This fun Camembert Pull-Apart Wreath is a cheesy delight! Soft bread surrounds warm, gooey Camembert cheese, making it perfect for sharing at parties or cozy nights in.
You can dip, tear, and share with friends—what’s not to love? I always have extra napkins on hand for those cheesy moments! 😄 It’s super easy to make, and everyone will want a piece!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A round loaf like sourdough or brioche works best as it has a good structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free round loaf or make a bread dough substitute with almond or coconut flour.
Camembert cheese: This soft cheese is essential for that creamy dip. If you can’t find Camembert, Brie is a great alternative. It melts similarly and has a comparable taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used for flavor control. You can substitute with olive oil if you want a dairy-free option, although the flavor will slightly change. Vegan butter can also work well!
Herbs: Fresh parsley and rosemary add fantastic flavor! If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried versions can be used in a pinch—but use less, as they are more potent.
How Do I Ensure My Bread Wreath Is Perfectly Baked?
The secret to a perfect bread wreath lies in how you prepare and bake it. Your main goal is to achieve a golden crust while keeping the center soft and cheesy.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated to avoid uneven baking.
- Look closely at the bread as it bakes: it should turn golden brown and smell deliciously aromatic.
- If the tops of the bread seem to brown too quickly before the cheese melts, cover it loosely with foil during the last few minutes. This helps to allow the cheese to melt evenly.
Keep an eye on the Camembert; you’ll know when it’s ready when it starts to ooze out in the center. Letting it rest for a couple of minutes before serving helps it hold its shape a bit better.
How to Make a Camembert Pull-Apart Wreath
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large round loaf of bread: Choose sourdough or brioche for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 whole wheel of Camembert cheese: About 8 ounces is perfect for melting deliciously.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted, for brushing on the bread.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced, to add lovely flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Finely chopped, for a fresh touch.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary: Finely chopped (optional), adds fragrant flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Extra fresh herbs: For garnish, optional but a lovely touch!
Time to Get Cooking!
The whole process will take about 40 minutes: 10 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking. You’ll have a warm, cheesy treat ready for sharing in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get the Oven Ready:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Shape the Bread:
Slice the top off your round loaf of bread, and then carefully hollow out a circular hole in the center that’s big enough to fit the Camembert. Do keep the removed bread bits for later! They can be great for dipping.
3. Create the Wreath Segments:
Now, take that hollowed loaf and make around 16 cuts from the top to the bottom, but don’t slice all the way through the base. You want about 1 inch left at the bottom to keep everything together in a wreath shape.
4. Place the Cheese:
Put the wheel of Camembert in the center of your bread wreath where you hollowed it out. This is where all the melty goodness will happen!
5. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Butter the Bread:
Now, gently pull apart each segment of bread just a little and brush or spoon the garlic herb butter mixture inside the cuts and around the bread so everything gets coated.
7. Optional Additions:
If you want to add some texture, tuck small pieces of the hollowed-out bread between the segments. It adds a nice little extra fluff!
8. Brush It All Over:
Take the remaining butter mixture and brush it over the entire surface of the wreath for a nice golden crust.
9. Time to Bake:
Transfer your wreath to the baking sheet and pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the bread is golden brown, and the Camembert is all melted and bubbly.
10. Finishing Touches:
Once out of the oven, you can garnish with extra fresh herbs if you like. This adds a lovely touch and a bit of color!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm wreath to friends and family. Just tear off the bread segments and dip them into the gooey, warm Camembert center. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
This delightful Camembert Pull-Apart Wreath is not just a treat for the taste buds; it also makes a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. Happy baking!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Camembert is delicious, you can use Brie if you prefer. Other soft cheeses like Gouda or even a mix of cheeses could also work well, though keep in mind that melting times may vary.
What If I Have Leftover Bread?
If you have leftover bread pieces from hollowing out the loaf, don’t throw them away! They can be toasted and served as dippers or used to make croutons for a salad later.
Can I Prepare This Wreath in Advance?
Yes, you can assemble the wreath a few hours in advance, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get the cheese melty again.
