This baguette wedding band is a stunning, savory centerpiece that looks like a beautiful edible wreath, made by arranging sliced baguette in a ring and baking it with garlic butter, herbs, and cheese. It’s perfect for parties, bridal showers, or any gathering where you want a shareable, pull-apart bread that’s both impressive and easy to serve. The crispy edges, soft center, and rich, savory topping make it an irresistible appetizer that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 large baguette (about 24 inches / 60 cm long, or 2 smaller baguettes)
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (5 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) black pepper
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (115 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thick slices, but do not cut all the way through—leave the bottom crust intact so the slices stay connected. If using two smaller baguettes, cut them the same way.
- Gently spread the garlic butter mixture between each slice, making sure to coat both sides of each cut. You can use a small spatula or your fingers.
- In a separate bowl, mix the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses together.
- Stuff a small amount of the cheese mixture between each slice, pressing lightly so it sticks to the butter.
- Shape the baguette into a ring on the prepared baking sheet, curving it gently and bringing the ends together to form a circle. If using two baguettes, arrange them in a circle, connecting the ends.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Let the ring rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm, pulling slices apart.
Tips
- Bread choice: Use a fresh, crusty baguette. A day-old baguette works too, but it may be slightly drier; you can sprinkle a little water on the cut sides before adding the butter.
- Cutting: To keep the baguette intact while slicing, place two chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of the loaf to prevent cutting all the way through.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the ring up to 24 hours in advance, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake directly from the fridge, adding 5 minutes to the baking time.
- Cheese variations: Feel free to substitute Gruyère, cheddar, or fontina for the mozzarella. Smoked cheese adds a nice depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baguette wedding band as a stunning centerpiece at a party, bridal shower, or holiday gathering. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, or a charcuterie board. For a brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs and fruit. It’s also wonderful with a glass of white wine or a light cocktail.
Variations
- Herb and olive: Add 1/4 cup (40 g) chopped Kalamata olives and 1 teaspoon dried oregano to the butter mixture.
- Spicy pepperoni: Add 1/2 cup (50 g) chopped pepperoni and a pinch of cayenne to the cheese mixture.
- Pesto version: Replace the garlic butter with 1/2 cup (120 ml) basil pesto, and use a blend of mozzarella and provolone.
- Sweet version: For a dessert ring, skip the garlic and cheese, and spread the baguette with cinnamon sugar butter, then bake and drizzle with honey.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ring on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds, but they will be less crispy. Freeze the assembled (unbaked) ring for up to 2 months, then bake from frozen, adding 10 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, you can use a sourdough loaf or even a round artisan bread. Just adjust the slicing method to create a ring shape, or arrange slices in a circle on the baking sheet.
Why is my bread not crispy? If the bread is too soft, it may not crisp up. Bake it a few minutes longer, or place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Can I make this vegan? Absolutely. Use vegan butter, vegan Parmesan, and vegan mozzarella. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning? If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover the ring loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until the bread is golden.
Can I prepare this without the lemon zest? Yes, lemon zest adds a bright note, but you can omit it or substitute with a teaspoon of lemon juice mixed into the butter.
What if my baguette is too long for the baking sheet? You can shape the ring to fit your sheet by curving it more tightly, or cut the baguette into two pieces and arrange them in a circle, connecting the ends.
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