Description
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and delicious pull-apart bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and topped with a flavorful garlic herb butter and parmesan cheese. Perfect as a holiday appetizer or party snack, it pairs wonderfully with marinara and pesto dips.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough and Cheese
- 13 ounces canned refrigerator pizza dough
- 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks
- Parchment paper for lining baking sheet
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
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
Dips
- 1 jar marinara sauce and/or pesto for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Dough and Cheese: Cut the pizza dough into about 30 equal squares. Then, cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 inch each.
- Form Cheese-Stuffed Dough Balls: Place a piece of mozzarella onto each dough square, then roll and pinch the edges to form a smooth, sealed ball, ensuring the cheese is enclosed.
- Arrange Dough Balls in Tree Shape: Place the dough balls seam side down on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree, making sure the balls are touching to create a pull-apart effect.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg with water in a small bowl, then lightly brush each dough ball with the egg wash to achieve a golden brown crust when baked.
- Bake: Bake the arranged dough balls in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and fully cooked.
- Prepare Herb Butter and Finish: While the bread bakes, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese, garlic, and all the chopped fresh herbs into the melted butter.
- Brush and Garnish: As soon as the bread is out of the oven, brush the herb butter mixture over the hot rolls. Then sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and a festive finish.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy Christmas tree bread warm with marinara sauce and/or pesto for dipping, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Notes
- Ensure dough balls are tightly sealed around the cheese to prevent leaks during baking.
- You can substitute mozzarella sticks with string cheese cut into pieces if desired.
- Fresh herbs add the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount if substituting dried.
- Let the bread cool slightly before dipping to avoid burning your mouth with hot cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 dough balls)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
