Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is a fun and tasty holiday bread. It looks like a Christmas tree and pulls apart into cheesy bites. Kids and adults enjoy it.
introduction
This bread uses soft yeast dough and cubes of mozzarella inside each ball. You shape the balls on a sheet to form a tree. After baking, you brush with herb butter and sprinkle cheese. Serve with warm marinara for dipping.
why make this recipe
- It is festive and fun to share.
- Everyone can pull apart pieces easily.
- It is cheesy and warm, perfect for parties.
- You can make it ahead and reheat.
how to make Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Follow a simple dough recipe, fill balls with cheese, arrange them in a tree, proof, brush with egg wash, bake, and finish with herb butter and parmesan.
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 dough rest for 10 minutes in the softened butter.
- Knead with a stand mixer or by hand for 10-15 minutes until the dough is smooth and passes the windowpane test.
- Cover and let rise for 1-1½ hours until the dough doubles in size.
- Meanwhile, cut the cheese into 30-33 pieces, each weighing approximately 7 grams.
- Punch down the dough. Divide it into balls weighing about 19-20 grams each. Cover and allow the dough to relax for 10 minutes.
- Insert cheese into each dough ball, then lay them out on parchment paper on a baking sheet in a Christmas tree design. Leave space between the balls to allow the dough to expand. Cover and let 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 gently. If the indent springs back quickly, let it proof a little longer. If it stays and slowly retracts, it’s ready to bake.
- Mix the egg and water in a small ramekin. Apply egg wash to each dough ball.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
- Combine chopped herbs with melted butter. Brush the butter mixture on the dough, then sprinkle with grated cheese and red pepper flakes.
- Warm marinara in a small serving bowl for dipping.
how to serve Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Place the tree on a large serving plate. Serve warm with a bowl of marinara in the center or on the side. Let guests pull off pieces and dip into the sauce.
how to store Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
- At room temperature: Cover with foil or plastic and keep for up to 2 days.
- In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325ºF (160ºC) until warm.
- To freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat.
tips to make Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
- Use room-temperature butter and milk for better dough.
- Weigh dough balls for even size and even baking.
- Do not overfill with cheese or it may leak while baking.
- Let the dough proof until it slowly springs back on the poke test.
- Brush egg wash gently to get a shiny, golden top.
variation (if any)
- Use cheddar or pepper jack instead of mozzarella for different flavor.
- Add herbs or garlic to the dough for more taste.
- Make individual small trees for single servings.
- Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds with the egg wash before baking.
FAQs
Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
A: Yes. The bread will be a bit softer and less chewy, but it will work.
Q: Can I make this without yeast?
A: No. This recipe needs yeast to rise and get the pull-apart texture.
Q: How do I know the cheese inside is melted?
A: The cheese will melt while baking. Bake until the bread is golden. If unsure, warm a pulled piece to check.
Q: Can I prepare this the day before serving?
A: Yes. You can shape the tree, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temp and proof before baking.
Q: Do I have to use fresh herbs?
A: Fresh herbs give the best flavor, but you can use 1/3 the amount of dried herbs instead.
Conclusion
For a classic version and more tips, see this Best Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Recipe.
Print
Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun and tasty holiday bread shaped like a Christmas tree, perfect for pulling apart into cheesy bites. Ideal for festive gatherings.
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 dough rest for 10 minutes in the softened butter.
- Knead with a stand mixer or by hand for 10-15 minutes until the dough is smooth and passes the windowpane test.
- Cover and let rise for 1-1½ hours until the dough doubles in size.
- Meanwhile, cut the cheese into 30-33 pieces, each weighing approximately 7 grams.
- Punch down the dough. Divide it into balls weighing about 19-20 grams each. Cover and allow the dough to relax for 10 minutes.
- Insert cheese into each dough ball, then lay them out on parchment paper on a baking sheet in a Christmas tree design. Leave space between the balls to allow the dough to expand. Cover and let proof for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF (218ºC).
- To check if the dough is ready to bake, perform a finger poke test. If the indent springs back quickly, let it proof a little longer. If it stays and slowly retracts, it’s ready to bake.
- Mix the egg and water in a small ramekin. Apply egg wash to each dough ball.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
- Combine chopped herbs with melted butter. Brush the butter mixture on the dough, then sprinkle with grated cheese and red pepper flakes.
- Warm marinara in a small serving bowl for dipping.
Notes
Use room-temperature butter and milk for better dough. Weigh dough balls for even size and baking. Brush egg wash gently for a shiny top.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Christmas bread, pull-apart bread, cheesy bread, holiday appetizer