Why Make This Recipe
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. It’s perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply to enjoy with loved ones at home. The delicious combination of gooey mozzarella, flavorful herbs, and buttery bread makes everyone come back for more. Plus, the shape of the Christmas tree adds a delightful touch to your holiday table!
How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Ingredients:
- 13 ounces canned refrigerator pizza dough
- Parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)
- 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 large egg (+ 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
- 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)
- 1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the dough into approximately 30 equal squares.
- Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces.
- Add a piece of mozzarella to each square of dough and form a ball by rolling it with your hands.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet seam side down, arranging them in the shape of a tree.
- In a small bowl, blend the egg and water, then brush each ball with the egg wash.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking, microwave the butter until melted and stir in half of the parmesan cheese along with the grated garlic and herbs.
- Brush the mixture onto the rolls, then sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top.
- Serve warm with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.
How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Serve this delightful cheesy bread warm right out of the oven for the best experience. Pair it with a side of marinara or pesto for dipping, and watch it disappear quickly during holiday gatherings. It can serve as an appetizer or a fun side dish.
How to Store Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For best results, reheat them in the oven before serving to retain the crispy texture.
Tips to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
- Ensure your dough is fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to mix and match the herbs according to your taste.
- Experiment with different cheeses for more flavor; cheddar or gouda can be great additions!
- If you want to create a more colorful tree, add some diced bell peppers or olives among the dough balls.
Variation
You can try adding small pieces of pepperoni or cooked sausage in with the mozzarella for a heartier bite. You can also shape the bread into other festive shapes, like stars or circles.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough balls and shape them into a tree. Then, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.
What can I dip this bread into?
Marinara sauce and pesto are both great options. You can also try ranch dressing or a garlic butter dip!
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s simple to make, and kids will love helping shape the dough and dipping the bread into sauces.
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun and festive cheesy bread shaped like a Christmas tree, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 13 ounces canned refrigerator pizza dough
- Parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)
- 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 large egg (+ 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
- 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)
- 1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the dough into approximately 30 equal squares.
- Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces.
- Add a piece of mozzarella to each square of dough and form a ball by rolling it with your hands.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet seam side down, arranging them in the shape of a tree.
- In a small bowl, blend the egg and water, then brush each ball with the egg wash.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking, microwave the butter until melted and stir in half of the parmesan cheese along with the grated garlic and herbs.
- Brush the mixture onto the rolls, then sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top.
- Serve warm with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.
Notes
Ensure your dough is fresh for the best flavor and texture. Feel free to mix and match the herbs according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Cheesy bread, Christmas, holiday appetizer, festive recipes, party food