The Crown Jewel Wreath Pizza Cheesy Herbaceous and Perfect for Sharing

Cheesy Herb Wreath Pizza

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Preparation time:45 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:8 slices (Serves 4-6)

Ingredients:

• 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (or Bread Flour)
• 1 cup Warm Water (105°F–115°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
• 1 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
• 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus extra for coating
• 8 oz low-moisture Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
• 1/4 cup Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1/3 cup Oil-packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Freshly cracked Black Pepper
• 1 large Egg Yolk (for egg wash)
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds

Instructions:

• Prepare the Dough: Activate the yeast in warm water. Mix dry ingredients (flour, salt). Combine wet and dry, kneading until smooth (about 8 minutes). Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (approx. 1 hour). If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes first.
• Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary, garlic powder, and pepper.
• Roll the Base: Punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, roughly 16x12 inches (40x30 cm).
• Apply Filling: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
• Create the Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough rectangle lengthwise into two long, even strips (about 6 inches wide each).
• The Braiding Technique: Place the two strips side-by-side. Pinch the ends together firmly. Gently twist the two strips around each other 3 to 4 times, maintaining a loose, rope-like appearance. Carefully lift the braided rope and form it into a circle, overlapping the ends slightly. Pinch the seam closed tightly to secure the wreath shape.
• Prepare for Baking: Transfer the wreath carefully onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Egg Wash & Bake: Whisk the egg yolk with 1 teaspoon of water. Brush the entire surface of the wreath generously with the egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
• Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, rotating halfway through, until the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
• Rest and Serve: Let the wreath cool on the tray for 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:885 kcal

Protein:26.6 g

Fat:21.6 g

Carbs:42.6 g

Fiber:8.4 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:5627 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course, Savoury Pastry

Cuisine:Italian-Inspired

Elevating Dough: Why This Wreath Pizza is Your Next Festive Centrepiece

The holiday season calls for food that is both comforting and visually stunning. While roasted meats and classic sides certainly have their place, nothing quite captures the celebratory spirit like a shared, impressive platter. Enter the Wreath Pizza . This savoury creation transforms simple dough and rich Italian fillings into a spectacular, edible ornament. Forget the stress of complicated pastries; this Wreath Pizza Recipe is designed to deliver maximum visual impact with surprisingly straightforward execution. It truly serves as the ultimate Festive Pizza Centerpiece , instantly drawing eyes and conversation the moment it hits the table. It’s far more engaging than a traditional flat circle, proving that even humble pizza dough can achieve gourmet status with a little structural creativity.

The Showstopper Appeal: Crafting a Savoury Edible Ornament

There is an undeniable magic in serving food shaped like something else, especially during celebratory gatherings. This dish moves beyond standard Holiday Pizza Ideas by embracing a circular, braided form, making it intrinsically communal. It encourages guests to gather around and pull apart their portion, adding a warm, interactive element to your dining experience.

Beyond the Bake: Defining the Wreath Pizza Experience

What separates this from a standard calzone ring is the intentional braiding and the robust, herb-infused filling. We are aiming for a satisfying, substantial bite. This isn't just a light snack; with a rich combination of mozzarella, creamy ricotta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant rosemary, it’s robust enough to anchor any buffet spread. It’s a celebration of texture—the crisp, golden exterior yielding to a soft, cheesy interior.

Perfect Timing: Ideal Occasions for Serving This Circular Creation

While beautiful year-round, this format shines brightest during cooler months. It is an immediate winner amongst Christmas Pizza Appetizers , providing a warm alternative to sweeter holiday fare. On top of that,, it’s perfectly suited for game nights or Bonfire Night celebrations, as it’s incredibly easy to handle and share without needing plates and cutlery—making it an excellent Pizza Wreath Appetizer .

A Tangle of Flavours: What Makes This Recipe Unique

The heart of this recipe lies in balancing richness with herbaceous brightness. The sweetness from the sun-dried tomatoes contrasts beautifully with the sharp, savoury notes of freshly grated Parmesan and the piney fragrance of fresh rosemary woven throughout the filling. This specific blend elevates it from mere cheese bread to a truly memorable component of any meal.

Assembling the Components: What You'll Need for Your Dough Ring

Crafting this edible ring requires assembling a few key elements: a reliable dough base, a flavour-packed cheese core, and the right tools to manage the shaping. While you can certainly use a store-bought base, preparing the dough from scratch offers superior flavour and texture for such a feature dish. If you are making the dough, you’ll need about 3 cups of all-purpose or bread flour, 1 packet of active dry yeast activated in warm water (around 105° F to 115° F), a teaspoon of fine sea salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow about an hour for this dough to rise until it has doubled in size, ensuring it has the elasticity needed for the braiding.

Dough Deep Dive: Choosing or Making the Perfect Base

For the absolute best results in this Wreath Pizza Recipe , bread flour is highly recommended over standard all-purpose flour. Its higher protein content develops stronger gluten, which provides the necessary structure to hold the twists and prevent tearing during the delicate shaping phase. If you are short on time, use a high-quality store-bought dough, but remember to allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before beginning the process; cold dough is notoriously difficult to manipulate.

Essential Equipment for Shaping the Perfect Edible Circle

The main challenge in creating a visually stunning Wreath Pizza is the transfer and maintenance of the shape. You will absolutely need a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, as the cheese filling can tend to leak slightly. A sharp pizza cutter or a very sturdy knife is necessary for slicing the dough strips cleanly, which is vital for achieving defined braids.

The Cheese Veil: Recommended Melts and Seasonings

The filling must be flavourful yet cohesive enough to stay put. We combine 8 ounces of low-moisture shredded mozzarella for that essential stretch, 1/2 cup of whole-milk ricotta for creaminess, and 1/4 cup of sharp, freshly grated Parmesan for depth. To season this cheese tapestry, mix in 1/3 cup of drained, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a generous grind of black pepper. Mixing these ingredients ahead of time ensures an even distribution of flavour throughout every slice.

Optional Garnishes to Boost Seasonal Sparkle

For that final, polished look that cements its status as a centerpiece, an egg wash is non-negotiable. Whisk one large egg yolk with a teaspoon of water to create a vibrant glaze. Once brushed on, a light sprinkling of sesame seeds adds a beautiful, slightly nutty crunch and visual texture that catches the light beautifully on the oven rack.

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Shaping Mastery: Transforming Dough into a Stunning Wreath Structure

This section is where we transition from simple dough to an elegant form. This technique transforms the Wreath Pizza from a simple ring into a braided statement piece, making it one of the most rewarding Easy Wreath Pizza Recipes once you master the move.

Step-by-Step: Rolling, Cutting, and Forming the Wreath Pizza Shape

First, punch down your risen dough and roll it into a large rectangle, aiming for roughly 16 by 12 inches, ensuring the thickness is relatively even across the surface. Next, carefully spread your prepared cheese and herb filling evenly over the dough, leaving a clean 1-inch border along all four edges—this border is critical for sealing. Using your pizza cutter, slice the dough rectangle lengthwise into two long, equal strips. Now, take these two strips and pinch their starting ends together firmly. Gently begin to twist the two dough ropes around each other about three to four times. Lift this gently twisted rope and carefully form it into a complete circle on your parchment-lined baking sheet, overlapping the ends slightly and pinching the seam closed with confidence to ensure it holds its structure.

Pre-Bake Preparations: Brushing and Sealing the Edges

Once the circle is formed, it’s time for the final touches before the heat hits. Brush the entire surface lavishly with the prepared egg wash. This step is what gives the crust that professional, deep golden sheen rather than a dull, matte finish. Follow this by sprinkling your sesame seeds evenly over the top. A crucial tip here is to re-examine that pinched seam where the dough meets; press it firmly one last time, perhaps even dampening it slightly with water before sealing, to prevent any unraveling mid-bake.

Strategic Topping Placement for Maximum Visual Impact

Because this is a braided structure, we are generally filling the interior of the braid rather than topping the exposed crust. Ensure your filling adheres primarily to the flat surfaces before you twist. If you choose to add anything on top (like small pieces of sun-dried tomato), place them sparingly near the middle of the braid segments so they don't burn during the baking process before the crust is fully cooked.

Oven Temperature Tactics and Doneness Indicators

Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C). This medium-high heat is perfect for cooking the dough through to the centre while achieving a beautiful, crisp exterior. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The visual indicator of doneness is key: you are looking for a deep, rich golden-brown crust and visibly melted, slightly browned cheese peeking through the twists. If the edges look done but the centre seems pale, you can tent the edges loosely with foil for the last five minutes.

Maximising Enjoyment: Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers

Even this majestic Wreath Pizza can sometimes yield leftovers, though they rarely last long! Store any remaining slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for up to four. Reheating is best done in a conventional oven or toaster oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This method crisps the crust beautifully, reviving the texture lost in refrigeration. Microwaving will soften the crust, which we want to avoid for this particular Pizza Wreath Appetizer .

Creative Twists: Customising Your Wreath Pizza for Any Season

While the rosemary and sun-dried tomato version lends itself perfectly to winter holidays, this versatile shape welcomes seasonal shifts easily. For autumn, consider swapping the filling components for caramelised onions, sharp Gruyère cheese, and fresh thyme. This keeps the format while adapting the flavour profile beautifully, proving that the Wreath Pizza structure is suitable for far more than just Christmas.

Freezing Fundamentals: Preserving Your Wreath for Later

If you’ve made a batch of dough or want to prepare ahead, freezing is a great option. You can freeze the raw, unbaked wreath—ensure it is fully assembled on parchment paper. Flash freeze it until solid, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with the egg wash and baking as directed.

Vegan Swaps and Gluten-Free Dough Alternatives

This recipe adapts surprisingly well. For vegan versions, substitute the dairy cheeses with high-quality vegan mozzarella shreds and use a firm cashew-based ricotta or a thick, drained hummus mixed with nutritional yeast for creaminess. Gluten-free dough can also be used; however, GF dough is often less elastic, so roll it slightly thicker and handle it with extreme care when twisting to prevent breakage.

The Dip Companion: Sauces That Complement the Savoury Ring

The central hole of your edible wreath is begging for a dipping sauce! While the sun-dried tomato filling is rich, a vibrant, slightly acidic counterpoint works wonders. A simple, warm marinara sauce is classic. Alternatively, a cooling garlic aioli or a herbed yogurt dip (using dill and chives) offers a refreshing contrast to the cheesy interior.

Troubleshooting Common Wreath-Making Mishaps

The most frequent issue is the seam splitting open during baking. This usually happens because the dough wasn't sealed tightly enough, or the braid was twisted too aggressively, stretching the dough past its breaking point. If this happens, don't panic—gently push the separated dough back together before the next rotation in the oven, and perhaps drape a piece of foil over that section to prevent excessive browning until the centre catches up.

Serving Suggestions: Pairing Your Centrepiece Dish

Serving this Christmas Wreath Pizza hot from the oven is ideal. Place it centrally on a large wooden board or platter. Accompanying side dishes should be light to balance the richness. A simple, peppery arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette provides a clean palate cleanser between rich slices. A crisp glass of Pinot Grigio or a dry sparkling cider pairs wonderfully, cutting through the fat of the cheese and complementing the herbaceous notes of the rosemary beautifully. Enjoy the process; this Wreath Pizza is truly a labour of love worth showing off!