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Braided rosemary sourdough holiday wreath on a white plate with a small bowl of olive oil
Desi

Rosemary Sourdough Holiday Wreath

A twisted wreath of rosemary and olive oil sourdough, golden and fragrant, that works as a holiday centerpiece and pull-apart bread.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rest / Ferment Time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 450 g (about 3¾ cups) bread flour
  • 300 g (1¼ cups) water, lukewarm
  • 90 g (about 6 tbsp) active sourdough starter
  • 9 g (1½ tsp) fine salt
  • 25 g (2 tbsp) olive oil, for the dough
  • 4 g (1 tbsp) fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 15 g (1 tbsp) olive oil, for brushing
  • 2 g (¼ tsp) flaky sea salt

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small oven-safe bowl or ramekin
  • Bench scraper and a pastry brush
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Kitchen scale

Method
 

  1. Whisk the starter into the lukewarm water (about 80°F) until fully dissolved, then add the flour and mix. Rest 30 minutes, then squeeze in the salt, olive oil and rosemary with wet hands.
  2. Do four sets of stretch and folds, 30 minutes apart, and bulk ferment until about 50 percent bigger, 4 to 6 hours total.
  3. Divide the dough into 2 pieces of about 440 g each and rest 10 minutes, covered.
  4. Roll each piece into a 28-inch rope with flat hands, resting the dough if it springs back.
  5. Twist the two ropes around each other and pinch the ends together tightly.
  6. Form a ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pinch the ends together so the seam disappears. Set an oiled oven-safe bowl in the center if you like.
  7. Proof for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature, or 8 to 12 hours in the fridge, until puffy.
  8. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with flaky salt, and bake 28 to 32 minutes until deep golden and the center reads about 205°F (96°C). Cool on a wire rack about 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Roll two even ropes, twist them firmly, and pinch the seam closed so it holds in the oven. Brush with olive oil just before baking, and add fresh rosemary sprigs to the platter only after baking.