Italian Herb Focaccia Wreath
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A golden, olive oil–kissed bread shaped like celebration itself.
🌿 Introduction
Some recipes feel like joy you can touch — and this Italian Herb Focaccia Wreath is one of them. It’s warm, fragrant, and inviting, like an edible centerpiece that turns any meal into a celebration.
I first baked this bread one Christmas Eve when I wanted something beautiful but simple to share at our church potluck. I shaped it into a ring, brushed it with olive oil, and tucked in sprigs of rosemary like garland. The scent filled the kitchen long before it reached the table, and when we tore it apart together, it felt like communion — ordinary ingredients transformed by hands and love.
Focaccia may be humble, but in this form, it becomes something sacred: a circle of abundance, gratitude, and grace.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, pillowy inside with a golden, crisp crust.
- Infused with fresh herbs and olive oil for rich, earthy flavor.
- Beautifully shaped for festive gatherings or gifts.
- Pairs with soups, salads, and holiday feasts alike.
- Easy, no-fuss dough — just time and love.
🕰️ Quick Reference Snapshot
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 1 large wreath (8–10 servings)
Skill Level: Easy
Equipment: Large mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper
Dietary Info: Vegetarian, dairy-free adaptable
🌾 Ingredients
(US + Metric)
- 2 ¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240 mL) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tsp sugar or honey
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ¼ cup (60 mL) olive oil, plus more for brushing
- 2 tbsp (10 g) chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil, or oregano)
- Optional toppings: flaky salt, cherry tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions
🌱 Seasonal Swaps
- Use dried herbs (1 tbsp total) if fresh aren’t available.
- Add roasted garlic to the dough for depth and warmth.
- Top with sliced winter vegetables for color and texture.
🌿 From My Garden
In winter, my rosemary stays faithful — green against the gray. I trim it often, not just for cooking but for the reminder it carries: that life can still be fragrant even when everything else seems dormant. Those sprigs are woven into this bread as a symbol of endurance and joy.
👩🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead 5–7 minutes on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.
Rise
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll dough into a long rope and form a circle, pinching ends together to seal.
- Place an oven-safe ramekin in the center if you’d like a perfect wreath shape.
- Let rise again for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 400°F (200°C).
Finish & Bake
- Brush generously with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs and flaky salt.
- Optional: press in cherry tomatoes, olives, or onions decoratively.
- Bake 22–25 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.
Serve
- Drizzle with more olive oil if desired and let cool slightly before serving.
🍽 Serving & Pairing Suggestions
- Serve as a centerpiece with Moroccan Chickpea Stew or Carrot Ginger Soup.
- Perfect alongside Rustic Apple-Sage Pork Chops or Roasted Garlic & Rosemary Chicken Thighs.
- Tear and dip into olive oil infused with herbs or balsamic glaze.
- Make mini wreaths for edible gifts, wrapped with twine and sprigs of thyme.
🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead
- Best enjoyed fresh the day of baking.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
- Freeze up to 1 month; thaw and warm before serving.
✨ Final Thoughts
There’s something sacred about bread — about hands in dough, the rise and rest, the breaking and sharing. This wreath carries that same message: that celebration isn’t about perfection but about presence, about creating something beautiful from what you already have.
As you tear it apart, may your table be filled with laughter, light, and the quiet reminder that love multiplies when shared. 🍞💛
🤝 Community & Connection
- Instagram — Daily garden moments & behind-the-scenes; tag your dish so I can cheer you on! 🌿📸
- Subscribe — Fresh recipes, seasonal tips, and printable freebies delivered weekly. ✉🍂
- Join FB Group — Ask questions, swap ideas, and share what’s growing with a kind, garden-loving community. 🌱🫶
🛒 Favorites from My Kitchen to Yours
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- Baking stone or sheet pan — for even golden bakes.
- Pastry brush — perfect for brushing olive oil.
- Herb snips — to clip your rosemary and thyme fresh from the garden.
🌻 Related on Southern Soil Sunshine
- [Moroccan Chickpea Stew with Preserved Lemons] — A rich, hearty companion to this bread.
- [Roasted Garlic & Rosemary Chicken Thighs] — Pair for a rustic winter supper.
- [Garden Herb Popovers] — Another way to celebrate herbs at your table.
- [Rustic Apple-Sage Pork Chops] — Sweet and savory balance for this savory wreath.
- [Pear & Thyme Upside-Down Cake] — A soft, sweet finish to a festive meal.
