Name: High Altitude Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Wreath Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tbsp water; 3 tbsp whole milk; 2 tbsp bread flour; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 3/4 cup whole milk; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry or instant/rapid rise yeast; 1/4 cup granulated sugar, divided; 3 cups bread flour, fluffed, spooned and leveled; 1 tsp coarse Kosher salt (if using table salt, use half the amount); 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp whole milk

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 29 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted to wow your friends and family with a show-stopping bread centerpiece, this High Altitude Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Wreath Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, fluffy pull-apart rolls infused with fragrant rosemary and a hint of garlic, all shaped into a gorgeous wreath perfect for holiday tables or special gatherings. The magic here is in the combination of a tangzhong starter and careful attention to rising times, which guarantees a soft, pillowy texture even in high-altitude environments. Each pull-apart piece is buttery and flavorful, making this bread as irresistible to taste as it is stunning to look at.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round wreath-shaped bread made of 15 soft golden brown rolls with a shiny top is placed on a dark wooden board. Fresh green rosemary sprigs are tucked between some rolls and placed around the board. Surrounding the bread are three small white scalloped plates on a white marbled surface, each holding white butter shaped like maple leaves. There is also a small black cup filled with coarse white salt and a small wooden spoon. A silver butter knife rests on one white plate with butter. A gray fringed cloth is draped casually near the plates. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These basic ingredients come together to create a loaf bursting with flavor and tender texture. Each component plays an important role whether it’s the yeast that gives it rise or the rosemary and garlic that add depth of flavor.

Water (3 tbsp): The essential hydration that activates the tangzhong and helps form the dough.
Whole milk (3 tbsp + 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp): Adds richness and moisture to keep the bread soft and flavorful.
Bread flour (2 tbsp + 3 cups): Provides structure and chewiness perfect for a pull-apart style bread.
Unsalted butter (4 tbsp): Contributes buttery richness for softness and flavor.
Active dry or instant yeast (1 packet/2 1/4 tsp): The powerhouse for dough rise and light texture.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup, divided): Sweetens just enough to balance savory notes and helps yeast activation.
Coarse Kosher salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors without overwhelming.
Dried rosemary (1 tsp): Infuses the bread with its unique piney aroma and subtle savory touch.
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Delivers a delicate garlicky warmth that melds beautifully with rosemary.
Large eggs (2): Adds richness, color, and helps bind the dough.

How to Make High Altitude Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Wreath Recipe

High Altitude Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Wreath Recipe - Recipe Image

Step 1: Make the Tangzhong

This step is the secret to that incredibly soft crumb you’ll love. Whisk water, milk, and flour together in a small saucepan over medium heat until it thickens into a smooth, pudding-like paste. Cooling this tangzhong afterward makes the dough more hydrated and tender, a crucial trick especially in high altitudes.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Using the same saucepan, melt butter and warm milk to about 110-115°F to create the perfect environment for yeast activation. Stir in yeast and a tablespoon of sugar, then wait until a bubbly foam forms on top — this is your dough’s rising agent waking up. In a mixing bowl, combine most of the flour, remaining sugar, the frothy yeast mixture, cooled tangzhong, salt, rosemary, garlic powder, and one egg. Knead with a dough hook for 10 minutes, gradually adding the last half cup of flour if needed. The dough should be soft but elastic, and slightly sticky — resist adding extra flour to keep it fluffy!

Step 3: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it tightly, and let it rise until doubled. This can take from 45 to 90 minutes depending on yeast and kitchen warmth. A warm, draft-free place or your oven’s proof setting works great here.

Step 4: Shape the Buns

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out gently to about 1 inch thick. Cut it into 24 equal pieces, then roll each piece into a smooth bun by pinching the edges underneath. This step shapes your pull-apart pieces for easy serving.

Step 5: Assemble the Wreath

Arrange 8 buns in a tight circle to form the wreath’s center on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then surround with the remaining 16 buns for the outer ring. Cover with a clean towel and let them puff up for 20-30 minutes before baking.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush the top of your buns with an egg wash made from one egg and a splash of milk for a gorgeous golden shine. Bake for 20-25 minutes until beautifully golden brown and cooked through.

How to Serve High Altitude Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Wreath Recipe

Garnishes

For an inviting look, brush the warm bread with a little melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt or fresh rosemary sprigs. This simple touch enhances the bread’s flavor and brings out the herbaceous notes in every bite.

Side Dishes

This bread wreath pairs wonderfully with cozy soups like creamy tomato, chicken noodle, or butternut squash. It also complements cheese boards, roasted vegetables, or even a hearty pasta dish for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the wreath on a wooden cutting board adorned with small bowls of flavored butters or herb-infused olive oil for dipping. You could also surround it with fresh seasonal veggies or olives to create an edible centerpiece that doubles as an appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it soft. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, perfect for snacking or sandwiches.

Freezing

This High Altitude Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Wreath Recipe freezes beautifully. Separate the buns and freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftover or thawed bread in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness and bring back the irresistible aroma of rosemary and garlic.

FAQs

Why do you use a tangzhong in this recipe?

The tangzhong method gelatinizes some flour ahead of time, which helps the dough retain moisture. This results in bread that’s softer for longer and less likely to dry out or become crumbly—perfect for high altitudes where moisture loss can be a challenge.

Can I substitute fresh rosemary for dried?

Yes, you can use fresh rosemary. Use about 1 tablespoon finely chopped instead of 1 teaspoon dried. Just be sure to remove any tough stems and adjust to taste.

What if I don’t have bread flour?

All-purpose flour can work in a pinch, but bread flour has higher protein which is better for gluten development, making your bread chewier and more elastic. If substituting, expect a slightly softer texture.

How do I know if the bread is fully baked?

The rolls should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature with a thermometer; it should read about 190°F to 200°F.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Though the recipe has several steps, each is straightforward, and following them carefully will yield fantastic results. Plus, the wreath shape is forgiving and fun to assemble.

Final Thoughts

This High Altitude Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Wreath Recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but a truly comforting culinary experience. The way those individual buns pull apart with ease makes sharing a joy, and the flavors of rosemary and garlic elevate the bread beyond the everyday. Whether you’re looking to impress at a special occasion or simply want a delightful homemade bread to enjoy with loved ones, this recipe is a must-try. Get your apron on and make it soon—you won’t regret it!