Delight your guests with this Baked Brie and Bread Wreath, a show-stopping vegetarian-friendly centerpiece for the holiday season.
Author:inass sped
Prep Time:120 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:205 minutes
Yield:Serves 10-12 1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup Whole Milk (Can substitute with plant-based milk.)
4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.)
2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute.)
2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (Ensure it’s fresh for proper rising.)
½ cup Warm Water (Around 110°F (43°C).)
2 large Eggs (Flax eggs can be used for a vegan option.)
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Sea salt can be used as a substitution.)
4 cups All-Purpose Flour (Can substitute with gluten-free flour mix.)
1 wheel Brie Cheese (Soft cheese like Camembert can be used.)
2 tablespoons Fresh Rosemary (Use less if dried rosemary instead.)
½ cup Olive Oil (Avocado oil can be used as an alternative.)
2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar (Apple cider vinegar is a substitute.)
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Adjust to taste.)
¼ cup Fresh Parsley Leaves (Any fresh herb can substitute.)
to taste Thyme (Adjust to taste.)
to taste Oregano (Adjust to taste.)
to taste Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Adjust for spice tolerance.)
¼ cup Pomegranate Seeds (Optional for garnish.)
2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary (For garnishing the baked wreath.)
Instructions
Begin by scalding 1 cup of whole milk with 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until the mixture bubbles. While it cools, activate 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast in a small bowl with ½ cup of warm water (about 110°F) and a teaspoon of sugar for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a stand mixer with a dough hook, combine the yeast mixture, milk mixture, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and half of the 4 cups of all-purpose flour. Mix on low speed until incorporated, gradually adding the remaining flour until a smooth dough forms; knead for about 5-7 minutes until elastic and slightly tacky.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and place it in a warm area. Let it rise for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size. When ready, gently punch down the dough to release air and divide it into approximately 46 equal pieces.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, place a wheel of brie in the center. Roll each piece of dough into a small ball and arrange them snugly around the brie, creating a wreath shape. Cover the arrangement and let it rest for 45-60 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
Once risen, brush the wreath carefully with an egg wash made from 1 beaten egg for a golden sheen. Sprinkle fresh rosemary and a pinch of kosher salt on top. Drizzle half of the prepared herbed oil over the brie to enhance flavor before continuing to bake.
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and puffy. Allow the baked brie and bread wreath to cool slightly before garnishing it with pomegranate seeds and rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.
Once cooled for a few minutes, serve your delightful Baked Brie and Bread Wreath warm. Encourage guests to pull apart the rolls to reveal the oozing cheese center. Pair it with assorted jams or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
This recipe serves as a great centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
You can customize the herbs based on your preference.
This dish pairs well with a variety of dips or spreads.