Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath with Marinara Recipe
Introduction
This Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath is a fun and flavorful twist on classic garlic bread. Soft, buttery dough balls baked in a circle create a beautiful, shareable centerpiece perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.

Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds pizza dough
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Let the pizza dough stand at room temperature for 30 minutes up to 1 hour to soften slightly.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 3: Lightly oil the outside of a 6-ounce ramekin or spray with nonstick spray, then place it in the center of the prepared baking sheet. Fill the ramekin with water.
- Step 4: Using a digital scale, divide the dough into 1-ounce pieces, about 22-24 total. Press each piece into a disk, then shape it into a ball.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and kosher salt until combined.
- Step 6: Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheet in a circular pattern around the ramekin. Brush the tops with the butter mixture and sprinkle evenly with the grated Parmesan.
- Step 7: Bake in the oven until golden brown, approximately 25-30 minutes. Carefully remove the ramekin and discard the water. Fill the ramekin with marinara sauce and return it to the center of the baking sheet. Brush the tops of the bread balls with any remaining butter mixture.
- Step 8: Serve immediately, pulling apart the bread balls and dipping them into the warm marinara sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the dough balls before baking.
- Use store-bought or homemade pizza dough depending on your preference.
- Add shredded mozzarella between some dough balls for a cheesy surprise.
- Try swapping marinara for a garlic butter dip or pesto for variety.
Storage
Store any leftover garlic bread wreath in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy again.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this wreath ahead of time?
You can assemble the dough balls and brush with the butter mixture in advance, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Bring to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use if I don’t have a ramekin?
Any small oven-safe bowl or a heatproof glass jar about 6 ounces in size will work. The water in the container helps keep the bread moist while baking.
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Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath with Marinara Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
Description
This Pull Apart Garlic Bread Wreath is a delightful appetizer featuring soft pizza dough balls brushed with a flavorful garlic butter mixture, baked to golden perfection, and served with marinara sauce for dipping. Its festive wreath shape makes it perfect for gatherings and holiday occasions.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 1/2 pounds pizza dough
Garlic Butter Topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: Allow the pizza dough to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes up to 1 hour to become soft and pliable.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Ramekin: Lightly oil a 6-ounce ramekin or spray with nonstick cooking spray and place it in the center of the baking sheet. Fill the ramekin with water to keep the bread moist during baking.
- Portion Dough: Using a digital scale, cut the dough into 1-ounce pieces to make approximately 22-24 pieces. Press each piece into a disk and then shape into a ball for uniform size.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Arrange Dough Balls: Place the dough balls in a circular pattern around the ramekin on the baking sheet. Brush the tops of the dough balls generously with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle evenly with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until the bread balls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare for Serving: Carefully remove the ramekin with water and discard the water. Fill the ramekin with marinara sauce and return it to the center of the baking sheet. Brush the bread tops with any remaining garlic butter mixture.
- Serve: Serve the garlic bread wreath immediately while warm, allowing guests to pull apart the bread and dip into the marinara sauce.
Notes
- Ensure the pizza dough is at room temperature before shaping to prevent tearing.
- Using a digital scale helps maintain consistent dough ball sizes for even baking.
- The water-filled ramekin inside the wreath helps keep the bread moist as it bakes.
- This recipe pairs well with additional dipping sauces like ranch or a cheese dip for variety.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: garlic bread, pull apart bread, appetizer, garlic butter, marinara sauce, party food, pizza dough

