Savory Tomato Basil Sourdough Wreath
Homemade Tomato Basil Sourdough Wreath
There’s something magical about the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven, especially during the holiday season. As a mom who loves to make homemade gifts, I find that a beautifully crafted loaf of sourdough bread is both a thoughtful and delicious present.
This year, I’m making a Tomato Basil Sourdough Wreath for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Not only does this festive bread look stunning on the holiday table, but it’s also the perfect companion to all the hearty Midwest soups we’ll be eating throughout January and February to stay warm.
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Let’s dive into how you can make this gorgeous bread, tips for success, storage instructions, and even some fun gift-wrapping ideas to make your sourdough wreath the star of any holiday gathering.
Tomato Basil Sourdough Wreath Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard
For the Tomato Basil Filling:
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp thyme
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 cup tomato paste (use sparingly)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Dough:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the shredded cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, mix the milk, honey, and sourdough discard. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Set the dough in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow to bulk ferment for 4 hours at room temperature. For long term fermenting benefits let sit in the fridge overnight or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to keep it cold.
Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, and basil. Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread a thin layer of tomato paste on top. Be careful not to overdo it—a little goes a long way. Too much tomato paste can make the dough too wet and affect the baking process. Brush the melted butter mixture over the tomato paste.
Shape the Wreath:
Roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log in half lengthwise, exposing the layers, leaving one inch connected at the top.
Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up. Shape the twisted dough into a circle to form a wreath. Place the wreath on a parchment-lined cast iron skillet or baking sheet.
Bake:
Brush the top of the wreath with any remaining melted butter mixture. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. It should be 200 °F to 210 °F when using an instant read thermometer
Cool and Enjoy:
Allow the wreath to cool slightly before serving. It pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or even as a festive appetizer.
Tips for making your Tomato Basil Sourdough Wreath a Success!
Keep the Butter Cold: Cold, shredded butter is essential for creating a tender, flaky dough. I like to freeze my butter for 10 minutes before grating it into the dough.
Don’t Skip the Refrigeration: Keeping the tomato basil sourdough dough cold while shaping the wreath helps maintain its structure and makes it easier to handle.
Thin Layer of Tomato Paste: If you prefer a bolder tomato flavor, you can use dried tomatoes instead of tomato paste. However, if you’re using tomato paste, spread it very thinly to avoid making the dough too wet.
Adjust the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the herbs to your liking. You can add oregano, rosemary, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Storage Instructions
This tomato basil sourdough wreath can be made ahead of time and stored to enjoy later:
Counter: Store the tomato basil sourdough bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to refresh it.
Fridge: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Freezer: The wreath freezes beautifully. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw the bread overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Gift-Wrapping Ideas for Sourdough Wreath Bread
Making homemade bread as a gift is a heartfelt gesture, and with a little creativity, you can present your tomato basil sourdough wreath beautifully:
Rustic Look: Wrap the bread in parchment paper and tie it with twine. Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme for a festive touch.
Holiday Theme: Use a festive tea towel to wrap the bread, tying the ends with ribbon. This way, the recipient also gets a reusable kitchen towel as part of their gift.
Eco-Friendly Wrap: Use brown kraft paper and decorate it with a handmade gift tag. You can add a little note with serving suggestions or storage instructions.
Brown Bakery Boxes: These are the boxes I used to give to my friends and family this last Christmas season and they’re always a hit! I usually add a fun Christmas themed sticker or gift tag on the box to make it more festive.
Additional Bread Recipes You Will Love!
Why a Sourdough Wreath Makes a Great Gift
There’s something special about receiving a homemade gift, especially during the holidays. A Tomato Basil Sourdough Wreath is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a beautiful centerpiece for any holiday table.
Plus, it’s a thoughtful way to share the love of baking and the warmth of home-cooked food.
With this recipe and a little creativity, you can make a delicious, festive bread that will be cherished by your loved ones.
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Tomato Basil Sourdough Wreath
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard
For the Tomato Basil Filling
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tsp thyme
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 cup tomato paste use sparingly
Instructions
Make the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 375 °F
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the shredded cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk, honey, and sourdough discard. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Set the dough in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow to bulk ferment for 4 hours at room temperature. For long term fermenting benefits let sit in the fridge overnight or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to keep it cold before rolling out.
Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, and basil. Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato paste on top. Be careful not to overdo it—a little goes a long way. Too much tomato paste can make the dough too wet and affect the baking process. Brush the melted butter mixture over the tomato paste.
Shape the Wreath
- Roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log in half lengthwise, exposing the layers, leaving one inch connected at the top.
- Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up. Shape the twisted dough into a circle to form a wreath. Place the wreath on a parchment-lined cast iron skillet or baking sheet.
Bake
- Brush the top of the wreath with any remaining melted butter mixture.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. It should be 200 °F to 210 °F when using an instant read thermometer
Cool and Enjoy
- Allow the wreath to cool slightly before serving. It pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or even as a festive appetizer.
Nutrition Disclaimer: Our Family Cooks is not a dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Tried this recipe for yourself? Leave a comment and photos below!
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