Bake the Perfect Homemade Herb Dinner Roll Wreath: An Edible Holiday Centerpiece for Your Festive Table
Imagine a holiday table adorned with a centerpiece that’s not only breathtakingly beautiful but also incredibly delicious and wonderfully fragrant. This homemade herb dinner roll wreath is precisely that – a stunning, edible focal point designed to elevate your festive spread and delight every guest. More than just a dish, it’s an experience waiting to be shared, a warm, inviting aroma that signals the heart of the holiday season and promises a delightful culinary journey.
For many of us, the holidays are a treasured time for family, reflection, and, of course, food. My own little family, still young and growing, is in the exciting process of weaving together new traditions. We blend cherished customs from both my side and my husband’s side, and eagerly create entirely new ones that are uniquely ours. It’s a beautiful dance of past and present, all centered around creating lasting memories and enjoying delicious homemade meals.
Unsurprisingly, a significant portion of our holiday celebrations revolves around culinary delights. We gather with my husband’s family to craft delicate divinity candy, a sweet treat that melts in your mouth and has become a staple. With my own family, it’s a tradition to indulge in rich frango mint fudge, a decadent indulgence that truly marks the festive season. As the air grows crisp, we sip on creamy homemade eggnog, a perfect companion to our annual viewing of Love Actually. And no Christmas Eve is complete without munching on savory cheese balls, a simple pleasure that signifies the joyful start of the holiday feast. These food traditions are the threads that bind us, creating comfort and continuity.
Among these cherished customs, I believe I’ve discovered a new tradition that will undoubtedly become a staple: this fun and elegant herb dinner roll wreath. Its charm lies not only in its beautiful presentation but also in the comforting taste of homemade bread, infused with fresh, aromatic herbs. No matter what magnificent main dish graces our table on Christmas Day, this fragrant, fluffy wreath of homemade rolls will absolutely be there, inviting everyone to tear off a piece and savor the joy and warmth of the season. It’s more than just bread; it’s an invitation to connect and celebrate.
The inspiration for this delightful creation first sparked several years ago when I experimented with a semi-homemade dinner roll wreath recipe by Sandra Lee. It was a wonderful success, adding a unique and festive touch to our table with minimal effort. The concept was brilliant, but my heart, like many home bakers, yearned for the unparalleled satisfaction and depth of flavor that comes from something made entirely from scratch. This year, I decided to embark on a completely homemade version, building upon my tried-and-true basic white roll recipe, a recipe that consistently delivers soft, fluffy results.
To truly transform it into a showstopping holiday centerpiece, I infused it with the aromatic essence of fresh herbs, sprinkling a generous mix of rosemary, thyme, and sage on top. The subtle peppery notes of rosemary, the earthy warmth of thyme, and the slightly bitter, minty flavor of sage combine to create an incredible fragrance and taste. To complete the festive look, I adorned the wreath with vibrant, ruby-red cranberries and delicate sprigs of the same fresh herbs, creating a visual feast that perfectly complements the rich flavors within. The vibrant colors of the garnishes against the golden-brown rolls truly make this a stunning addition to any holiday table.
The result? It turned out even better than I envisioned – truly awesome! The golden-brown rolls, fragrant with the medley of herbs, formed a beautiful circle, each one soft and tender on the inside, with a delicate, perfectly golden crust. The moment it emerged from the oven, its aroma filled the kitchen, instantly transporting us to the heart of the holidays. This edible herb wreath isn’t just a side dish; it’s a conversation starter, a warm welcome, and a testament to the love and care poured into holiday baking. It embodies the spirit of homemade goodness, festive celebration, and the simple pleasure of sharing delicious food with loved ones.
How to Create a Stunning Homemade Dinner Roll Wreath
Crafting this beautiful herb dinner roll wreath is a truly rewarding experience, and with a few key tips, you can ensure your creation is as picture-perfect and delicious as mine. The process is straightforward, but these insights will help you achieve an impressive result that will be the talk of your holiday gathering. Below, you’ll find the complete recipe and detailed instructions, but first, here are some additional tips to help you assemble a magnificent, showstopping wreath of dinner rolls that will undoubtedly impress everyone at your holiday table.
- Achieve Uniform Rolls with Precision Using a Digital Scale: The secret to a visually appealing and evenly baked wreath lies in creating rolls that are consistent in size. To achieve this professional finish, I highly recommend using a digital kitchen scale. Start by weighing the entire batch of dough after its first rise. Then, divide that total weight by the number of rolls you plan to make (for this specific wreath design, you’ll be making 21 rolls – 12 for the larger outer circle and 9 for the smaller inner circle). Use the scale to measure out each individual piece of dough precisely. This extra step ensures each roll bakes at the same rate, preventing some from being overdone while others are still undercooked, and ultimately contributes to a beautifully symmetrical and perfectly cooked wreath.
- Master the Perfect Circle with a Simple Parchment Paper Trick: A perfectly round wreath is crucial for that elegant centerpiece look. To guide your placement of the dough balls and ensure a flawless shape, simply trace around an 8-inch cake pan (or any 8-inch round object like a dinner plate) onto a sheet of parchment paper. Once traced, flip the parchment paper over so the pencil marks are underneath and won’t transfer to your dough. The circular outline will still be clearly visible through the paper. Use this clear circle as your precise guide when arranging the dough balls on your sheet pan. This simple, effective trick guarantees a professional-looking, perfectly round shape every single time.
- Enhance Shine and Golden Color with an Egg Wash: For a truly professional, beautifully shiny, and richly golden-brown crust, don’t skip the egg wash! It’s an easy step that makes a significant difference in the final appearance of your holiday dinner rolls. Whisk together one large egg with one teaspoon of water until thoroughly combined, creating a smooth mixture. Gently brush this egg wash over the risen rolls just before placing them in the oven. While I sometimes omit this step when I’m short on time, I highly recommend it for that extra special, glossy finish that truly makes your holiday dinner roll wreath sparkle and look incredibly appetizing.
- Customize Your Herb Selection for Unique Flavor Profiles: This recipe shines with the classic, festive combination of fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage, offering a traditional holiday aroma and robust flavor. However, feel free to get creative and customize your herb selection to your personal taste, or use whatever fresh herbs you have readily available in your garden or local market. Other fantastic choices that pair wonderfully with bread include fragrant oregano, bright and fresh parsley, or even a hint of sweet basil if you prefer. Experimenting with different herbs can add a unique twist and a personalized touch to this beloved holiday bread, making it truly your own.
- Effortless Transfer to Your Serving Plate with Parchment Paper: Moving a delicate, freshly baked wreath from the hot baking sheet to a beautiful serving platter might seem daunting, but it’s surprisingly simple and stress-free with this method. Since you wisely baked the entire wreath on parchment paper, all you need to do is gently lift the entire parchment paper sheet, complete with the baked wreath, and carefully transfer it onto your desired serving plate. Once the wreath is centered on the platter, carefully and smoothly slide the parchment paper out from underneath. Voila! A perfectly intact and stunningly beautiful wreath, ready to be admired and enjoyed, without any fear of it breaking apart.
- Fill the Center with a Delectable Dip or Spread: The inviting, empty space in the center of your impressive roll wreath is practically begging for a delicious accompaniment! This is your golden opportunity to add another layer of flavor, texture, and generosity to your edible centerpiece. A small, elegant bowl of perfectly softened unsalted butter (perhaps whipped with a touch of honey or sea salt), a rich and savory homemade cheese spread, an aromatic garlic herb butter, or even a sweet and tangy cranberry chutney would be absolutely divine. Choose a pairing that perfectly complements your holiday meal and truly makes this homemade edible centerpiece sing with flavor and festive charm.
Holiday Roll Wreath
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (56 grams)
- ¼ cup honey (85 grams)
- ⅔ cup whole milk (160 ml)
- 3 – 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (360-420 grams)
- 1 packet active-dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg + 1 teaspoon water , for egg wash (optional)
To garnish the wreath:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter , melted (56 grams)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped rosemary, thyme and sage
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
- Fresh cranberries
- Fresh sprigs of rosemary, thyme and sage
Instructions
-
In a small saucepan set over medium low heat, warm the butter, honey and milk until butter is melted and mixture begins to steam. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes, or until the temperature is between 120-130° F.
-
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine 1 ½ cups of the flour with the yeast and salt. Add the milk mixture and mix until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each. With the mixer on low, add the remaining flour ¼ cup at a time until dough clears the side of the bowl but is still slightly sticky to the touch. You may not need all 3 ½ cups of flour.
-
Continue to knead the dough in the mixer until it is smooth and elastic, about 5-8 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
-
Trace an 8-inch circle onto a sheet of parchment paper and place on a 11×17-inch sheet pan.
-
Gently punch down dough and knead a few times. Pinch off one third of the dough and set aside, covered in plastic wrap. Divide the rest of the dough into 12 equal pieces, shape into balls, and place on the prepared sheet pan on the traced circle. Divide the reserved dough into 9 smaller pieces, shape into balls, and place on the sheet pan inside the larger balls.
-
Cover rolls with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350° F.
-
Brush with egg wash, if desired, and bake the rolls until golden, about 20-25 minutes. Immediately brush with melted butter and sprinkle with fresh herbs and coarse salt. Let cool at least 15 minutes.
-
Gently transfer roll wreath to a 10-inch or larger serving platter. Garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs and fresh cranberries.
-
Rolls are best the day they are baked but will keep at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
Recipe inspired by Sandra Lee.
Baking this homemade herb dinner roll wreath is more than just following a recipe; it’s about infusing your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread and creating a truly memorable holiday experience. The simple act of kneading dough, watching it rise, and then shaping it into something so visually appealing is deeply satisfying and brings a special kind of joy to the season. And when you see the smiles on your family’s faces as they pull off a warm, herb-infused roll, you’ll know that every moment spent in the kitchen was undeniably worth it, contributing to the magic of the holidays.
This festive wreath, with its golden crust, fragrant herbs, and vibrant garnishes, isn’t just a side dish – it’s a celebration in itself. It embodies the warmth, love, and generosity that define the holiday season, making every meal feel a little more special and inviting. Whether it’s your first time creating this culinary masterpiece or a cherished annual tradition you look forward to, this homemade herb dinner roll wreath promises to be a delightful highlight of your holiday table. Gather your ingredients, invite the festive spirit into your kitchen, and prepare to create a delicious and beautiful memory that will be talked about and savored for years to come.