors and make tiny snips (about ¼-inch) into the sides of the bread to create decorative cuts that resemble a pine cone). It adds a pretty touch to the bread!