Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday table, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Its gooey mozzarella-filled center, golden-brown crust, and aromatic herb butter topping create a treat that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for sharing, this festive bread is an excellent way to bring family and friends together during the most wonderful time of the year.
Ingredients Overview
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of high-quality ingredients. The canned pizza dough provides a soft and chewy base, while mozzarella cheese sticks create a creamy, melted core in every bite. Fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, and basil bring a fragrant, earthy flavor that complements the garlic and parmesan cheese.
For those who enjoy customizing their recipes, consider substituting the mozzarella sticks with cubes of cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the butter-herb mixture for a spicy twist. The versatility of this recipe ensures it can be tailored to suit any palate.
Step-by-Step Preparation
To achieve perfection, careful preparation is key. Each step ensures the bread turns out not just delicious but visually appealing as well.
Prepping Your Workspace
Start by setting the stage for success. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the dough balls won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. A well-prepped workspace helps you move seamlessly through the recipe.
Crafting the Dough Balls
Cut the pizza dough into 30 even squares, ensuring consistency for uniform baking. Slice the mozzarella sticks into 1-inch pieces and wrap each piece in a square of dough. Pinch the edges securely to seal in the cheese, then roll gently in your hands to form a smooth ball. This step ensures a flawless presentation and prevents cheese leakage during baking.
Arranging the Tree Shape
Now comes the fun part—assembling the dough balls into a festive Christmas tree shape. Start with a single dough ball at the top and work your way down, adding rows to create a tree-like structure. Keep the balls close enough to touch, which helps them bake together as a cohesive pull-apart bread.
Egg Wash Application
A golden finish is achieved with a simple egg wash. Whisk the egg with water until smooth and brush each dough ball lightly. This not only adds a beautiful sheen but also enhances the crust’s texture.
Baking and Finishing Touches
Patience is rewarded when the aroma of freshly baked bread fills your kitchen. Bake the dough balls for 16-18 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
While the bread bakes, prepare the butter-herb mixture. Melt the butter in the microwave, then mix in half the grated parmesan, garlic, parsley, rosemary, and basil. This mixture transforms the bread into a flavorful masterpiece.
Once the bread is out of the oven, immediately brush the warm rolls with the butter-herb mixture. The heat allows the flavors to seep into the dough, enhancing each bite. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan over the top for a cheesy finish that no one can resist.
Recipe Tips
Tricks for preventing the cheese from leaking out during baking:
Ensure the edges of the dough are tightly sealed around the cheese, and place the seam side down on the baking sheet.
Alternative shapes for the dough balls if not making a tree:
Arrange the balls in a wreath shape or a simple circle for other festive presentations.
Storage and reheating tips for leftovers:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain the crispness of the crust.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Dipping sauces elevate this bread from great to extraordinary. Marinara offers a tangy contrast, while pesto adds a nutty, herbaceous flavor. For an extra indulgent option, serve with warm garlic butter.
Pair this bread with a fresh arugula salad, a hearty bowl of tomato soup, or a holiday-themed charcuterie board. These combinations create a well-rounded meal that balances richness with freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time? Yes, assemble the dough balls up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Add the egg wash just before baking.
What other types of cheese work well in this recipe? Cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack are excellent alternatives to mozzarella for a unique flavor.
How can I adapt this recipe for a larger crowd? Double the ingredients and arrange the dough balls on two baking sheets. Adjust the baking time slightly if necessary.
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience that brings people together. Its irresistible combination of melty cheese, buttery herbs, and fluffy bread makes it a must-have for any festive occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe guarantees smiles all around. Let this bread be the star of your next celebration, and don’t hesitate to add your personal touch to make it uniquely yours.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 clove garlic, finely grated
6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
1 jar marinara and/or pesto for dipping
13-ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1/2 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
Parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Divide the pizza dough into 30 roughly equal-sized squares. Next, slice the mozzarella cheese sticks into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 inch in length.
Place one piece of mozzarella in the center of each dough square. Gently fold the edges around the cheese, pinching to seal, and roll the dough into smooth balls. Position the dough balls seam-side down on the lined baking sheet, arranging them to form a Christmas tree shape. Ensure the balls are close enough to touch for a cohesive tree structure.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat each dough ball. This will help achieve a golden-brown finish.
Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the bread balls puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown.
While the bread bakes, melt the butter in the microwave, then stir in half of the grated parmesan, the grated garlic, and all the fresh herbs. Once the bread is out of the oven, generously brush the warm rolls with the buttery herb mixture, ensuring each piece is coated.
Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese evenly over the bread for a cheesy finish. Serve immediately with marinara and/or pesto on the side for dipping.
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 clove garlic finely grated
- 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 jar marinara and/or pesto for dipping
- 13- ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
- 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese divided
- Parchment paper for lining baking sheet
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Divide the pizza dough into 30 roughly equal-sized squares. Next, slice the mozzarella cheese sticks into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 inch in length.
- Place one piece of mozzarella in the center of each dough square. Gently fold the edges around the cheese, pinching to seal, and roll the dough into smooth balls. Position the dough balls seam-side down on the lined baking sheet, arranging them to form a Christmas tree shape. Ensure the balls are close enough to touch for a cohesive tree structure.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat each dough ball. This will help achieve a golden-brown finish.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the bread balls puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown.
- While the bread bakes, melt the butter in the microwave, then stir in half of the grated parmesan, the grated garlic, and all the fresh herbs. Once the bread is out of the oven, generously brush the warm rolls with the buttery herb mixture, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese evenly over the bread for a cheesy finish. Serve immediately with marinara and/or pesto on the side for dipping.