why make this recipe

Creating a Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. This fun and festive dish not only brings a cheerful element to your table but also offers delicious flavors that everyone will love. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply enjoying at home while watching Christmas movies. Plus, the gooey cheese and aromatic herbs make this bread irresistible!

how to make Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

Ingredients:

3 cups bread flour
1 tsp instant dry yeast
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 tsp kosher salt
1 cup milk or water
2 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
8½ oz mozzarella cheese, cubed (or approx 8 string cheese sticks)
1 egg
1 tbsp water
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
½ cup grated parmesan
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Marinara (for dipping)

Directions:

Combine all the dough ingredients except for the butter. Mix until no more dry flour is visible.
Cover and let the dough rest for 10 minutes in the softened butter.
Knead the dough with a stand mixer or by hand for 10-15 minutes until it is smooth and passes the windowpane test.
Cover the dough and let it rise for 1-1½ hours until it doubles in size.
Meanwhile, cut the cheese into 30-33 pieces, weighing approximately 7 grams each.
Punch down the dough. Divide it into balls weighing about 19-20 grams each. Cover and let the dough relax for 10 minutes.
Insert cheese into each dough ball and lay them out onto parchment paper on a baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape. Make sure to leave space between each ball so they can expand.
Cover and let the dough proof for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 425ºF (218ºC).
To check if the dough is ready to bake, perform a finger poke test. Poke the dough; if the indent stays, it’s ready. If it springs back, let it proof a bit longer.
Mix egg and water in a small ramekin and apply the egg wash to each dough ball.
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
Combine the chopped herbs with melted butter and mix. Brush this butter on the dough and sprinkle with grated cheese and red pepper flakes.
Warm the marinara in a small serving bowl for dipping.

how to serve Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is best served warm. You can present it directly on a festive platter, surrounded by a small bowl of marinara for dipping. This bread not only looks beautiful but also offers a fun way for guests to pull apart pieces and enjoy the cheesy goodness.

how to store Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

To store leftover Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for a day or two, or you can refrigerate it for longer freshness. Reheat in the oven to bring back its warm, gooey texture.

tips to make Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

Ensure the ingredients are at room temperature for the best results, especially the milk or water and butter.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor.
Adjust the herbs according to your taste; feel free to add more or substitute with other favorites.

variation

For a sweeter twist, you could add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You can also use different types of bread flour, like whole wheat, to change the flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can make the dough the day before and let it rise in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature and let it rise again before molding and baking.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, feel free to substitute with cheddar, gouda, or a cheese blend for different flavors.

What can I serve with this bread?
Marinara is a classic choice, but you can also serve it with a creamy ranch dressing, garlic butter, or any favorite dip for added flavor.

Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

Print Recipe

A fun and festive holiday bread perfect for gatherings, filled with gooey cheese and aromatic herbs.

Author: megan
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Combine all the dough ingredients except for the butter and mix until no dry flour is visible.
Cover and let the dough rest for 10 minutes in the softened butter.
Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until smooth and it passes the windowpane test.
Cover and let the dough rise for 1-1½ hours until it doubles in size.
Cut the cheese into 30-33 pieces, weighing approximately 7 grams each.
Punch down the dough and divide into balls weighing about 19-20 grams each; cover and let relax for 10 minutes.
Insert cheese into each dough ball and arrange on parchment paper in a Christmas tree shape.
Cover and let proof for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 425ºF (218ºC).
Perform a finger poke test to check if the dough is ready.
Mix egg and water and apply egg wash to each dough ball.
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
Brush melted butter mixed with herbs on the dough and sprinkle with grated cheese and red pepper flakes.
Warm the marinara in a serving bowl for dipping.

Notes

Serve warm, accompanied by marinara for dipping. Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: bread, holiday, cheese, pull-apart, Christmas