Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a delightful and festive recipe perfect for holiday gatherings. This fun and flavorful twist on traditional bread brings a touch of cheer to your table. Shaped like a Christmas tree and filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, everyone will love tearing off a piece to enjoy.
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Why make this recipe
This recipe is not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make. It combines simple ingredients and takes minimal time to prepare, making it ideal for busy holiday cooking. Plus, it’s a great way to bring family and friends together as everyone can dip their pieces into marinara or pesto sauce. It’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a part of your Christmas meal.
How to make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Ingredients:
- 13 ounces canned refrigerator pizza dough
- Parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)
- 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 large egg (+ 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil (finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- 1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the dough into approximately 30 equal squares. Then, cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-size (1 inch) pieces.
- Place a piece of mozzarella in the center of each dough square. Then form a ball by rolling the dough with your hands to smooth and seal the edges.
- Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet seam side down, shaping them into a tree, so the balls are touching.
- Blend the egg and water in a small bowl and lightly brush each ball with the egg wash.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown.
- While the bread is baking, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese along with the grated garlic and herbs.
- Once the bread is done baking, brush the butter mixture onto the rolls and sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
A festive and delightful bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 13 ounces canned refrigerator pizza dough
- Parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)
- 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 large egg (+ 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil (finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- 1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the dough into approximately 30 equal squares. Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-size pieces.
- Place a piece of mozzarella in the center of each dough square. Roll the dough to form a ball, sealing the edges.
- Arrange the balls on the baking sheet seam side down, shaping them into a tree, with the balls touching.
- Blend the egg and water in a small bowl and brush each ball with the egg wash.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Melt the butter and stir in half of the parmesan cheese, grated garlic, and herbs.
- Once the bread is baked, brush the butter mixture onto the rolls and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.
Notes
Make sure to cut the dough and cheese into uniform sizes for even cooking. Experiment with different fillings and serve warm for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
How to serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Serve the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread warm right out of the oven. Place it on a festive platter and provide bowls of marinara and pesto for dipping. It’s perfect for gatherings, parties, or cozy nights at home. Guests can easily pull off a piece and enjoy the delicious cheese inside.
How to store Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day. For longer storage, place the bread in the refrigerator. To reheat, just warm it in the oven for a few minutes, so it regains its soft texture and the cheese melts nicely again.
Tips to make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
- Make sure to cut the dough and cheese into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Add extra herbs or spices to the butter mixture for added flavor.
- Experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a spicy twist.
- For a more festive touch, sprinkle some red and green toppings on the rolls before baking.
Variations
You can easily modify this recipe by using other kinds of dough, such as crescent roll dough or even adding fillings like sautéed spinach or pepperoni. This allows you to cater to different tastes, making it versatile for various gatherings.
Looking for similar vibes with a twist? Check out this Christmas Tree Focaccia.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of canned?
Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough if you prefer. Just ensure it is rolled out thinly enough to create the squares.
2. How do I reheat the bread?
You can reheat it in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
3. Can I freeze Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a delightful and simple recipe that brings joy to any holiday table. With its cheesy goodness and festive presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your holiday traditions. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a cozy night in, this bread is a must-try!
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