Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath Recipe

Give your holiday table a vibrant, plant-based centerpiece with this Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath! Not only is it stunning to look at—with swirls of green macadamia basil pesto braiding through pillowy layers of homemade dough—but every bite is pure joy. Imagine the aroma of fresh basil, the savory depth of nutritional yeast, and the buttery crunch of macadamias. This bread is a true showstopper for gatherings, yet simple enough to make on a cozy weekend when you’re craving something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath is how it transforms everyday pantry staples and fresh herbs into something extraordinary. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring that glorious color, irresistible flavor, and the soft, moist crumb that makes this bread unforgettable.

• Basil Leaves: Fresh basil delivers vibrant color and that classic pesto aroma—feel free to blend in some parsley or leafy greens for variety!
• Australian Macadamias: Their natural buttery richness gives our pesto its creamy, luxurious texture—toast them for even more depth.
• Lemon Juice: Just a squeeze adds brightness that lifts all the green flavors in the pesto.
• Nutritional Yeast: This is the secret to a “cheesy” flavor while keeping everything dairy-free and vegan.
• Garlic: A little goes a long way, adding bold, savory undertones to both pesto and bread.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer—taste and adjust as you build the flavors!
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Gently blended in, this helps emulsify the pesto and adds fruitiness to the finished bread.
• All-Purpose or Bread Flour: This forms the soft, springy structure of the wreath—start with less, and add more as needed for a supple dough.
• Dairy-Free Milk: Warms and moistens the dough, making it pillowy—choose your favorite plant-based variety.
• Vegan Butter: Room temperature for easy incorporation, it gives richness and perfect crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: A hint of sweetness balances the savory pesto and helps the yeast work its magic.
• Instant Dry Yeast: This gets the dough rising quickly and easily—no need to proof in advance!
• Dried Herbs: Sprinkle in oregano, basil, or rosemary for earthy aromatics right in the dough.
• Whole and Crushed Macadamia Nuts: Scatter on top for an irresistible crunch and gorgeous finishing touch.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bright pops of color and flavor on your finished wreath—totally optional but so festive!
• Melted Vegan Butter: Brush over the freshly baked wreath for extra shine and flavor.

How to Make Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath

Step 1: Make the Macadamia Basil Pesto

Start by toasting your macadamias in a dry pan for about five minutes until they’re golden and fragrant—this simple trick intensifies their natural nuttiness. In a food processor, toss in all your pesto ingredients except the olive oil. Blitz everything until nicely broken down, then gradually drizzle in the oil until the pesto reaches a creamy, thick spread. Give it a taste and adjust the lemon, salt, or nutritional yeast as you like. Set aside what you need for the bread, and save the rest (if any) for spreading on crackers or tossing with pasta!

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Into your stand mixer or a good old mixing bowl, add the flour, dairy-free milk, vegan butter, sugar, instant yeast, dried herbs, and a pinch of salt if your butter isn’t already salted. If using a mixer, let the dough hook work its magic for 5–10 minutes until it’s plush, stretchy, and leaves the sides of the bowl. By hand, combine everything with a wooden spoon, then knead on a floured surface until smooth and bouncy. If the dough clings stubbornly to your hands or the bowl, sprinkle in more flour a little at a time; if it feels dry or cracks, add a splash more milk.

Step 3: First Rise

Shape your dough into a soft ball and plop it into a clean bowl. Cover it with a tea towel and let it rest somewhere warm. It’ll need 1–2 hours to puff up to twice its size—time for a tea break, or a little playlist dance while you peek at its progress.

Step 4: Assembly – Shaping the Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath

Dust your surface with flour and roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 60 by 20 cm (24 by 8 inches). Spread the pesto generously over two-thirds of the dough (leaving one-third bare). Fold the bare third over the middle, then fold over the last third, so you have a long, slim rectangle. Slice the dough lengthwise into three long strips, exposing those beautiful swirls of green. With the pesto side up, gently braid the strips from the center out, keeping the braid snug but not too tight. Bring the ends around into a circle and pinch to seal, forming your festive Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place your braided wreath onto parchment paper or a lined baking tray. Drape a tea towel over the top and set it aside for one more hour in a cozy spot, until it’s risen and looks pillowy and proud—about 20% bigger than before.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Slide the wreath into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The surface should be a light golden brown and spring back when gently pressed. If it browns too quickly, loosely tent foil over the top—no burnt spots allowed! Let the bread cool right on the tray so those dreamy pesto swirls stay intact.

Step 7: Decorate and Enjoy

While still a little warm, lavish the wreath with melted vegan butter, then shower with extra crushed macadamias and pop on a few whole ones and cheerful cherry tomatoes for color. Slice, serve, and watch it disappear faster than you ever imagined!

How to Serve Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath

Garnishes

To take your Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath from amazing to irresistible, brush it generously with melted vegan butter right out of the oven. Sprinkle on extra chopped or whole macadamia nuts for crunch, and dot with cherry tomatoes for juicy color. A few torn basil leaves or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving gives it an extra pop of freshness and flair.

Side Dishes

This wreath shines as a centerpiece, but it also plays so well with others! Pair it with hearty vegan soups, vibrant salads (think, rocket and roasted veggies), or a tray of marinated olives. It’s also perfect alongside antipasto spreads, for scooping up dips or mopping up extra olive oil. Every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Lay the Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath on a big wooden board, scatter fresh herbs around it, and nestle a tiny bowl of extra pesto or vegan cheese spread in the center. For a festive gathering, weave in a few sprigs of rosemary or edible flowers. Slice and fan out wedges on a platter, or serve as pull-apart bread for a more laid-back vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow resist eating every bite, store leftover Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day, or pop it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors mellow and deepen, making next-day slices the perfect snack.

Freezing

Yes, this wreath freezes beautifully! Wrap slices or the whole cooled wreath tightly in plastic wrap then foil, and freeze for up to two months. When cravings strike, simply thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To refresh the flavor and texture, rewarm individual slices or larger pieces in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 8–10 minutes, or until just warmed through. You can microwave it for a quick fix, but the oven keeps the crust gorgeously crisp and the inside soft.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! After kneading, chill the dough in the fridge overnight for an easy next-day bake. Cold dough is easier to handle when shaping your Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath, so this is a great make-ahead option for busy bakers or special occasions.

What’s the best way to get a vibrant green pesto?

Use super fresh basil and add the olive oil slowly while blending—this helps lock in the color. If you want extra vibrancy, toss in a handful of baby spinach or parsley with the basil for a greener, milder pesto.

Can I use different nuts for the pesto?

Definitely! If macadamias aren’t your thing or not available, try cashews, pine nuts, or even walnuts. Each bring their own unique character to your Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath while still keeping things creamy and delicious.

How do I make sure my wreath holds its shape?

Braid the dough snugly, but not too tightly, and give it a second rise after shaping. If your dough feels soft, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes before braiding—it’ll be much easier to handle and hold its festive ring.

Can I make this gluten-free?

With the right gluten-free flour blend designed for yeasted breads, you can experiment here! Add a little xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it. Expect a slightly different texture, but the fantastic pesto flavor is all there.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your friends, family, or just treat yourself, go for this Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath. It’s a true delight—fun to make, stunning to serve, and absolutely delicious with every bite. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new holiday or weekend tradition at your home!

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