As the holiday season approaches, I find myself yearning for comfort food that brings warmth and joy to our gatherings. There’s something truly magical about the sight of a beautifully crafted Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, its golden, buttery crust beckoning you to take a bite. Imagine pulling apart fluffy dough to reveal gooey, melty mozzarella inside—it’s a delightful experience that no one can resist!
This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning centerpiece, perfect for parties, family get-togethers, or simply cozy nights at home. The aroma of garlic and fresh herbs fills the air, creating an inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of holiday cheer. Whether you’re dipping it into marinara or pesto, each bite feels like a hug in food form. So roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and let’s create something unforgettable that will leave everyone coming back for more!
Why is Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread so delightful?
Simplicity, This easy recipe requires just a handful of ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
Visual Appeal, Shaped like a festive tree, this bread is a showstopper that will impress guests and brighten any holiday table.
Melt in Your Mouth, The combination of warm, gooey mozzarella and buttery, flaky dough creates an irresistible texture that’s simply unforgettable.
Versatile Pairing, Serve it with marinara or pesto for dipping, or enjoy it alongside your favorite holiday dishes for a complete meal.
Family Fun, Involve kids or friends in the assembly process for a fun, interactive cooking experience, sure to bring laughter and joy!
With this easy recipe, you’ll turn an ordinary gathering into a delightful celebration everyone will cherish!
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Ingredients
For the Dough
• Refrigerator Pizza Dough – This provides structure and fluffiness to the bread; feel free to substitute with homemade pizza dough if preferred.
• Egg – Used for the egg wash, which gives the bread a lovely golden color; milk or a dairy-free substitute can work as alternatives.For the Cheese Filling
• Mozzarella Cheese Sticks – Melts into gooey, stretchy centers when baked; you can substitute with mozzarella pearls or cubed cheddar for a different flavor.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – Enhances flavor and adds a salty kick; nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option if needed.For the Garlic Butter
• Butter – Adds richness and flavor when brushed on the baked bread; olive oil can be used as a healthier substitute.
• Grated Garlic – Provides a strong, savory flavor; consider using garlic powder in a reduced quantity for a milder taste.
• Fresh Parsley, Rosemary, and Basil – Contribute fresh, aromatic flavors to the garlic butter; dried herbs can be used instead, just in smaller amounts.For Dipping
• Marinara and/or Pesto – Perfect for dipping, adding extra flavor; any tomato sauce can serve as an alternative if you’re in a pinch.
Get ready to create this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread that is not just a dish but an experience of warmth and joy!
How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and helps the bread bake evenly.
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into 30 equal squares. This is key for uniform baking and ensures every piece is the same size.
Cut mozzarella sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces and place one piece in the center of each dough square. This way, each pull-apart piece will have a delicious gooey center.
Roll each dough square into a ball and pinch to seal, arranging them in a festive tree shape on the lined baking sheet. This will create the visual appeal that makes this bread a showstopper!
Whisk the egg and water together to create an egg wash; brush it over the dough balls to give them a beautiful, golden color when baked.
Bake for 16-18 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want a lovely golden hue to the bread!
Mix melted butter with half of the parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs; then brush the mixture over the baked bread to add rich flavor and a shine.
Serve immediately with marinara, pizza sauce, or pesto for dipping, enhancing the overall enjoyment of this delightful treat.
Optional: Garnish with extra fresh herbs before serving for an inviting touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?
As you gather with loved ones to enjoy this delightful holiday treat, consider these mouthwatering pairings to create a complete meal experience.
Creamy Tomato Soup: This warm, comforting soup adds a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheesy bread, perfect for dipping.
Garlic Butter Shrimp: The succulent shrimp enhance the garlic notes in the bread, creating a harmonious burst of flavor that everyone will enjoy.
Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp, vibrant salad brings a refreshing contrast to the warm, gooey bread, balancing richness with crunchy textures.
Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites echo the cheesy goodness, while their earthy flavors complement each other perfectly in a festive spread.
For drinks, consider serving a light white wine, which will elevate the meal while keeping the focus on the flavors of the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
Seal Well: Ensure the dough balls are tightly sealed to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking, especially for your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread.
Even Baking: Make sure the dough squares are of equal size to achieve consistent baking and a beautiful golden brown color across the entire tree.
Egg Wash Importance: Don’t skip the egg wash—it gives your bread that irresistible golden sheen, making it visually appealing for holiday gatherings.
Temperature Check: Use an oven thermometer to verify that your oven temperature is accurate; this ensures your bread bakes perfectly without burning.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dough balls and freeze them before baking; simply thaw and bake to enjoy warm, freshly baked bread with minimal effort.
Make Ahead Options
These Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread bites are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough balls up to 24 hours in advance by rolling and sealing them, then placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you want to prep even further ahead, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, ensuring they’re just as delicious as freshly made. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply brush with egg wash and bake according to the instructions for golden, cheesy bliss that’s perfect for your holiday gatherings. This makes entertaining so much easier!
How to Store and Freeze Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Room Temperature: Enjoy the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread fresh, but if left out, it will stay good for up to 2 hours before it should be refrigerated.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and flavorful.
Freezer: You can freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
Reheating: To reheat, place the bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, allowing it to regain its crispy exterior and melty cheese.
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Variations
Feel free to customize your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread with these fun and delicious twists to make it truly your own.
- Spicy Pepper Jack: Swap out mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to add a spicy kick that elevates each bite.
- Mini Add-Ins: Add mini pepperoni or chopped cooked spinach inside the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Wreath Shape: Shape the dough into a festive wreath instead of a tree to create a different holiday centerpiece.
- Herb Blend: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme or dill for a unique flavor profile in your garlic butter.
- Cheese Medley: Combine various cheeses, such as cheddar and gouda, for a burst of flavor in each pull-apart piece.
- Savory Add-ins: Toss in sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist that complements the cheesy goodness.
- Garlic Lovers: Increase the amount of grated garlic for an extra punch of flavor that garlic enthusiasts will adore.
- Sweet Touch: Add a hint of sweetness with a sprinkle of sugar in the dough for those who enjoy a sweet-savory contrast.
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe FAQs
What kind of dough is best for Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?
I recommend using refrigerator pizza dough for its ease and fluffiness, but homemade pizza dough works wonderfully, too. For a lighter option, try a whole wheat dough, which also adds a unique flavor!
How should I store leftover Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but keeping it sealed will help preserve its moist texture and flavor.
Can I freeze Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. To do this, assemble the dough balls and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer; once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and follow the baking instructions as usual.
What if the cheese leaks out during baking?
To prevent this, make sure to tightly seal each dough ball after placing the cheese inside. If any do leak, it usually happens when the dough is not sealed properly. A quick pinch to ensure a tight seal can save you from those cheesy mishaps!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes! If you have dairy allergies, you can substitute the mozzarella and parmesan cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew-based cheese or nutritional yeast for flavor. Also, ensure your pizza dough is dairy-free if needed. For egg allergies, plant-based milk works well in the egg wash.
What dipping sauces go best with Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?
A rich marinara or fresh basil pesto really enhances the flavor of the bread. However, feel free to get creative! Any tomato-based sauce or even a spicy sriracha mayo can make a delightful and unique pairing for this cheesy delight.
Enjoy making this festive appetizer!
Irresistibly Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread - Easy Holiday Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into 30 equal squares.
- Cut mozzarella sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces and place one piece in the center of each dough square.
- Roll each dough square into a ball and pinch to seal, arranging them in a festive tree shape on the lined baking sheet.
- Whisk the egg and water together to create an egg wash; brush it over the dough balls.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix melted butter with half of the parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs; brush the mixture over the baked bread.
- Serve immediately with marinara or pesto for dipping.
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