Name: Cheesy Pull-Apart Dinner Roll Wreath with Tomato Garnish Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 24 frozen unbaked yeast dinner rolls, thawed; 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 24 one-inch cubes; 1 egg yolk, beaten (for brushing); 4 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste); 25 grape tomatoes (approximately, for decorating); Fresh rosemary sprigs (or thyme or sage) for garnish; Pizza sauce (optional, for dipping)

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If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a festive appetizer that feels both cozy and fun, this Cheesy Pull-Apart Dinner Roll Wreath with Tomato Garnish Recipe is your golden ticket. Imagine soft, fluffy dinner rolls stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, pulled apart effortlessly while surrounded by juicy, vibrant grape tomatoes and aromatic herbs. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any gathering, blending comforting flavors with an eye-catching presentation that invites everyone to dig in and share the joy of a warm, cheesy bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view shows a ring of 17 smooth, pale dough balls arranged closely on white parchment paper over a round baking tray, sitting on a white marbled surface. Eleven dough balls form the outer circle, with six dough balls inside it arranged tightly. Some dough balls in the inner circle are brushed with a shiny, yellow layer of egg wash, while the others remain plain pale dough. A woman's hand holds a white and red pastry brush applying egg wash to one dough ball near the center. A small white bowl, partially filled with egg wash, is placed inside the ring of dough balls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you—each component plays a crucial role in delivering the taste, texture, and colorful charm that make this dish so irresistible. From the soft yeast rolls to the fresh rosemary sprigs, every ingredient stitches this wreath together beautifully.

24 dinner rolls (frozen, unbaked yeast dinner rolls, thawed): The soft, pillowy base that will envelop the melted cheese and come apart perfectly for sharing.
8 oz mozzarella cheese (cut into 24 one-inch cubes): Melts gorgeously inside each roll, delivering that classic gooey, cheesy pull.
1 egg yolk (beaten): Creates a shiny, golden crust when brushed over the tops before baking.
25 grape tomatoes (approximately): These add bright pops of color and a juicy burst that pairs wonderfully with the cheese.
4 tablespoons butter (melted): The base for a delicious garlic herb brush that takes the flavor to another level.
2 teaspoons garlic powder: Adds a savory punch that complements the rich cheese.
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Brings fragrant herbs and depth to the butter topping.
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Balances the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste): Adds a subtle kick to round out the seasoning.
Rosemary (fresh, for garnish): Or thyme or sage, lending a beautiful, earthy aroma and a festive touch to the wreath.
Pizza sauce (optional, for dipping): Provides a tangy, rich complement if you want to amp up the flavor fun.

How to Make Cheesy Pull-Apart Dinner Roll Wreath with Tomato Garnish Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Surface

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or putting down a pizza stone—this ensures even heat and prevents sticking, crucial for that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Flatten Rolls and Stuff with Cheese

Take each thawed dinner roll and gently flatten it into a circle about 4 inches wide and half an inch thick. This creates ample room to tuck in the mozzarella. Place one cube of mozzarella in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around the cheese and pinch the bottom closed to seal in that glorious melty filling.

Step 3: Shape Your Wreath

Place a small ramekin in the center of your baking surface to anchor your wreath’s shape. Arrange eight stuffed dough balls seam side down in a circle around the ramekin, then build a second outer layer with the remaining sixteen dough balls. This layered design creates a lush, visually stunning wreath that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Tomato Decoration

Brush the tops of all the rolls with a thin coat of beaten egg yolk, which will give them a beautiful, glossy golden finish. Then, tuck the grape tomatoes in clusters around the wreath to mimic holly berries or festive ornaments, making the dish look extra special and seasonal.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Melty

Bake your wreath for 20 to 25 minutes or until the rolls turn golden brown, the mozzarella inside is melted to gooey perfection, and the grape tomatoes are juicy and nearly bursting—this is when that irresistible aroma fills your kitchen and your anticipation builds.

Step 6: Create the Garlic Herb Butter

While your wreath bakes, whisk together melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This simple mix will add a punch of flavor that highlights every bite.

Step 7: Brush and Garnish

As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the warm garlic herb butter, letting it soak in and seep into every crevice. Finish by garnishing the wreath with fresh rosemary sprigs or your herb of choice, which adds an inviting aroma and beautiful greenery.

How to Serve Cheesy Pull-Apart Dinner Roll Wreath with Tomato Garnish Recipe

The image shows a circle made of two layers of round dough balls arranged closely together on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The outer layer has 15 dough balls, and the inner layer has 10 dough balls, forming a ring around a white small bowl filled with clear liquid in the center. To the left, there are some green herbs, and at the bottom left corner, there is a white bowl filled with a yellow liquid. In the top right corner, part of a wooden bowl containing yellow and red cherry tomatoes is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh rosemary is the traditional go-to for a festive look and lovely herbal scent, but thyme or sage work beautifully too. The grape tomatoes themselves serve as natural edible decorations that look like tiny burst ornaments, inviting guests to savor the freshness alongside the soft cheese. Adding a ramekin full of pizza sauce or extra garlic butter in the middle gives a fun dipping option everyone will enjoy.

Side Dishes

This wreath stands fantastic on its own for parties but can also pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a simple bowl of marinara for those who want a saucier bite. Light vegetable soups or roasted veggies round out the meal without overpowering the rich rolls, making for a balanced, crowd-pleasing spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special holiday or party table, place the wreath on a wooden serving board decorated with sprigs of fresh herbs and scattered grape tomatoes around it. You can also tie a festive ribbon around the ramekin in the center or add colorful napkins nearby to invite sharing and enhance the visual delight of this pull-apart centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and trust me, that’s rare!), place them in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil. The Cheesy Pull-Apart Dinner Roll Wreath with Tomato Garnish Recipe keeps well for up to two days at room temperature, though the cheese might stiffen a bit when chilled.

Freezing

You can freeze the wreath before baking by shaping the rolls on parchment-lined trays, freezing until firm, then transferring to a sealed freezer bag. Bake from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This method lets you enjoy the wreath fresh any time you desire holiday cheer or a cheesy treat.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat in a 350° F oven for about 10 minutes, uncovered, until warmed through and the cheese inside is soft again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the wreath’s beautiful crust and texture.

FAQs

Can I use different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! While mozzarella gives that classic melty stretch, you can try gouda, provolone, or even a mix of cheeses for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the cheese melts well for the best texture and taste.

What’s the best way to thaw frozen dinner rolls?

Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or for a couple of hours at room temperature. You want the dough soft enough to flatten without tearing but not so warm that it becomes overly sticky.

Can I make this wreath gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free dinner rolls of similar size and texture. The process remains the same, just be sure your rolls can hold together when wrapping around the cheese cubes.

Is it possible to prepare the wreath ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the wreath a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the fridge. Pull it out to warm slightly before brushing on the egg wash and baking as directed.

What else can I serve with the pizza sauce dip?

Besides pizzas sauce, creamy ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a balsamic glaze pair wonderfully, depending on your taste preference and occasion. It’s all about complementing the rich cheese and savory herbs!

Final Thoughts

Making the Cheesy Pull-Apart Dinner Roll Wreath with Tomato Garnish Recipe is like inviting a burst of warm, comforting magic to your table. It’s fun, easy, and endlessly shareable, making it perfect for celebrations or any cozy night in. I promise once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to dishes to impress guests and delight family alike. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create a wreath worth pulling apart together!

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