1-First Step: Prepare the Dough To prepare the dough, combine 4 3/4 cups flour, 2 packets yeast, and 1 teaspoon salt in a stand mixer bowl. Add 1 cup warm milk, 2/3 cup warm heavy cream, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons cultured butter, then mix with a dough hook until incorporated, about 4-5 minutes.

If the dough is sticky, add more flour as needed. Cover and let it sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This resting time helps the dough develop flavor and makes it easier to work with later.

2-Second Step: Make the Garlic Butter For the garlic butter, mix 1 stick (8 tablespoons) cultured butter with 2-3 cloves grated garlic, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage or oregano, and a pinch of flaky sea salt in a bowl. This mixture adds the signature garlic herb flavor that ties everything together.

3-Third Step: Shape and Bake Divide the dough into four equal parts, roll each into rectangles, spread the garlic butter mixture over them, cut into strips and squares, stack the squares, and arrange them vertically in a buttered tube pan with gaps between them. Cover and let rise until nearly at the top of the pan, about 1 hour. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown.

Let the bread rest for 5 minutes, then remove from the pan and brush with melted cultured butter, sprinkling flaky sea salt and fresh thyme on top. The total preparation time is about 2 hours and 10 minutes, including prep, rising, and cooking.

4-First Step: Mise en place and oven prep. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather ingredients: dough, shredded cheeses, butter, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and any add-ins. If using frozen or chilled dough, let it rest at room temperature for 10 15 minutes to become pliable.

5-Second Step: Make the garlic herb glaze. In a small bowl, combine 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 3 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until homogenous and reserve some for later.

6-Third Step: Prepare and fill the dough. Roll or stretch the dough into a rough circle and cut into segments. Layer cheeses and fillings between them for the cheesy pull-apart effect.

7-Fourth Step: Shape the wreath. Stack and arrange the segments in a pan, brush with glaze, and let rise if needed.

8-Fifth Step: Proof briefly and score. Let rest for texture improvement.

9-Sixth Step: Bake until golden and bubbling.

10-Seventh Step: Finish and serve warm. For more details, check out this baked ziti recipe for complementary ideas on cheesy bakes.