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Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

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A delightful and festive cheesy bread shaped like a Christmas tree, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. Knead with a stand mixer or by hand for 10-15 minutes until the dough is smooth and passes the windowpane test.
  3. Cover and let rise for 1-1½ hours until the dough doubles in size.
  4. Meanwhile, cut the cheese into 30-33 pieces, each weighing approximately 7 grams.
  5. Punch down the dough. Divide it into balls weighing about 19-20 grams each. Cover and allow the dough to relax for 10 minutes.
  6. 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.
  7. Preheat the oven to 425ºF (218ºC).
  8. 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.
  9. Mix the egg and water in a small ramekin. Apply egg wash to each dough ball.
  10. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
  11. Combine chopped herbs with melted butter. Brush the butter mixture on the dough, then sprinkle with grated cheese and red pepper flakes.
  12. Warm marinara in a small serving bowl for dipping.

Notes

Serve warm for the best cheesy experience; makes a fun appetizer or snack for holiday parties. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate for about a week.

Nutrition

Keywords: bread, holiday recipe, pull-apart, cheesy, Christmas

Find it online: https://surgerecipes.com/cheesy-pull-apart-christmas-tree-bread-2/

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