Holiday Herb Dinner Roll Wreath: The Ultimate Edible Centerpiece
As the holiday season draws near, the quest for that perfect centerpiece begins. While flowers and candles are beautiful, imagine a centerpiece that’s not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious and shareable! This homemade herb dinner roll wreath is precisely that – an edible masterpiece designed to adorn your holiday table and delight your guests with its irresistible aroma and taste. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a conversation starter, a focal point, and a symbol of warmth and togetherness.
The Heart of Our Holiday Table: Food and Family Traditions
Our family, still relatively young, is in the beautiful process of weaving together our unique holiday traditions. We thoughtfully blend cherished customs from both my side and my husband’s side, while also joyfully creating new ones that resonate with us. Unsurprisingly, many of these traditions, old and new, revolve around food – the universal language of love and celebration.
From making sweet divinity candy with my husband’s family to indulging in rich frango mint fudge with mine, each bite carries a memory. We sip on homemade eggnog while enjoying classic holiday movies like Love Actually, and our Christmas Eve isn’t complete without munching on a savory cheese ball. Amidst these beloved rituals, I believe I’ve stumbled upon a new, non-negotiable tradition: this delightful dinner roll wreath. Regardless of what main course graces our Christmas table, this gorgeous and flavorful wreath will undoubtedly be there, adding its festive charm.
Crafting an Edible Masterpiece: From Semi-Homemade to Wholly Handmade
The inspiration for this edible centerpiece first sparked several years ago when I attempted a dinner roll wreath using Sandra Lee’s semi-homemade recipe. The results were fantastic, and it quickly became a fun, memorable addition to our holiday spread. The ease and charm of it were undeniable, but a little voice kept nudging me towards a fully homemade version.
This year, I embraced that challenge! I decided to transform the concept into a completely from-scratch creation, building upon my trusted basic white roll recipe. To infuse it with true holiday spirit, I generously sprinkled fresh herbs on top and adorned the finished wreath with vibrant cranberries and aromatic herb sprigs. The process of making these rolls from scratch, nurturing the dough, and watching it transform into such a magnificent display was incredibly rewarding. And, if I do say so myself, the final product turned out pretty awesome – a true testament to the joy of homemade baking.
Expert Tips for Your Perfect Roll Wreath
Creating a beautiful and delicious dinner roll wreath is easier than you might think. Beyond the recipe itself, these handy tips will help you achieve a show-stopping result that will have everyone raving:
- Uniform Roll Size: For a consistently beautiful wreath, uniformity is key. After your dough has risen, weigh the entire batch. Divide that total weight by the number of rolls you need (12 larger for the outer ring, 9 smaller for the inner ring in this recipe). Use a digital kitchen scale to accurately portion each piece of dough, ensuring every roll bakes evenly and looks picture-perfect.
- Achieving a Perfect Circle: Don’t freehand it! For a perfectly round wreath, grab an 8-inch cake pan and trace around its perimeter onto a sheet of parchment paper. Then, flip the parchment paper over so the pencil marks are underneath, but the circle is still visible. This provides a clear guide for arranging your rolls, guaranteeing a symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing wreath.
- The Golden Glow: While optional, brushing your rolls with an egg wash before baking will elevate their appearance significantly. Whisk together 1 large egg with 1 teaspoon of water until well combined. A light coating of this mixture will give your rolls a beautiful, shiny, golden-brown crust that’s utterly irresistible. I skipped it this time, but definitely recommend it for that extra touch of perfection.
- Herb Variations: This recipe calls for a classic blend of rosemary, thyme, and sage, which offer a delightful, earthy fragrance and flavor. However, feel free to get creative with your herb choices! Other fresh herbs like oregano, parsley, chives, or even a hint of dill would be wonderful additions, allowing you to tailor the flavor profile to your preference or other dishes on your menu.
- Effortless Transfer: Moving your baked wreath from the baking sheet to a serving platter might seem daunting, but it’s surprisingly simple. Since you baked it on parchment paper, simply lift the entire parchment sheet with the wreath onto your serving plate. Once positioned, gently slide the parchment paper out from underneath. Voila! A perfectly intact wreath, ready to impress.
- The Centerpiece’s Complement: The hollow center of the wreath isn’t just for show – it’s practically begging for a little something extra! Consider placing a small bowl of softened butter (perhaps herb-infused butter for extra flair), a savory cheese spread, or a delicious dip in the middle. It adds another layer of functionality and flavor to your edible centerpiece.
The Holiday Roll Wreath Recipe
Holiday Roll Wreath
Servings: 12 servings
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Chill Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Course: Side Dish
Author: Annalise Sandberg
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- 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, gently warm the butter, honey, and milk until the butter is completely melted and the mixture just begins to steam. Be careful not to let it boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes, or until its temperature is between 120-130°F (49-54°C). This temperature is crucial for activating the yeast.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, combine 1 ½ cups of the all-purpose flour with the active-dry yeast and salt. Pour in the warmed milk mixture and mix on low speed until all ingredients are just combined. Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated into the dough.
- With the mixer still on low speed, gradually add the remaining flour, ¼ cup at a time. Continue adding flour until the dough pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl, but still feels slightly sticky to the touch. You might not need to use all 3 ½ cups of flour; stop when the dough reaches the right consistency.
- Increase the mixer speed to medium-low and continue to knead the dough for approximately 5-8 minutes, or until it becomes smooth, elastic, and supple. Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 1 hour.
- While the dough is rising, prepare your baking surface. Trace an 8-inch (20 cm) circle onto a sheet of parchment paper. Place this parchment paper, pencil-mark side down, onto an 11×17-inch (28×43 cm) baking sheet. The traced circle will serve as your guide for shaping the wreath.
- Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Briefly knead it a few times on a lightly floured surface. Pinch off approximately one-third of the dough and set it aside, keeping it covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying.
- Divide the larger portion of the dough (the remaining two-thirds) into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and arrange these balls on the prepared baking sheet, following the outer edge of your traced 8-inch circle.
- Now, divide the reserved one-third portion of dough into 9 smaller, equal pieces. Shape these into balls as well and place them on the baking sheet inside the ring of the larger balls, creating the inner ring of your wreath. Ensure a small gap between the inner and outer rings.
- Cover the shaped rolls loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise again in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until visibly puffy. During the last 15 minutes of this second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If using, brush the risen rolls with the egg wash for a golden, shiny crust. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Immediately upon removing the wreath from the oven, brush the hot rolls generously with the ¼ cup of melted butter. Sprinkle the fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage evenly over the top, followed by the coarse salt. Allow the wreath to cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before handling.
- Once slightly cooled, gently transfer the entire roll wreath (using the parchment paper) to a 10-inch or larger serving platter. For the final festive touch, garnish the wreath with fresh sprigs of herbs and a scattering of fresh cranberries.
- These rolls are absolutely best enjoyed the day they are baked, when they are at their freshest and softest. However, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
Note: If you prefer not to assemble a wreath, simply divide the risen dough into 12 equal pieces, shape them into balls, and place them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
This recipe was inspired by Sandra Lee’s original dinner roll wreath concept.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 362kcal
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 63mg
- Sodium: 315mg
- Potassium: 115mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 7g
- Vitamin A: 318IU
- Calcium: 34mg
- Iron: 3mg
Elevate Your Holiday Spread with This Edible Wreath
This Holiday Herb Dinner Roll Wreath is more than just a side dish; it’s a testament to the joy of homemade goodness and a beautiful way to bring people together around the table. Its striking appearance makes it an instant showstopper, while its soft, flavorful rolls are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a grand feast or an intimate gathering, this edible centerpiece adds an unforgettable touch of rustic elegance and festive cheer.
Imagine the smiles as your guests break off a warm, buttery, herb-infused roll, right from the centerpiece. It’s an interactive and delightful experience that embodies the spirit of the holidays. So, this season, move beyond traditional decor and create a centerpiece that can be savored, shared, and remembered. Give this recipe a try and watch as your Holiday Herb Dinner Roll Wreath becomes a cherished new tradition for your family for years to come!