why make this recipe
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a fun and festive treat that brings joy to any holiday gathering. This recipe combines soft and fluffy dough with gooey mozzarella cheese, creating a delicious bread that looks like a Christmas tree. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Plus, it’s easy to make, so even beginners can impress their loved ones with this delightful dish.
how to make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 package refrigerator pizza dough
- 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp water
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- Marinara sauce, pizza sauce, or pesto for dipping
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into 30 equal squares.
- Cut mozzarella cheese sticks into 1-inch pieces. Place a piece of cheese in the center of each dough square.
- Roll each dough square into a ball, sealing the cheese inside.
- Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree, making sure the balls are lightly touching.
- Whisk the egg and water together to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the dough balls.
- Bake the bread for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the bread bakes, melt the butter and stir in half of the parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, rosemary, and basil.
- Once the bread is out of the oven, brush the garlic herb butter over the warm rolls and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese.
- Serve with marinara sauce, pizza sauce, or pesto for dipping.
how to serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is best served warm. You can place it in the center of the table for everyone to enjoy. Offer a few dipping options like marinara sauce, pizza sauce, or pesto to enhance the flavors. This bread is great as an appetizer or a side dish.
how to store Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
If you have leftovers, allow the bread to cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it for up to a month. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.
tips to make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead.
- Make sure to seal the dough tightly around the cheese to prevent it from leaking during baking.
- Experiment with different cheese types for varying flavors. Cheddar or pepper jack can add a nice twist!
variation
You can customize this recipe by adding cooked spinach, jalapeños, or even pepperoni to your cheese filling. This allows for different flavor combinations to suit your tastes.
FAQs
-
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough if you prefer. Just ensure you roll it out to a similar thickness. -
How can I tell when the bread is done?
The bread is done when it is golden brown. You can also tap the bottom; it should sound hollow. -
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and cheese balls a day in advance. Just refrigerate them and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun and festive bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and brushed with a delicious garlic herb butter.
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerator pizza dough
- 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp water
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- Marinara sauce, pizza sauce, or pesto for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into 30 equal squares.
- Cut mozzarella cheese sticks into 1-inch pieces and place a piece of cheese in the center of each dough square.
- Roll each dough square into a ball, sealing the cheese inside.
- Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree, making sure the balls are lightly touching.
- Whisk the egg and water together to create an egg wash and brush it over the dough balls.
- Bake the bread for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the bread bakes, melt the butter and stir in half of the parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, rosemary, and basil.
- Once the bread is out of the oven, brush the garlic herb butter over the warm rolls and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese.
- Serve with marinara sauce, pizza sauce, or pesto for dipping.
Notes
Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, and seal the dough tightly around the cheese to prevent leaks when baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Cheesy Bread, Christmas Recipe, Holiday Appetizer, Festive Treat