Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath

Name: Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 cups (40g) packed basil leaves (substitutable with other greens); ¼ cup (35g) Australian macadamias; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to taste); 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (to taste); 1-2 cloves garlic (to taste); ½ teaspoon salt (to taste); ¼ – ½ cup (65g-125g) extra virgin olive oil; 2 ½ – 3 cups (315 – 375g) all-purpose or bread flour; ⅔ cup (165g) warm dairy-free milk; ½ cup (115g) vegan butter (room temperature); 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon (10g) instant dry yeast; 1 tablespoon dried herbs (e.g., oregano, basil, rosemary); Pinch of salt (if not using salted butter); Melted vegan butter for brushing; Whole and crushed macadamia nuts for topping; Cherry tomatoes for decoration

By:

Thomas

Published:

October 11, 2025

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Making a Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath is like creating a little piece of art that you can eat! Imagine a beautifully braided bread that’s infused with vibrant flavors of fresh basil, creamy macadamia nuts, and just the right amount of garlic. This recipe is not only friendly to plant-based eaters, but it also woos everyone else at the table. Whether you’re hosting friends for game night or looking for something special to go with dinner, this bread wreath fits right in. Plus, it’s visually stunning! You can showcase it in the middle of your table, and it doubles as a fun conversation starter. Each bite offers a lovely blend of textures and flavors, making it an instant favorite. Are you ready to grab your apron, turn on some tunes, and create something deliciously beautiful? Let’s make that Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath together!

Why This Recipe Works

Unique and Flavorful

The blend of macadamia nuts and fresh basil crafts a creamy pesto that truly elevates this bread recipe. Unlike traditional pesto, using macadamias gives it a rich depth while maintaining that classic herbal freshness. You’ll be amazed at how this unique combination transforms your standard bread into something extraordinary!

Visual Appeal

The wreath shape is not just fun to eat but also serves as a stunning centerpiece for gatherings and special occasions. This dish not only satisfies the palate but also pleases the eyes. A bread wreath can bring a touch of festivity to any meal, making it perfect for birthdays, holidays, or casual get-togethers.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a party appetizer or a family dinner, this Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath impresses both visually and gastronomically. Its presentation alone makes it worthy of a place at your table during celebrations or simply as a comforting dish for a cozy night in.

Plant-Based Delight

As a fully vegan recipe, it caters to diverse dietary preferences without compromising on flavor. This means you can serve it up with confidence, knowing that everyone can join in the deliciousness without feeling left out.

Ingredients

2 cups (40g) packed basil leaves (substitutable with other greens)
¼ cup (35g) Australian macadamias
1 tablespoon lemon juice (to taste)
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (to taste)
1-2 cloves garlic (to taste)
½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
¼ – ½ cup (65g-125g) extra virgin olive oil
2 ½ – 3 cups (315 – 375g) all-purpose or bread flour
⅔ cup (165g) warm dairy-free milk
½ cup (115g) vegan butter (room temperature)
2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (10g) instant dry yeast
1 tablespoon dried herbs (e.g., oregano, basil, rosemary)
Pinch of salt (if not using salted butter)
Melted vegan butter for brushing
Whole and crushed macadamia nuts for topping
Cherry tomatoes for decoration

Make the Pesto

Toast the Macadamias

Optional: Toast the macadamias in a dry frying pan for about 5 minutes until they become fragrant. This step enhances their flavor, making your pesto even tastier.

Blend the Pesto Ingredients

Combine the basil leaves, macadamias, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic, and salt in a food processor. Blend until everything creates a nice paste.

Add Olive Oil

Drizzle in the olive oil as you blend until you reach a thick paste. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning according to your preferences. Once it’s perfect, set it aside!

Make the Dough

Combine Ingredients

In a stand mixer or large bowl, bring together the flour, dairy-free milk, vegan butter, sugar, yeast, dried herbs, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is well combined.

Knead the Dough

If you’re using a stand mixer, knead for about 5 to 10 minutes until the dough turns soft and stretchy. Kneading by hand? Use a floured surface and knead until you achieve a similar texture—it should feel nice and elastic!

Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough in a bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 2 hours. It should double in size. For a more developed flavor, let it rise overnight in the fridge (but let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping).

Assemble the Wreath

Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll your dough into a rectangle, about 60 x 20 cm (24 x 8 inches).

Spread the Pesto

Spread that beautiful pesto over two-thirds of the dough, leaving one-third bare. Get even coverage to bring out those fantastic flavors in every bite.

Braid the Strips

Fold the bare third over the pesto area, then fold the last section on top. Now you’ll cut the dough into three strips and braid them—pesto side facing up.

Form the Wreath

Bring the two ends together to create that circular shape. If needed, transfer it to parchment paper and let it rise for another hour while you preheat the oven.

Baking the Wreath

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) so it’s ready to go when your wreath is shaped.

Bake

Put the wreath in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until it turns golden brown. Press the surface gently to ensure it bounces back; that’s how you know it’s ready!

Decorating the Wreath

Brush and Garnish

Once it comes out of the oven, gently brush the warm bread with melted vegan butter for that shiny finish. Sprinkle some crushed macadamia nuts and arrange cherry tomatoes on top for extra flair. Now, slice and serve, and get ready for the praise!

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm as a stand-alone appetizer that will make mouths water.
Pair it with a fresh salad for a light, complete meal.
It’s fantastic for dipping back into some extra pesto or olive oil.

Tips for Success

Ensure your dough rises in a warm spot for the fluffiest results.
Adjust the garlic and salt levels in your pesto to match your taste.
Feel free to experiment with different nuts to find your personal favorite!

Variations

Substitute basil with spinach or arugula for a refreshing twist.
Add sun-dried tomatoes to the pesto mix for a tangy flavor boost.
Incorporate spices like paprika or chili flakes into the dough for a bit of zest.

Storage Tips

This dish is best fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day at room temperature, or up to three days in the fridge.
Reheat in the oven to bring back that crispy crust before serving later.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator.

What nuts can I use instead of macadamias?

Cashews or pine nuts make tasty substitutes in the pesto for a different flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To adapt it for gluten-free diets, simply use a gluten-free flour blend.

How do I make it more savory?

You can add more nutritional yeast, extra garlic, or your favorite spices to give it a savory kick.

Can I freeze the Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath?

Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just thaw and bake it whenever you’re ready for deliciousness.

This Vegan Pesto Bread Wreath is a stunning dish that brings flavor and presentation together, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. It caters to both plant-based diets and traditional tastes, guaranteeing everyone at the table finds something to love. Whether fresh from the oven or warmed up later, this wreath is bound to become a go-to recipe in your culinary collection. Enjoy creating and sharing this delicious masterpiece!