Easy Parmesan Bread Wreath

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Ingredients:

1 loaf frozen bread dough
2 tbsp. melted butter, divided
finely minced garlic or small amount of garlic powder, optional
1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese, divided
3/4 teaspoon dried leaf basil, crumbled, or use mixed Italian herbs or rosemary

Preparation:

Brush frozen bread loaf with 1 tablespoon butter. Cover with a clean cloth and thaw at room temperature 2 or 3 hours, or thaw in refrigerator for 6 to 10 hours. Sprinkle loaf with 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese; knead until well blended. Cut dough into thirds. On lightly floured surface roll each third in a 25 inch rope. Braid ropes together. Invert a custard cup or small jar on greased baking sheet; grease cup or jar. Shape braid into wreath around cup or jar; pinch ends together to seal. At this point, if desired, add a small amount of finely minced garlic or a little garlic powder to the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Brush with remaining 1 tablespoon butter; sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon cheese and the basil. Let rise in warm draft free place (I turn the oven on warm then turn it off and let it rise in there) 35 to 45 minutes until doubled. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven 20 minutes or until golden and done. Remove to rack to cool.
Makes 1 bread wreath, about 16 slices.