The holiday season is truly magical, and what better way to add a touch of delicious whimsy than with a Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread? Perfectly golden, pillowy-soft dough pockets filled with gooey mozzarella, this delightful bread is not just a treat for the taste buds but a centerpiece that will light up your festive table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Interactive Fun: Assembling the tree is a joyous activity perfect for getting the whole family involved.
- Gooey Delight: Each little dough ball packs a melty mozzarella surprise that makes every bite a moment of cheesy bliss.
- Festive Flair: Its charming presentation as a Christmas tree makes it both an eye-catching centerpiece and a tasty appetizer.
- Endless Dipping: Pair it with marinara or pesto for added flavor dimensions that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread calls for simple yet essential ingredients that bring each flavor to life. From the tender pizza dough to the fresh herbs, every component is vital for creating this festive delight!
- 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough: The base that forms the soft, chewy foundation of our tree.
- Parchment paper: Perfect for preventing sticking and ensuring easy cleanup.
- 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks: These offer a delightful cheesy core to every bite.
- 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water: Helps provide a beautiful, glossy finish.
- 3 tablespoons melted butter: For extra richness and flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty finish that’s irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley: Brightens and freshens with its distinctive taste.
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary: Delivers a delightful earthiness.
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil: Offers a sweet, fragrant aroma that elevates the bread.
- 1 clove garlic: Essential for a burst of savory goodness.
- Jar of marinara and/or pesto: Perfect companions for dipping.
Variations
One of the best parts about making Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is how adaptable it is. Customize it with different fillings or flavors to suit any palate or dietary restriction!
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the cheese filling for some heat.
- Herb Infusion: Swap the rosemary and basil with thyme and oregano for an Italian twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough to cater to gluten sensitivities without losing flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into 30 even squares. Think of this step as laying the bricks to your delicious edible Christmas tree!
Step 2: Assemble and Bake
Take each square, place a mozzarella cheese piece inside, and seal it by forming a ball with your hands. Arrange these in the shape of a tree on the baking sheet. A light brush with the egg wash will give them a perfect golden-brown glow. Bake for about 16-18 minutes until they transform into gold-heaven bliss!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
- Uniform Cheese Bites: Cut the cheese sticks into consistent sizes for even baking and melting.
- Cooling Technique: Allow your bread to cool slightly so the cheese firms up enough to hold the bread’s shape when served.
- Flavor Boost: Brush the butter and herb mixture generously for a burst of aromatic flavors.
- Parmesan Touch: Add the remaining parmesan right after you apply the butter for that decadent, rich finish.
How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Garnishes
Give this festive dish a final touch by scattering some extra chopped herbs on top. It not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of fresh aroma.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs excellently with a fresh, crisp salad or a hearty bowl of creamy soup. It balances the richness of the bread and creates a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Place the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread on a festive platter and surround it with sparkling fairy lights or green sprigs for a more whimsical and enchanting table setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), wrap them tightly in foil and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll be good to enjoy for up to 3 days.
Freezing
To freeze your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, arrange the cooled pieces in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer bag for up to a month.
Reheating
Simply pop the bread into an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until they’re hot throughout. This helps restore the crispy exterior and soft interior without overcooking.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, like cheddar or brie, for unique flavor combinations.
-
Is it possible to make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough balls a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them right before serving for the freshest taste.
-
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease your baking sheet with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
-
How can I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Be sure to completely seal the edges of your dough around the cheese, pinching the seams tightly to secure the filling inside.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to bring the joy of Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread to your holiday celebrations. It’s a warm, cheesy, and utterly delightful addition to any table. Give it a try, and watch as it becomes a new festive favorite!
Print
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
- Total Time: 26-28 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive, savory appetizer that features tender dough balls filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection in the shape of a Christmas tree. Topped with a flavorful herb-parmesan butter, this delightful bread is perfect for holiday gatherings and pairs beautifully with marinara or pesto for dipping.
Ingredients
For the dough and filling:
- 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
- 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
For the egg wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
For the herb butter topping:
- 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
For serving:
- Marinara and/or pesto sauces for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the dough and cheese: Cut the canned pizza dough into approximately 30 evenly-sized squares. Also, cut each mozzarella stick into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the dough balls: Place one mozzarella piece onto each dough square. Gather the edges and gently roll into a ball, sealing the edges by smoothing with your hands.
- Shape into a Christmas tree: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree, ensuring they are touching and seam side down for stability.
- Apply egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Lightly brush the tops of each dough ball with the egg wash using a pastry brush or spoon.
- Bake the bread: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Prepare herb butter: While the bread bakes, microwave the melted butter until hot. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese, the grated garlic, and chopped herbs.
- Brush and garnish: Once baked, brush the hot bread with the herb butter mixture. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve immediately: Slice and serve the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread hot with marinara or pesto sauces for dipping.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes or additional herbs before baking.
- Ensure the dough pieces are sealed tightly to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking.
- This recipe can be customized with different cheeses or herbs according to preference.
- Serving this bread fresh out of the oven guarantees the best gooey cheese experience.
- Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to easily cut the mozzarella sticks into smaller pieces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
