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Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

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4 from 20 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and fun pull-apart bread perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with bite-sized mozzarella-filled dough balls arranged in a Christmas tree shape, baked until golden, and topped with a savory garlic herb butter and Parmesan cheese, this recipe offers an irresistible combination of gooey cheese and flavorful herbs. Served with marinara or pesto for dipping, it makes a delightful appetizer or party snack to share with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough and Cheese

  • 1 (13 oz) can refrigerated pizza dough
  • 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 30 pieces)

Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp water

Garlic Herb Butter Topping

  • 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

Dipping Sauces (optional)

  • Marinara sauce
  • Pesto sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Prepare Dough and Cheese: Cut the refrigerated pizza dough into 30 equal squares. Slice the mozzarella sticks into 30 bite-sized 1-inch pieces, ensuring one piece per dough square.
  3. Assemble Bread Balls: Place a piece of mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough square. Fold the dough edges over the cheese, sealing tightly, then roll each into a smooth ball to encase the cheese completely.
  4. Shape the Christmas Tree: Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape, making sure the dough balls touch each other to create a pull-apart bread effect.
  5. Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the tops of the dough balls lightly with the egg wash to promote browning and create a glossy finish.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Prepare Garlic Butter Topping: While the bread bakes, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese, the grated garlic, and the chopped fresh parsley, rosemary, and basil to infuse the butter with herb flavors.
  8. Finish and Serve: Once the bread is out of the oven, generously brush the garlic herb butter mixture over the top. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly on the bread. Serve warm alongside marinara or pesto sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Make sure to seal the dough edges well around the cheese to prevent melting cheese leaking during baking.
  • Use fresh herbs for best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if needed; reduce quantity accordingly.
  • Serving with warm marinara or pesto enhances the taste and provides a delightful dipping experience.
  • This bread is best served fresh and warm but can be reheated gently to retain softness and cheese melt.
  • Feel free to customize the cheese filling or add seasonings like garlic powder inside the dough for extra flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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Find it online: https://mamabrisrecipes.com/cheesy-christmas-tree-bread-recipe/