Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread – Easy Holiday Recipe

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive, flavorful dish that combines the deliciousness of warm, buttery garlic bread with the gooey meltiness of mozzarella. This easy-to-make pull-apart bread is perfect for your holiday gatherings, offering a unique twist on traditional bread appetizers. Whether you are looking to impress your guests with a fun, holiday-themed recipe or simply need a crowd-pleasing snack, this cheesy bread is the answer.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is not only visually appealing but also irresistibly delicious. The combination of warm, garlicky butter with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese makes it a perfect choice for any holiday meal. It’s simple to prepare with just a few ingredients and is a great option for a family-friendly snack, appetizer, or side dish. Its tree-shaped presentation adds a festive touch to your table, making it a show-stopping piece for your holiday spread.

Ingredients

• Refrigerator pizza dough: The base of this bread, offering convenience and a soft, chewy texture.
• Mozzarella cheese sticks: Provide that gooey, melty center that everyone loves in cheesy pull-apart bread.
• Egg: Used to create a golden, glossy finish on the bread balls.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor, helping the garlic and herbs to infuse the bread.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, umami flavor that complements the mozzarella.
• Fresh parsley, rosemary, and basil: Fresh herbs add a burst of fragrance and a herby flavor that balances the richness of the bread.
• Grated garlic: Gives the bread a savory depth and enhances the overall flavor.
• Marinara sauce, pizza sauce, or pesto: Perfect for dipping and adding extra flavor.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to customize this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, consider the following alternatives:

• Gluten-free pizza dough: Use gluten-free dough to cater to dietary restrictions without compromising on flavor.
• Vegan cheese: Swap out the mozzarella and Parmesan for your favorite vegan cheese to make the recipe dairy-free.
• Herbed butter: Use flavored butter, like garlic or truffle butter, for a unique twist on the traditional garlic butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the dough: Open the can of pizza dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 30 approximately equal squares.
3. Add the cheese: Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 small pieces (about 1 inch each). Place one piece of mozzarella on each dough square.
4. Shape the bread: Roll each piece of dough around the cheese to form a tight ball, pinching the edges to seal it. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, placing them in the shape of a Christmas tree with the balls touching each other.
5. Brush with egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat each dough ball with the egg wash.
6. Bake the bread: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 16–18 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown.
7. Prepare the garlic butter: While the bread is baking, microwave the butter for 15-30 seconds until melted. Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese, the grated garlic, and the fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, and basil).
8. Finish the bread: Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven. Immediately brush the baked bread with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
9. Serve: Serve the cheesy bread with marinara sauce, pizza sauce, or pesto for dipping.

Tips & Tricks

To make sure your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread turns out perfect every time, follow these tips:

• Don’t overfill the dough: Make sure to only add one piece of cheese per dough ball, as overfilling can lead to the bread bursting open while baking.
• Check for doneness: The bread should be golden brown and crisp on the outside but soft on the inside. If the dough seems too soft after baking, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
• Keep the dough cold: If you are preparing the bread ahead of time, ensure that the dough stays cool to prevent it from becoming too soft when shaping.
• Use fresh garlic: Grating fresh garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor than pre-minced garlic.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is perfect on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of main dishes and other holiday favorites:

• Baked Mostaccioli: The cheesy, tomatoey flavors complement the richness of the bread.
• Braised Beef Ragu: Serve this hearty dish alongside the bread for a comforting holiday meal.
• Garlic Butter Scallops: For a seafood option, these buttery scallops pair perfectly with the herb-infused bread.
• Lasagna Soup: This cozy, creamy soup is a perfect match for the garlicky, cheesy pull-apart bread.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread ahead of time to save on last-minute cooking. Follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking. Instead of baking, freeze the assembled dough balls on a baking sheet for 2–2.5 hours until solid. Store them in a zip-top bag and keep them frozen until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the dough for 45 minutes, brush with egg wash, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

The Perfect Holiday Appetizer

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is more than just a festive shape; it’s a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that will add joy to any holiday table. Its warm, cheesy filling, combined with the garlic butter and fresh herbs, creates a truly irresistible treat. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking for a fun dish to bring to a holiday party, this cheesy bread will surely impress. Enjoy it with a side of marinara or pesto, and you’ll have a holiday favorite on your hands.

Conclusion

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is the ultimate festive treat that brings a perfect blend of gooey cheese, fragrant garlic butter, and seasonal charm. Not only is it a crowd-pleasing appetizer, but it also serves as a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with holiday entrees. The simple ingredients and quick preparation make it an ideal choice for busy holiday hosts, and its fun Christmas tree shape adds an extra dose of holiday cheer. Whether you’re celebrating with family or friends, this recipe is sure to be a showstopper at your next gathering. Enjoy the warmth, the flavors, and the compliments as you share this delightful bread with your loved ones.

FAQ

More Relevant Recipes

• Christmas Tree Pizza Holiday Recipe: This festive pizza is shaped like a Christmas tree, making it an excellent party appetizer. It features a delicious combination of cheese, sauce, and fresh toppings, similar to the cheesy pull-apart bread but in pizza form. Perfect for a holiday get-together!
• Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Pizza Bites: These cute and bite-sized puff pastry pizza bites are filled with melted cheese and savory toppings, offering a light and flaky texture with a cheesy interior. They are an easy-to-make alternative to the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, providing a similar cheesy and festive feel.
• Christmas Pizza Bites Festive Holiday Snack: These mini pizza bites are loaded with cheese and flavorful toppings, offering a perfect balance of savory and cheesy. Like the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, these pizza bites are an ideal holiday snack that brings cheer and flavor to any celebration.

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