Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
why make this recipe
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a fun and festive dish that brings joy to holiday gatherings. It’s not just about the delicious taste; this recipe also adds a touch of creativity to your table. The fun tree shape makes it a perfect centerpiece for parties, and the gooey cheese inside is sure to please both kids and adults. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.
how to make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Ingredients :
- 13 ounce 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° then line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the dough into 30 approximately equal squares. Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized (1 inch) pieces.
- Add a piece of mozzarella to each square of dough, then form a ball by rolling it with your hands to smooth and seal the edges.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet seam side down in the shape of 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 golden brown.
- While the bread is baking, microwave the butter until melted, then stir in half of the parmesan cheese, along with all the grated garlic and herbs.
- Brush the melted butter mixture onto the rolls, then sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top.
- Serve right away with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.
how to serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is best served warm right out of the oven. You can place the tree on a large serving platter with a bowl of marinara or pesto on the side for dipping. This makes for a delightful experience as everyone tears off a piece of cheese-filled bread and dips it into the sauce.
how to store Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350° for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 15-20 seconds if you’re in a hurry.
tips to make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
- Make sure the cheese sticks are completely sealed within the dough balls to prevent them from leaking during baking.
- Feel free to add other herbs or spices that you enjoy for extra flavor.
- Experiment with different kinds of cheese, like cheddar or gouda, for a fun twist.
variation
You can customize this recipe by adding cooked spinach, pepperoni, or cooked sausage inside the dough balls along with the cheese. This adds different flavors and makes your bread even more delicious.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes, homemade pizza dough works great for this recipe. Just make sure it is rolled out to a similar thickness.
Can I frozen Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread before baking. Just wrap the formed dough balls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
How can I make it gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free pizza dough instead. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the dough into 30 approximately equal squares.
- Add a piece of mozzarella cheese to each square of dough, then form a ball by rolling it with your hands to smooth and seal the edges.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet seam side down in the shape of a tree, ensuring 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 golden brown.
- While the bread is baking, microwave the butter until melted, then stir in half of the parmesan cheese along with all the grated garlic and herbs.
- Brush the melted butter mixture onto the rolls, then sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top.
- Serve right away with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.