Name: Caramelized Onion & Gruyère Stuffed Bread Wreath
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon sugar; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 1 pound pizza dough; 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère cheese 1 egg 1 teaspoon water Optional fresh parsley or thyme sprigs for garnish

Golden, flaky, and bubbling with melty cheese, the Caramelized Onion & Gruyère Stuffed Bread Wreath is the kind of savory bake that steals the spotlight. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or craving a comforting appetizer to share, this wreath delivers with buttery pastry layers, deeply sweet onions, and the unmistakable nutty richness of Gruyère.

The aroma alone as it bakes is enough to gather everyone in the kitchen. It pulls apart effortlessly into soft, cheesy swirls—perfect for dipping into a creamy soup or enjoying on its own. This show-stopping bread looks impressive but comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients.

What Kind of Dough Should I Use?

A good quality store-bought pizza dough or homemade enriched dough both work beautifully. The key is a dough that can stretch without tearing, yet hold its shape to encase the filling. For a fluffier interior, let your dough rise slightly before shaping the wreath.

Ingredients for the Caramelized Onion & Gruyère Stuffed Bread Wreath

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 teaspoon water
Optional: fresh parsley or thyme sprigs for garnish

Caramelized Onion & Gruyère Stuffed Bread Wreath (1)

How To Make the Caramelized Onion & Gruyère Stuffed Bread Wreath

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook slowly, stirring often, until deeply golden and caramelized, about 25-30 minutes. Stir in thyme and let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 10×16 inches. Evenly spread the cooled caramelized onions over the surface, then sprinkle Gruyère cheese on top.

Step 3: Roll and Slice

Roll the dough lengthwise into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log in half lengthwise, exposing the layers. Twist the two halves together, keeping the filling side up, and form into a circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

Whisk the egg with 1 teaspoon water and brush over the dough. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Cool slightly before garnishing with fresh herbs. Serve warm, pulling apart for gooey, cheesy perfection.

Serving and Storing Your Bread Wreath

Serve the bread wreath warm right out of the oven for the best cheesy pull and aroma. It pairs beautifully with soups, hearty salads, or as part of a holiday brunch spread. Leftovers can be wrapped and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to restore crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the wreath a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving for the freshest results.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! While Gruyère offers a classic nutty flavor, you can swap in Fontina, white cheddar, or even Swiss.

What if I don’t have pizza dough?

A homemade or store-bought crescent roll dough can be a good alternative, though the texture will be slightly different.

Can I freeze it?

You can freeze the baked wreath, wrapped tightly, for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

How do I get the perfect shape?

Make sure the dough is rolled evenly and twist the halves gently. Using a springform pan as a guide can help keep the wreath round while baking.

Want More Savory Bread Ideas?

If you loved this cheesy bread wreath, you might want to check out these equally cozy creations:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board for holiday baking, brunch, or entertaining ideas.

And if you try this Caramelized Onion & Gruyère Stuffed Bread Wreath, let me know how it went in the comments! Did you try a different cheese? Add mushrooms or bacon? Tag your baking photos and share them—I love seeing your delicious spins on my recipes.

Want more daily recipe ideas and behind-the-scenes fun? Follow me on Pinterest at Nina Dishes.

Caramelized Onion & Gruyère Stuffed Bread Wreath

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 1 bread wreath (8–10 servings)
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A golden, cheesy pull-apart bread wreath filled with sweet caramelized onions and nutty Gruyère cheese. This savory bake is perfect for sharing at brunch, parties, or cozy dinners.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for 25–30 minutes until deeply caramelized, stirring frequently. Add thyme and cool.

2. Roll pizza dough on a floured surface into a 10×16 inch rectangle. Spread cooled onions evenly and sprinkle cheese on top.

3. Roll dough lengthwise into a log, then slice lengthwise to reveal layers. Twist the two halves and shape into a wreath on parchment paper.

4. Whisk egg and water. Brush the dough with egg wash.

5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

6. Cool slightly and garnish with herbs before serving.