Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Introduction

Christmas is always a magical time in our home, and festive recipes like this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread add even more cheer to our celebrations. When I served this pull-apart bread at last year’s Christmas party, it was the star of the appetizer table. The gooey mozzarella center, buttery herby crust, and fun tree shape brought smiles to everyone’s faces. My kids especially loved helping shape the dough into the tree design—it’s a recipe that truly brings the family together!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

• Festive and Fun: Shaped like a Christmas tree, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings and visually stunning on any table.
• Cheesy Goodness: Each bite is filled with melted mozzarella cheese, making it irresistibly gooey.
• Quick and Easy: Made with refrigerated pizza dough, it’s a breeze to assemble and bake.
• Herb and Garlic Flavor: The buttery garlic and herb topping add a savory finish that’s perfect for the season.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, it’s always a hit with guests of all ages.

Ingredients

• 1 (13 oz) can refrigerated pizza dough
• 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 large egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
• 3 tbsp butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1/2 tbsp fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
• 1/2 tbsp fresh basil (finely chopped)
• 1 clove garlic (grated)
• Marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Dough and Cheese

3. Cut the pizza dough into 30 equal squares.
4. Slice the mozzarella sticks into 30 bite-sized (1-inch) pieces.

Assemble the Bread Balls

5. Place a piece of mozzarella in the center of each dough square.
6. Fold the dough around the cheese, rolling it into a smooth ball and sealing the edges.

Shape the Christmas Tree

7. Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Ensure the balls touch slightly to bake into a pull-apart design.

Egg Wash

8. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
9. Brush the tops of the dough balls lightly with the egg wash.

Bake

10. Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.

Make the Garlic Butter Topping

11. While the bread bakes, melt the butter in the microwave.
12. Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese, grated garlic, and chopped herbs.

Finish and Serve

13. Once baked, brush the bread generously with the garlic butter mixture.
14. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
15. Serve warm with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 15
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 120 kcal

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 16–18 minutes
• Total Time: 26–28 minutes

How to Serve

• As a festive centerpiece for holiday parties or family dinners.
• Accompanied by marinara sauce or pesto for dipping.
• Paired with a charcuterie board for an indulgent appetizer spread.
• Served as a side dish with pasta, soup, or salad.
• Packed in lunchboxes for a holiday-themed surprise.

Additional Tips

1. Seal the Dough Well: Make sure the edges are fully sealed around the cheese to prevent leaks during baking.
2. Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft to work with, chill it for a few minutes to make handling easier.
3. Customize the Herbs: Swap rosemary and basil for thyme or oregano, depending on your preference.
4. Add a Sprinkle of Red: Garnish with a touch of paprika or red pepper flakes for a festive pop of color and a hint of spice.
5. Prepare Ahead: Assemble the tree a few hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use homemade pizza dough?
   Absolutely! Homemade dough works beautifully if you have the time.
2. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
   Substitute with dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half for the same flavor intensity.
3. Can I use different cheeses?
   Yes, try cheddar, gouda, or even brie for a unique twist.
4. How do I store leftovers?
   Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
5. Can I reheat this?
   Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes for the best texture.
6. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
   You can freeze the unbaked dough balls filled with cheese. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
7. What dipping sauces work best?
   Marinara and pesto are classic choices, but ranch or garlic aioli are also delicious.
8. Can I make this vegan?
   Use vegan cheese and a plant-based dough, and replace the egg wash with olive oil.
9. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
   Seal the dough tightly and avoid overfilling with cheese.
10. Can I make this gluten-free?
    Use gluten-free pizza dough and double-check the ingredients for any gluten content.

Conclusion

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread combines festive charm with irresistible flavors, making it the perfect addition to any holiday gathering. Its gooey mozzarella filling, golden crust, and herby garlic butter topping are sure to delight guests of all ages. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack, this recipe is guaranteed to become a holiday tradition. Give it a try and let the Christmas magic begin!

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