why make this recipe
Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is a delightful and festive treat that brings joy to any holiday gathering. This recipe combines the gooey goodness of melted cheese with soft, fluffy bread, creating a dish that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Its fun, eye-catching shape makes it a hit at parties, and the aroma of fresh herbs and baked bread is simply irresistible. Whether you are hosting a holiday get-together or just looking for a special snack, this bread is sure to impress.
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 and 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. Ensure 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
This bread is best served warm right out of the oven. Place the bread on a festive platter and offer marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Guests can easily pull apart the cheesy pieces for a fun and interactive eating experience. Pair this bread with some holiday drinks for a complete festive treat.
how to store Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
To store any leftovers, let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can stay at room temperature for about 1-2 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for up to a month. To reheat, warm in the oven until heated through and the cheese is gooey again.
tips to make Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
- Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best texture.
- If you want extra flavor, you can add more herbs or seasonings to the dough.
- Use different types of cheese for varied flavors.
- Letting the dough rise properly is crucial for a light and fluffy bread, so be patient with the proofing times.
variation
You can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor. Alternatively, adding garlic to the melted butter can give an extra touch. For a sweeter twist, you can use a cinnamon-sugar mixture instead of cheese and herbs in the dough.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture might be slightly different. Bread flour gives a chewier texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
What can I serve with this bread?
Marinara is a classic choice, but you can also serve it with pesto, ranch dressing, or a cheese dip for extra flavor.
Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and festive Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread combines gooey melted cheese with soft bread, perfect for sharing.
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)
Instructions
- 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 smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it 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 it into balls weighing about 19-20 grams each. Cover and let relax for 10 minutes.
- Insert cheese into each ball and shape into a Christmas tree on parchment paper.
- Cover and let proof for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF (218ºC).
- Perform a finger poke test to check dough readiness.
- Mix egg and water in a small ramekin and apply egg wash to each dough ball.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
- Brush baked bread with melted butter mixed with herbs. Sprinkle with cheese and optional red pepper flakes.
- Warm marinara for dipping.
Notes
Best served warm with marinara for dipping. Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Christmas, pull-apart bread, appetizer, cheese, festive