This Camembert Pull-Apart Wreath is a fun and cheesy delight! Soft bread surrounds ooey-gooey Camembert cheese, making it perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Honestly, who can resist tearing off a piece of warm bread and dipping it in melted cheese? It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds! I love serving this for movie nights! 🎬🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza or bread dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, but homemade dough can taste even better. If you’re gluten-free, there are gluten-free pizza dough options available or you could try making your own.
Camembert cheese: This soft cheese is perfect for melting! If you can’t find Camembert, Brie is a good substitute, as it melts similarly. You could also experiment with a tougher cheese for a different texture but may need to adjust baking times.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal so you can control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use olive oil, which will still add great flavor.
Herbs (rosemary and thyme): Fresh herbs really elevate this dish, but dried herbs work too. Just use about a third of the amount if you’re substituting dried herbs. Italian seasoning can also be a nice alternative.
How Do I Cut and Shape the Dough without Ruining the Camembert?
To create the pull-apart effect, cutting the dough correctly is key. Start by placing the Camembert at the center, then use a sharp knife to carefully make cuts around it. Be sure not to cut all the way through so the dough pieces stay connected. Think of it like slicing a cake, but with softer dough!
- Cut the dough into about 16 squares or rectangles without detaching them from the base.
- These cuts should be made evenly around the cheese for a nice, even look.
- This technique allows you to pull apart each piece easily and soak up that delicious melted cheese!
Take your time with the cutting, and remember, the dough will puff up while baking and create a beautiful wreath shape!
How to Make a Camembert Pull-Apart Wreath
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ball of pizza dough or bread dough (about 500g)
- 1 wheel of Camembert cheese (approx. 240g)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ cup grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delectable Camembert Pull-Apart Wreath takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional baking time of 20-25 minutes. In total, set aside around 40-45 minutes to enjoy this cheesy delight from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Tray:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a round baking tray or a pizza pan to prevent the wreath from sticking.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza or bread dough into a large circle about 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. This will be the base for your wreath!
3. Add the Camembert:
Carefully place the whole Camembert cheese wheel right in the center of the dough. It will be the star of the show!
4. Cut the Dough:
Using a sharp knife, gently cut the dough into approximately 16 evenly sized squares or rectangles around the Camembert. Make sure to leave the base intact so the squares stay connected to form a lovely ring around the cheese. The cuts should get close to the cheese but not completely separate it.
5. Prepare the Herb Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. This flavorful mix will bring your wreath to life!
6. Brush the Dough:
Generously brush the herb butter mixture over each piece of dough. Ensure to get some butter in between the cuts for added flavor.
7. Add Extra Cheese (Optional):
If you’d like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top of the dough pieces for an extra cheesy touch!
8. Bake the Wreath:
Place your wreath in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. It’s done when the dough is golden and cooked through, and the Camembert is melted and bubbly.
9. Let it Cool:
Once baked, remove the wreath from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This will help set the cheese slightly so you don’t burn your fingers when enjoying it!
10. Serve It Up:
Transfer the wreath to a wooden serving board. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and garnish with extra rosemary sprigs if you like. This will make it look extra festive!
11. Enjoy:
Serve warm, and let your guests pull apart the dough pieces to dip into the molten Camembert in the center. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness with family and friends!
Get ready for cheers and happy faces as everyone digs into this delightful Camembert Pull-Apart Wreath! 🧀✨
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the frozen dough in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before rolling it out. This will ensure your dough rises and bakes nicely.
What Can I Substitue for Camembert Cheese?
If Camembert is hard to find, Brie is a great alternative. It melts similarly and will give you that rich, cheesy flavor you’re looking for! You can also use cream cheese for a different texture, though it won’t melt in the same way.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover wreath in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help restore some of that gooeyness!
Can I Add Different Herbs or Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano. You can also add ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. Just keep in mind to not overload the wreath, so the dough can still rise and bake properly!
