Sure to delight and impress Thanksgiving guests, is transforming dough into a bread cornucopia or edible pumpkin-shape dinner rolls!
For this month’s Craft Blog Hop, I’m sharing how to form bread, roll or pizza dough into fun fall food displays.
It’s surprising fast and easy to do too!
These aren’t recipes, but just shaping and molding packaged dough into iconic Thanksgiving symbols, like a horn of plenty or pumpkin.
And, you don’t have to be a gourmet chef or talented crafter to assemble an impressive bread cornucopia or twist dough into a mini pumpkin!
Let me show you how I did it — even in the midst of preparing a Thanksgiving feast.
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Bounty of Seasonal Crafts
Welcome to those coming from Jemma’s and her beautiful fresh magnolia wreath. Bee sure to check out all 15 seasonal craft projects at the end of this post.
Last year, we hosted 16 family members for Thanksgiving. They came by car and plane from six different cities. We had a houseful of overnight guests, with the overflow in a nearby hotel.
Activities and meals were planned from Wednesday through Sunday; including and a bowling tournament and awards dinner at a local restaurant.
Wanting to make it an extra special occasion, I pulled out all the stops! To personalize the settings at three different tables, I crafted DIY Thanksgiving Table Family Photo Place Cards.
Easy to Make Fall Decor: Sweater Pumpkins were incorporated into centerpieces. See them on the Pumpkin Patch Table for Thanksgiving Brunch.
On the dinner tables, the pumpkins also served as take-home guest favors. I’ll be sharing the trio of different settings on November 3rd as part of the Thanksgiving Tablescape Blog Hop.
Serving the feast buffet-style from the kitchen island, I also wanted to festively display and present the food itself.
Juggling Time & Oven Space
My first bread cornucopia was a basic design. Pressed for time — and with only one oven to prepare the entire feast (in addition to two slow cookers, microwave and five-burner cooktop) — I opted to keep it simple.
On that Wednesday afternoon, I waited until hubby’s three pumpkin pies were baked and cooling. While he doesn’t fuss over crust edging and decorative details, is more than made up for in a flaky crust, sooth texture and delicious taste!
A search online for “bread cornucopia” generates multiple images and tutorial options. Some are far more magazine-worthy, pinable photographs than my basic style. They are elaborate designs, with braiding or festive embellishments. Most challenging and time-consuming are those with strips of dough weaved to resemble a basket.
Well, I didn’t have time for that — especially on a first attempt. And, there was still Wednesday’s dinner to prepare for seven with more family arriving on different flights late that evening.
By sharing the most basic form, my hope is to show how fast and easy it is to craft a bread cornucopia — and inspire you to create your own. All it takes is a little pre-planning.
In fairness, it also helped that I had a lot of help from family who pitched in with meals and cleanup. That included my mom, who flew in the weekend before Thanksgiving to attend her sister’s lovely wedding in Pittsburgh.
How to Make a Bread Cornucopia
The directions I most closely followed was Allrecipes Cornucopia Recipe. Allow about an hour and a half to make a bread cornucopia from start to finish. Half that time is baking in the oven.
Supplies
Other than the packaged dough, you probably already have everything else you need in your kitchen.
- Heavy-duty foilÂ
- Ruler
- Clear tape
- Bread, roll or pizza dough (# of packages depends on type of dough, size and detailing of cornucopia)
- Egg
- Water
- Rolling pin
- Knife and/or pizza wheel cutter
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Cookie sheet
- Cooling rack
Tip: When using frozen dough, remember to allow about 20 minutes for it to thaw first.Â
Step 1: Mold Foil Form
Start by shaping sheets of foil into the form of a cornucopia. First, tear off about a 30″ x 18″ sheet of aluminum foil. Double the thickness by then folding it in half.
To form a hollow cone, roll the foil sheet diagonally. You need about a 5″ diameter at the open end of the cone. Next, seal the seam with clear tape on what will be the underside of the bread cornucopia.
Now you’re ready to stuff the cone full with crumpled foil. Finally, bend and curve the tail of the cone up, into the shape of a comma.
Tip: Creating the cone form can be done days or even weeks in advance, and put aside until you’re ready to assemble and bake the bread cornucopia.Â
Step 2: Cut, Shape & Glaze Dough
Liberally spray the outside of the foil cone with non-stick cooking spray. Don’t forget the underside! While preheating the oven to 350 degrees, place the cone on a cookie sheet.
Beat the egg with water to make a glaze to brown the bread. It also serves as a sort of glue to keep the strips of dough from separating.
Now, open and unroll the first package of dough. If using multiple packages, keep each in the frig until you are ready to work with it.
Here’s where I differed from the directions. I couldn’t find three packages of breadstick dough during a big grocery shopping trip. Instead, I bought two store brand pizza doughs. Then, I used a pizza wheel cutter to cut the dough into about 1″ wide strips.
Tip: If planning for an edible bread cornucopia, you probably should use bread or roll dough.
Begin by wrapping one strip around the curved tip of the foil cone. As you add each subsequent strip of dough, brush the end with egg wash. Then, slightly overlap the pieces of dough together, pressing to attach the two ends. Remember to wrap all the way around the foil cone, including the underside. Continue wrapping the dough strips until you’ve covered the form.
This is the point where you could add more dough embellishments; like braiding or cookie cutter leaves. When you’ve finished, brush the egg wash over the bread cornucopia — but not the bottom, or it will stick to the cookie sheet.
Tip: Allow about 45 minutes to complete the first two steps.
Step 3 & 4: Bake & Remove Foil Form
Bake the bread cornucopia for about 45 minutes. The bread should be a rich brown color. Check it a couple of times to make sure it doesn’t get too dark. If so, cover with foil until it’s finished baking.
Remove the baked bread from the oven and first cool on the cookie sheet. While it’s still warm, remove the bread from the cookie sheet and let it finishing cooling on a wire rack.
Tip: You can craft and bake the cornucopia up to about a week ahead of time. Freeze it with the foil still in place for support. Wait until the bread is completely thawed before removing the foil.
Once cool, remove the foil from the interior of the bread cornucopia.
Tip: The cool cornucopia can also be sprayed with shellac or clear enamel (inside and out) to preserve and reuse it for a longer period. However, it will be inedible.Â
Multi-Purpose Server
My bread cornucopia did double-duty on Thanksgiving as both a cracker and bread basket.
To allow time for out-of-town family to travel to Pittsburgh, we don’t eat Thanksgiving dinner until about six. From around 2-4:30 PM, I put out snacks, appetizers and beverages.
This year, my sister-in-law prepared, traveled and put out a gorgeous spread of delectable treats on my antique wallpaper table. We decided to use the crafted cornucopia as a cracker basket.
It would also work well as part of a fruit and cheese or crudité platter. Another option would be to incorporate it into a display of fall non-edibles; like Indian corn, gourds, and pinecones.
But for Thanksgiving dinner, I elected to fill the horn of plenty with pumpkin-shape dinner rolls.
Make Pumpkin-Shape Rolls
With everything else on my plate (unintentional pun lol!), I once again chose a simple approach to making pumpkin-shape dinner rolls. That meant using packaged, Pillsbury crescent roll dough. No recipe required!
Aren’t they cute?
Step 1: Rollout Dough & Cut Into Strips
First, open and unroll the dough on a floured surface. Eliminate the pre-marked seams of the rolls by pressing the dotted lines together with your fingertips. Then smooth out the dough with a rolling pin.
Next, cut the dough into one-inch by foot-long strips, and roll each into a rope.
To shape the rolls into a pumpkin is a bit tricky, but takes just a few tries to get the hang of. Basically, it’s a matter of knotting and looping the dough.
Step 2: Loop & Wrap Tails
First create a small loop in the rope, with a long and short tail end (see above). Take the long tail and wrap it in and around the loop several times.
Then wrap the short tail around the loop once, tucking it through the center. Pinch both of the ends together, on the bottom side of the roll.
Step 3: Insert Pecan Stem & Bake
Finally, insert a sliced pecan into the center of each roll, pressing so the nut touches the cookie sheet. Bake as directed on the package. Yield is about the same as the number of crescent rolls per container.
Tip: Check about halfway through baking to see if the pecan stems need repositioned.
I discovered the shaping method on Flour Arrangements Pumpkin Dinner Rolls. But, rather than make pumpkin-flavor dough from scratch, I “cheated” with ready-made. Go there for fully illustrated instructions, if mine left you scratching your head lol!
I put together the 36 pumpkin shape rolls while the bread cornucopia was baking. After they cooled, Mom and I placed the rolls in an airtight container overnight. Although served at room temperature, the rolls were still nice and fresh for Thanksgiving dinner — and leftovers on Saturday.
See Thanksgiving Table Setting: When Three’s a Charm for more holiday entertaining ideas.
Horn of Plenty
Even if your aren’t hosting Thanksgiving dinner, you might want to consider making a bread cornucopia or pumpkin shaped rolls. Perhaps as a hostess gift or as your contribution to the feast? As mentioned earlier, the cornucopia could also be part of a beautiful fruit and cheese or cruditĂ© platter.
Giant grapevine cornucopia that is part of my fall decor and several past Thanksgiving tablescapes.
You might then have the extra time to weave the dough, or add braiding and other more elaborate detailing. That’s what I plan to do the next time I make a bread cornucopia. And, I will also spray it with a protective coating to see if it lasts for more than one season.
How about you? Game to give either or both bread crafts a try this year?
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Thanks to Andrea of Design Morsels for organizing this monthly craft hop! Next up is Liberty of B4 and Afters and her white pumpkin centerpiece.
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I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Turn About Tuesday, Centerpiece Wednesday, Whimsical Home Projects, In Link Party, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Crafty Creators, Fabulous Friday, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
Debbee, What a bounty of Thanksgiving goodness and wonderful hostess you are! I loved seeing all the family faces, especially lined up as little pilgrims in your tub! Would you bee-lieve that I actually made a bread cornucopia back in the 90s for a party to serve rolls? I had seen the recipe in Southern Living Magazine but your directions are much more clear. I made and kept my cornucopia wrapped in plastic wrap and foil in my cold garage for a week prior to my party. Your crescent roll pumpkins are adorable too! Pinned to my ‘Our Daily Bread’ board! Happy to be hopping with you again! ♥
Oh Mary, I am not surprised at all! Before there was Pinterest, SL was my go-too for inspiration and ideas. But, I missed the cornucopia back then. Takes for sharing your tip on making it ahead. Those pilgrims are actually onboard a toy Mayflower I picked up on a post-holiday clearance from Pottery Barn — years after my sons were grown lol! The other half of the family were represented as American Indians.
That is so amazing and creative to use packaged dough, Debbee! You go, girl! Your cornucopia and pumpkins look awesome!
Gee thanks Gail! It was fun to do and so much easier than I anticipated.
Creative, beautiful and inspiring!
Lovely of you to say Rhonda — thanks! I hope you consider giving it a try.
Debbee, I’ve never seen such a thing!! What a very creative idea! I am pinning this!
That’s what I love about blog hops and linkup parties, so much amazing creative energy shared!
Debbee, the cornucopia bread is a work of art. And I love all the little pumpkins that our pouring out ot it. So much fun! What a nice hostess you are to plan such a lovely dinner and activities for your family. Creating memories like yours will always be remembered.
Hugs, RR
A very generous compliment Rachelle, thank you! But, if you look online, believe me you’ll see a number of much more elaborate bread cornucopias. I’m so glad we hosted the family gathering last year, as it looks like we may only see our sons (fingers crossed!) this Thanksgiving. Because of the pandemic, we didn’t see anyone else (including my mom) until August! Some we still haven’t seen in person. Hoping next year can be a grand reunion and celebration.
Fabulous Debbee! That is one giant cornucopia! I love that you used it twice, once for appetizers and then on the main buffet spilling forth those adorable pumpkin rolls! What a wonderful gathering you had, their is nothing more special than a large family gathering, and you made it even more special with your wonderful foods and presentation. Thanks for sharing with us!
If you think it’s giant, you should see the huge grapevine cornucopia that goes on my grand piano in the fall (see Thanksgiving Horn of Plenty Table). It was a joy to host last year, and the team bowling tournament was a blast! I gave out all kinds of silly prizes. So happy to have those memories to carry through what is likely to be a very limited gathering this year.
Wow Debbee – you really pull out all the stops. This is SO impressive. What a wonderful way to share and celebrate the holiday :).
I always plan parties well in advance, which is also part of the fun for me. Crafting the sweater pumpkins and photo place cards started in September. Hoping our family can lean into the happy memories for what will likely be a Zoom Thanksgiving this year.
Debbee what a wonderful idea!! I am going to do this for my family. You have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Terrie, I’m so glad to hear that! I know you’ll turn yours into a work of art I’d love to see.
Wow that is something! How long do you think it would last if you sprayed it? That’s an amazing centerpiece and serving piece all in one. Thanks for joining in the hop.
I did read they could last for several Thanksgivings if stored in a sealed container in a cool, dark place. Appreciate you co-hosting, as always Andrea!
Looks delicious! This is so very cute friend, love it! Thanks for sharing and wonderful hopping with you.
Well, since I used pizza dough, we didn’t actually taste or eat the bread cornucopia, but the rolls were a hit (I made 2 per person and they all but disappeared).
Bravo, this is amazing and looks too pretty to eat Very neat using to hold crackers too. It sounded like a fantastic time with the different events.
Thanks so much Cindy. I think it probably works best for display/serving. Next time I made one I’d think it’d be really pretty as part of a fruit and cheese platter. We had the best time! The 3-person team bowling tournament was a riot in particular. Part of the competition was to see who had the funniest pair of socks.
We are having two kids with their families here for Thanksgiving this year and I am always searching for ideas to make the meal presentation extra special, so thank you for sharing this wonderful and beautiful cornucopia, I positively adore it. I will be pinning and also returning so that I can follow your wonderful instructions too.
So fun to hop with you!
Jemma
I’m delighted you’re planning to make the pumpkin shape rolls Jemma! Maybe youngsters could help out too? I shared your magnolia wreath with my elderly mom this morning, and she is going to make one for my niece as a surprise for her new home. My sister has 2 magnolia trees in her yard she can use.
Wow Debbee! I think you are the first in our group to create an edible craft! This is such a festive and practical idea. It will only be my husband, daughter and MIL for dinner this year, and I’m definitely going to make the pumpkin rolls! Thanks for sharing this great idea and tutorial. It’s always fun to hop with you!
I was a bit worried the group might not think of it as a craft. But, lots of the crafts my kids made when they were in nursery and elementary school were food based and edible. Perhaps your daughter could help shaping the rolls? I sure hope this pandemic doesn’t derail our plan to go to our son’s new home in Philadelphia for Thanksgiving. Our oldest son and his girl are also suppose to come from NYC. I’ll be crushed if it’s just hubby and I at home. Besides, my son is getting a puppy rescue next weekend I am so anxious to meet and cuddle with!
Debbee, I have seen these, but never tried to tackle one! You did such an amazing job with it and how cute the little pumpkin rolls are! I am so melancholy over the big houseful of guests, we certainly won’t be able to do that this year, will we? Regardless, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving again this year.
Very clever, Debbee! Great presentation.
Thanks Rita, hope you are doing well. We are hoping to head to Philly this year for a small celebration with our sons.
Debbee, I love this idea for a Thanksgiving feast. I’m sure all your family loved it. It’s wonderful that so many were able to gather last year.
Thanks Carol. Thinking down the road it might be a nice project to make with grandkids so they can help prepare the feast.
What a fabulous post! Such fun and joy, plus gave me many sparks of ideas to make this Thanksgiving better. Thank you so much.
Mary, your comment made my day!
What an impressive display! If we were having a feast with family this year I’d definitely make both of these. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm! Pinned! xo Kathleen
Thanks Kathleen! For most of us Thanksgiving is likely to be understated this year. The nice thing about the pumpkin shape crescent rolls, is all you need is small package.
What a great idea, this looks so amazing! Pinned. Thank you for sharing at Charming Homes and Gardens.
Thanks Kim! Lots of bang for the buck in terms of effort/time to make either.
These are both delightful! We’re going to have to try making pumpkin rolls this year. My kids prefer the crescent rolls to anything I make anyway. Pinned.
Making the rolls would be fun and easy with your guys Joanne! We’ll be making them again this year, even for our much smaller gathering.
Love the idea of the pumpkin rolls. While Thanksgiving won’t be celebrated with family this year, I’ve pinned for when we can all get together again.
Karen, I hope you are still able to have a festive holiday this year, with many reasons to be thankful. Our Thanksgiving will also be far more intimate.
What a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner you all had last year, Debbee!!! I love these recipes and I just might make a small version. It’d be fun to make the cornucopia and who doesn’t love crescent rolls??! Happy to feature your post at Share Your Style #280 this evening. <3 Barb 🙂
It was a joyous, memorable 4-days of family fun. If you’re looking for something for a smaller gathering, those rolls can’t be beat. They are likely to become a part of our family tradition, right alongside great grandmother’s cranberry relish, and mom’s sausage stuffing. Thanks so much for the feature Barb!
Beautiful bread cornucopia and I love those cute pumpkin rolls. Thanks for sharing it at Happiness Is Homemade, I will be featuring you on Happiness Is Homemade 348. Stay safe and well! Mel
What a lovely compliment to be one of your features this week Mel. Hope you and other will give the shaped breads a try. The rolls make out of packaged crescent dough works great for gatherings large and small. Have a most happy and healthy holiday!
I simply love your bread cornucopia. I would love to eat at your place. Thank you for sharing.
Aww thanks Rebecca. It would be nice to gather together in person.
Wow – that cornucopia is the coolest thing Debbee!! I’m so going to try that, and the pumpkin rolls too! Thanks for the fabulous and creative inspiration!
I’m delighted to hear you are going to make your own Barbara! Please do share how yours turns out. Have a most happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
I love that cornucopia! Thank you for sharing at Party In Your PJ’s.
This is a work of art! And not one, but multiple little pieces. Reminds me of something I would see on The Great British Baking Show. This was the most clicked from last week’s party, and you’ll find it featured at this week’s Snickerdoodle Create Bake Make party 🙂
What a generous compliment Alexandra, thank you! Not sure it’s a work of “art”, as the bread crafts are relatively quick and easy to do. Next time I make a cornucopia, I plan to allow more time to embellish it with braiding, leaves and vines.