Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter

For the Filling

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup finely diced cooked ham
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Garlic Butter Topping

  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional

For Brushing

  • 1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until slightly foamy.

Add the egg, melted butter, and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 7–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, combine the mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, diced ham, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl.

Mix well and set aside.

3. Shape the Wreath

Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately ¼-inch thick.

Cut the dough into several triangular sections or strips.

Place a generous amount of the cheese-and-ham mixture along each section. Roll or fold the dough around the filling, sealing the edges well.

Arrange the filled pieces in a circle/wreath shape on a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving a small hole in the center.

Pinch the sections together so the wreath stays connected during baking.

4. Let It Rise Again

Cover the shaped wreath loosely with a clean kitchen towel.

Allow it to rest for 20–30 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

5. Add the Egg Wash

Whisk together the egg and milk.

Brush the entire surface of the wreath with the egg wash. This gives the bread its beautiful glossy, golden-brown crust.

Sprinkle a little sesame seed or Parmesan over the top if desired.

6. Bake

Bake for approximately 25–35 minutes, or until the bread is deeply golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the final 10 minutes.

7. Make the Garlic Butter

While the wreath is baking, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan.

As soon as the wreath comes out of the oven, brush it generously with the garlic butter.

Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

🧀 Serving

Pull apart the warm pieces and enjoy the stretchy melted cheese and savory ham filling.

It tastes especially good with:

  • Marinara sauce
  • Garlic butter
  • Ranch dressing
  • Creamy cheese dip
  • Tomato soup

⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 25–35 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Difficulty: Medium