Baked Brie and Bread Wreath is a show-stopping appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. This beautiful and delicious centerpiece combines gooey, melted brie cheese with soft, golden bread rolls, creating a dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients
- For the bread dough:
- 3 ¾ cups (470g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the filling and garnish:
- 1 wheel of brie (8–12 oz)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
- Cranberry sauce or fig jam (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the wreath:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into a log and divide it into 16 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.
- Arrange the dough balls in a circle on the baking sheet, leaving a space in the center for the brie. Place the brie wheel in the center, ensuring it’s snugly surrounded by the dough balls.
- Proof the wreath:
- Cover the dough and let it proof for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the dough balls to puff up slightly.
- Bake:
- Brush the dough balls with beaten egg to give them a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the brie is melted.
- Serve:
- Garnish the bread wreath with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch. Serve immediately with cranberry sauce or fig jam for dipping.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: This dish is best served warm to enjoy the melted brie. Guests can pull apart the soft rolls and dip them directly into the creamy cheese.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warm.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, you can save time by using pre-made pizza dough or crescent roll dough. Simply shape and arrange as directed in the recipe.
2. What other cheeses can I use?
Camembert is an excellent substitute for brie, offering a similar creamy texture and flavor.
3. Can I add fillings to the bread rolls?
Absolutely! You can stuff the dough balls with garlic butter, cheese, or herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
4. How do I prevent the brie from leaking out?
Ensure the brie is placed snugly in the center of the wreath, and don’t overbake the dish. Wrapping the brie in a small piece of parchment paper can also help contain any leaks.
Baked Brie and Bread Wreath
This baked brie and bread wreath combines soft, fluffy bread rolls with a warm, gooey brie center. It’s garnished with garlic butter and herbs, making it an irresistible appetizer for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 32 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Bread Dough:
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 2 cups lukewarm water
- 2 teaspoons (10g) instant yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Center:
- 1½ lb (750g) wheel of brie cheese
For the Garlic Butter:
- ½ cup butter
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- In a separate jug, mix lukewarm water, yeast, and sugar; let it sit for a few minutes until foamy.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour, add olive oil, and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with cling film, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 32 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a ball.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place a heatproof bowl in the center.
- Arrange the dough balls around the bowl to form a wreath shape.
- Cover with a towel and let them proof for about 30 minutes.
- Bake the Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Brush the dough balls with beaten egg.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add the Brie:
- Remove the bread from the oven and carefully take out the center bowl.
- Score the top of the brie cheese and place it in the center of the bread wreath.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the brie is melted and the bread rolls are cooked through.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- While the bread and brie are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add crushed garlic and chopped sage; cook for a few minutes until fragrant.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once out of the oven, brush the garlic butter over the bread rolls.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds if desired.
- Serve warm, allowing guests to pull apart the bread and dip into the melted brie.
Notes
- For convenience, store-bought bread dough can be used.
- Customize the garlic butter with your preferred herbs.
- This dish pairs well with a variety of accompaniments like cranberry sauce or fig jam.