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
Units
Scale
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
