Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Presentation: The Christmas tree shape adds a fun and decorative touch to your holiday table.
- Easy Preparation: Utilizing refrigerated pizza dough streamlines the process, making it accessible even for novice cooks.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of warm bread, melted cheese, and garlic butter is universally appealing, ensuring it will be a hit among guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Refrigerated pizza dough
- Mozzarella cheese sticks
- Egg
- Butter
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh basil
- Garlic clove
- Marinara or pesto sauce (for dipping)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into approximately 30 equal squares.
- Add Cheese: Cut mozzarella cheese sticks into 1-inch pieces. Place a piece of cheese on each dough square.
- Form Balls: Wrap the dough around the cheese, pinching the edges to seal, forming a ball.
- Assemble Tree: Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree, ensuring they are touching.
- Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and a tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture lightly over the dough balls.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: While baking, melt the butter and mix in half of the grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and chopped herbs.
- Add Topping: Once baked, brush the herb-garlic butter over the warm bread and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Serve warm with marinara or pesto sauce for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 15
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Options: Substitute mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Butter: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano to suit your taste.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or spicy sriracha mayo.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
FAQs
How can I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?
Ensure that each dough ball is tightly sealed by pinching the edges together firmly to encase the cheese completely.
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?
Yes, homemade pizza dough can be used; just ensure it’s rolled out to a similar thickness as store-bought dough for even baking.
What other shapes can I make with this recipe?
You can arrange the dough balls into various festive shapes, such as a wreath or a star, to suit different occasions.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Using gluten-free pizza dough and verifying that all other ingredients are gluten-free can adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Can I prepare the dough balls in advance and bake them later?
Yes, assemble the cheese-filled dough balls, place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I keep the bread warm if serving at a party?
Keep the bread warm by placing it on a warming tray or serving it straight from the oven; alternatively, cover it with foil to retain heat.
What can I use as a substitute for egg wash?
A mixture of milk or cream can be used as an alternative to egg wash to achieve a golden-brown crust.
Can I add fillings other than cheese?
Yes, consider adding fillings like cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or pepperoni slices for variety.
How do I prevent the bottom of the bread from becoming too brown?
Using parchment paper and placing the baking sheet in the center of the oven can help ensure even baking and prevent over-browning.
Is it necessary to use fresh herbs, or can dried herbs suffice?
While fresh herbs provide
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
- Total Time: 26-28 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is the ultimate festive appetizer featuring garlicky, buttery pull-apart bread stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese. Shaped like a Christmas tree, it’s a show-stopping holiday dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pizza dough
- Mozzarella cheese sticks (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 3 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
- Marinara or pesto sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut into 30 squares.
- Place a piece of mozzarella in the center of each square and wrap the dough around it, sealing edges tightly.
- Arrange the dough balls seam-side down in the shape of a Christmas tree on the baking sheet.
- Brush the dough balls with egg wash and bake for 16-18 minutes until golden.
- While baking, prepare garlic butter by mixing melted butter with half the Parmesan, minced garlic, and chopped herbs.
- Brush garlic butter over the baked bread and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
- Serve warm with marinara or pesto dipping sauce.
Notes
- For variations, substitute mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack.
- Experiment with different herbs in the garlic butter.
- Make in advance by assembling the dough balls and refrigerating them for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
