Soft and fragrant cheese bread wreath, perfect as a centerpiece for the holidays. A spectacular and easy-to-prepare idea to make the Christmas table special.
The cheese bread wreath is one of those recipes that immediately brings the scent of the holidays into the air. Soft, spectacular, and incredibly simple to prepare, it’s the perfect idea to bring something to the table that instantly creates a Christmas atmosphere without complicating your life. Its crown shape makes it ideal as a centerpiece for Christmas lunch or dinner, perhaps accompanied by a small bowl of spreadable cheeses, savory jams, or a good honey to pair with.
The dough is soft and fragrant, enriched with a mix of Pecorino Romano and smoked scamorza that release an irresistible aroma during baking and give the rolls a balanced and delicious taste. The result is a crown of small soft buns, easy to pull apart and perfect for sharing: a convivial gesture that fully reflects the spirit of these special days.
It is a recipe that works wonderfully both as an appetizer and as an accompaniment bread for roasts, cold cuts, cheeses, and important holiday dishes. Whether you’re hosting an intimate lunch or a large gathering, this cheese bread wreath will bring scent, warmth, and a touch of Christmas magic to your kitchen.
At the end of the recipe, in the FAQ section, I have answered some questions about this preparation. If you have any other doubts or curiosities, leave a comment or use the specific contact form you find at the end of the page.
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- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 14 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons, Christmas
- Energy 151.13 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 25.44 (g) of which sugars 0.68 (g)
- Proteins 5.77 (g)
- Fat 3.43 (g) of which saturated 0.86 (g)of which unsaturated 0.29 (g)
- Fibers 1.09 (g)
- Sodium 471.23 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 50 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for the Cheese Bread Wreath
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano
- 1 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp barley malt
- 1/2 cup smoked scamorza
- 1 tsp dry yeast
- as needed milk (for brushing)
Tools
- Stand Mixer
- Cake Pan
- Baking Sheet
- Brush
Recipe for the Cheese Bread Wreath
Start preparing the cheese bread wreath by placing water and dry yeast in a bowl.
After letting it dissolve, add the barley malt and extra virgin olive oil.
Continue with the flour, then add the grated Pecorino Romano and salt.
Knead by hand or in a stand mixer with a spiral hook at medium speed for at least 10 minutes.
Let it rise until doubled.
Take the risen dough and slightly spread it with your hands, then divide it into portions of about 60 g.
Cut the smoked scamorza into small pieces.
Place some on each portion of dough.
Close each piece to form a ball, making sure to seal the closure well.
Form the wreath: you can use a cake pan (mine is 16 cm) as a guide.
Arrange the rolls to form a circle and let them rise for another hour.
Brush the risen rolls with milk and then sprinkle more Pecorino Romano.
Bake the cheese bread wreath in a static oven at 350°F for 35 minutes.
Let it cool well.
Cheese Bread Wreath: Ideas for Parties and Appetizers
This cheese bread wreath brings all the warmth of the holidays to the table: soft, fragrant, and spectacular, it’s one of those dishes that unites family and friends around something simple yet special. Perfect for sharing, it remains a versatile and always appreciated idea, capable of adding a cozy touch to every Christmas moment.
Also try the Soft Chestnut Bread.
How do I store the wreath once it’s baked?
It stays soft for 1-2 days well wrapped in plastic wrap or in a food bag. Before serving, you can heat it slightly in the oven to restore softness and aroma.
Can I substitute the cheeses in the recipe?
Absolutely. You can use Grana, Parmesan, Provola, or Caciocavallo. The important thing is to keep a grated cheese for the dough and a cubed one for flavor.
Can it be baked in an air fryer?
Not in the form of a wreath. However, you can bake the individual rolls by placing them in the basket: they will be ready in about 10-12 minutes at 340°F.
Homemade Savory Leavened Breads for Snacks and Buffets
For questions, curiosities, or if you want to collaborate with me, use the contact form below:
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