Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

If you’re looking for a festive and fun appetizer that will impress your family and friends, then this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is just the recipe for you! Picture a warm, pull-apart bread adorned in the shape of a Christmas tree, filled with gooey cheese and fragrant herbs. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or as an easy side dish on busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a delightful way to celebrate the holiday spirit while enjoying great flavors together!

The best part? This recipe is simple enough that even the kids can help out, making it a wonderful family activity. Everyone will love pulling apart their own piece of cheesy goodness, especially when served with marinara or pesto for dipping. Trust me, once you try it, this will become one of your go-to recipes for every holiday season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this cheesy delight ready to bake in no time!
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love pulling apart bread! This makes it a hit at family gatherings.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of herbs and melted cheese creates an irresistible aroma and taste.
• Versatile Dipping Options: Serve with marinara or pesto to cater to different tastes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a casual dinner, this bread fits right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients to make this delicious Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread! You probably already have many of these items in your kitchen.

For the Dough and Cheese

• 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
• 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks

For the Egg Wash

• 1 large egg (+ 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)

For the Herbed Butter

• 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 Dipping

• 1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)

Variations

One of the greatest things about Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is its flexibility! You can mix and match ingredients based on what you have or prefer. Here are some fun variations:

• Add Some Spice: Include red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños in your herbed butter for a kick.
• Cheese Swap: Try using cheddar or gouda instead of mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Herb Mix-Up: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano to customize the taste.
• Vegetable Surprise: Add finely chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into the dough before rolling them up.

How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures that your bread bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare Your Dough Squares

Next, cut your pizza dough into approximately 30 equal squares. Then take those mozzarella cheese sticks and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Each piece should be around one inch long—this way, they fit perfectly inside each dough ball!

Step 3: Form Your Dough Balls

Now comes the fun part! Place a piece of mozzarella on each square of dough. Gently roll each square into a ball, making sure to seal the edges tightly so that all that cheesy goodness stays inside during baking.

Step 4: Shape Your Christmas Tree

Arrange those little balls on your lined baking sheet in the shape of a tree. Make sure they are touching each other; this helps them rise beautifully together. In a small bowl, whisk together your egg and water, then lightly brush each ball with this egg wash to give them that lovely sheen when baked.

Step 5: Bake and Brush with Herbed Butter

Bake for about 16-18 minutes until they are golden brown. While they’re baking, melt your butter in the microwave, then stir in half of the parmesan cheese along with grated garlic and herbs. Once the bread is done baking, brush this herbed butter over the rolls, sprinkle on the remaining parmesan cheese, and serve immediately with marinara or pesto on the side.

Enjoy creating this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread! It’s bound to bring smiles all around as everyone digs in.

Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Creating the perfect Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is easier than you think! With a few helpful tips, you’ll have a festive and delicious centerpiece for your holiday gatherings.

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley, rosemary, and basil lend vibrant flavors that dried herbs simply can’t match. They bring an aromatic quality that enhances the overall taste of your bread.
• Don’t overstuff the dough: While it’s tempting to add more cheese, sticking to one piece per dough ball ensures they bake evenly and stay fluffy. Overfilling can lead to messy spills during baking!
• Keep the dough cold: If the pizza dough becomes too warm while you’re working with it, it may be hard to shape. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to use it for the best texture.
• Experiment with cheeses: While mozzarella is classic, don’t hesitate to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor twist. Just remember not to overload them!
• Brush generously with garlic butter: This step adds a beautiful sheen and irresistible aroma, making your bread not only taste great but look stunning as well!

How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Serving this delightful bread is all about presentation and pairing it perfectly with complementary flavors! Here are some ideas to make it shine at your holiday table.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or basil sprigs: A sprinkle of these fresh herbs on top adds color and a burst of freshness that enhances the presentation.
• Grated parmesan: A light dusting of extra parmesan just before serving creates an appealing finish and intensifies the cheesy flavor.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the cheesy bread and adds freshness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots roasted until caramelized provide a hearty contrast to the soft bread.
• Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with quinoa or rice offer a nutritious side that complements the cheesiness of the bread.
• Garlic Hummus: This creamy dip pairs well with the bread’s flavors and makes for a delightful addition that encourages more dipping!

Now you’re all set to impress your guests with this beautiful and delicious Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment, making it a fantastic option for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bread to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• For best results, reheat the bread before serving.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped bread in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Remember to label with the date!

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove any wrapping and place the bread on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread.

Can I use different types of cheese for Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda. Just ensure they melt well to achieve that gooey texture you’re looking for!

How can I customize my Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?

You can add your favorite herbs and spices to the garlic butter mixture or even include cooked veggies inside each dough ball. The possibilities are endless!

Is Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread suitable for vegetarian diets?

Yes! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat products. Enjoy this cheesy delight without worry!

How do I serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?

This delightful pull-apart bread pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce or pesto for dipping. It’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish at gatherings!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread! Its warm, cheesy goodness brings smiles to faces, making it an ideal treat whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just enjoying a cozy night in. Get creative with your dips and toppings—this recipe is all about sharing love through food! Happy baking!