If you’re looking to bring some festive joy to your holiday table, this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is an absolute showstopper that captivates both the eyes and the taste buds. Imagine pull-apart golden dough balls bursting with gooey mozzarella, layered with a fragrant garlic herb butter and a crispy Parmesan finish. This delightful centerpiece combines the comforting flavors of melted cheese and fresh herbs with the fun of shaping your bread into a festive Christmas tree, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holidays. Whether it’s a party appetizer or a cozy snack, this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser everyone will ask you to make year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, quality ingredients come together effortlessly to create that perfect balance of gooey cheese, soft bread, and rich, savory flavors. Each element plays a crucial role, from the pizza dough’s tender texture to the fresh herbs’ aromatic boost.
- Refrigerated pizza dough (13 oz): The soft, pillowy base that holds all the cheesy goodness and makes shaping the tree fun and easy.
- Mozzarella cheese sticks (6–7 sticks): Cut into bite-sized pieces, these provide that irresistible, melty cheese pull everyone loves.
- Large egg + 1 tbsp water: Used as an egg wash, this mixture helps give the bread a beautiful glossy, golden finish.
- Butter (3 tbsp, melted): Adds richness and a luscious sheen while acting as a carrier for the garlic and herb flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, divided): Gives the bread a savory, slightly nutty flavor and a crunchy topping.
- Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, finely chopped): Brightens the flavor profile with a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Fresh rosemary (1/2 tbsp, finely chopped): Adds an earthy aroma and subtle piney flavor that complements the festive theme.
- Fresh basil (1/2 tbsp, finely chopped): Introduces a sweet, slightly peppery warmth that balances the cheese perfectly.
- Garlic (1 clove, grated): Infuses the butter with a gentle punch of savory depth.
- Marinara and/or pesto: Ideal for dipping, these sauces add a flavorful finishing touch that takes every bite up a notch.
How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Begin by heating your oven to a warm 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare Dough and Cheese
Unroll your refrigerated pizza dough and cut it into 30 evenly sized squares for perfect, bite-sized bread balls. Next, slice the mozzarella sticks into 30 one-inch pieces, ensuring each dough square will envelop a generous cheesy surprise.
Step 3: Assemble the Bread Balls
Take each dough square and place a mozzarella piece in the center. Fold the dough carefully around the cheese, pinching the edges to seal each ball tightly. Then, gently roll each sealed dough piece into a smooth ball, ensuring no cheese leaks out during baking.
Step 4: Shape the Christmas Tree
Arrange your dough balls seam-side down on the lined baking sheet, positioning them close together in a Christmas tree shape. The halves touching will bake into one another, allowing your tree to pull apart delightfully when served.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash
Whisk together the large egg and tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the tops of each dough ball with this egg wash—this step creates that inviting golden glow as the bread bakes.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, keeping an eye out for a gorgeous golden-brown color and that unmistakable cheesy aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 7: Prepare Garlic Butter Topping
While the bread bakes, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh garlic, parsley, rosemary, and basil right into the butter, creating a sumptuous garlic herb mixture you’ll brush over the bread.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
When the bread is perfectly baked, gently brush the entire surface with the savory garlic-herb butter mixture. Finally, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top to add a delightful crunch and burst of flavor. Serve warm with your favorite marinara or pesto sauces for dipping.
How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves over the finished bread to add a pop of festive green color and fresh aroma that keeps the presentation lively and inviting.
Side Dishes
This cheesy bread is quite the star on its own, but pairing it with tangy marinara sauce or vibrant pesto creates a flavor contrast that elevates the entire experience. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or warm soup on a chilly holiday evening.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special touch, serve the tree on a wooden board or rustic platter surrounded by edible “ornaments” such as cherry tomatoes, olives, or colorful bell pepper rings. Add small bowls of dipping sauces spaced around the board to encourage sharing and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover tree bread tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will stay soft and delicious for up to two days at room temperature.
Freezing
If you want to prepare it well in advance, you can freeze the fully assembled but unbaked bread balls shaped as the tree. After shaping, wrap the entire tray tightly and freeze for up to one month. When ready to bake, allow thawing overnight in the fridge before proceeding with the egg wash and baking steps.
Reheating
Rewarm leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese melts again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the crust from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese besides mozzarella?
Absolutely! While mozzarella’s meltiness makes it ideal, feel free to mix in cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile. Just make sure they melt well and complement the herbs.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. Just double-check the pizza dough ingredients if purchasing pre-made.
How do I shape the dough balls so they don’t open while baking?
Pinch the dough edges firmly around the cheese and roll the balls tightly until smooth. Sealing well is key to preventing leaks and keeping the shape intact during baking.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, use plant-based pizza dough, vegan mozzarella-style cheese, and replace the butter and egg wash with vegan-friendly alternatives like olive oil or plant-based margarine and nondairy milk mixed with a little maple syrup or soy milk.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can be used in place of fresh but reduce the quantity to about one-third since dried herbs are more concentrated. Also, sprinkle them into the garlic butter for best flavor infusion.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is truly a festive delight that combines creativity, warm flavors, and ease of preparation into one unforgettable dish. It’s perfect for bringing joy and deliciousness to your holiday celebrations, and once you try it, I bet it will become a new family favorite you’ll look forward to making every year. So grab your ingredients, get that oven warmed up, and dive into this magical, cheesy holiday treat!
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Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a festive twist on cheesy bread with this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread recipe. Soft, pull-apart dough balls are stuffed with gooey mozzarella, arranged in a charming Christmas tree shape, brushed with an egg wash, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a flavorful garlic herb butter and Parmesan topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings and sharing with family and friends, served warm with marinara or pesto for dipping.
Ingredients
Dough and Cheese
- 1 (13 oz) can refrigerated pizza dough
- 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 30 pieces)
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp water
Garlic Herb Butter Topping
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, grated
For Serving
- Marinara and/or pesto sauces for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Dough and Cheese: Cut the refrigerated pizza dough into 30 equal squares. Slice the mozzarella sticks into about 30 bite-sized 1-inch pieces, one for each dough square.
- Assemble Bread Balls: Place a piece of mozzarella in the center of each dough square. Fold the dough around the cheese, completely sealing the edges to encase the cheese, then roll each into a smooth ball.
- Shape the Christmas Tree: Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Make sure the balls touch each other closely to create a pull-apart design once baked.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Lightly brush the tops of all the dough balls with this egg wash to give them a shiny, golden crust after baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bread balls for 16–18 minutes, or until the bread is puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Topping: While the bread bakes, melt the butter in the microwave. Mix in half of the Parmesan cheese, the grated garlic, and all the finely chopped fresh herbs until well combined.
- Finish and Serve: When the bread is out of the oven, immediately brush the garlic herb butter generously over the warm bread balls. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Serve warm with marinara and/or pesto sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the dough balls are sealed tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- You can substitute mozzarella sticks with other melting cheeses like provolone or cheddar if preferred.
- For added flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning over the dough before baking.
- Make sure to serve warm for the best gooey cheese experience.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
