Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a delightful dish that captures the spirit of the holiday season. This fun and festive bread looks just like a Christmas tree and is filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, making it a perfect treat for gatherings and parties. It brings joy to both young and old, turning any gathering into a fun and memorable celebration. This recipe is easy to follow, and the result is a mouthwatering bread that is sure to impress your guests.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will totally love this recipe for many reasons. First, it is simple to make. You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to create this eye-catching dish. Second, it is perfect for sharing. The tree shape invites everyone to take a piece, fostering a warm, friendly atmosphere during holiday gatherings. Third, the flavors blend beautifully. The warm, melted cheese combined with fresh herbs and buttery bread creates an amazing taste. Finally, it looks fantastic on the table! It is not just food; it is a holiday decoration that you can eat.

HOW TO MAKE Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, you will need a few basic kitchen tools:

1. Baking sheet
2. Parchment paper
3. Mixing bowl
4. Brush for egg wash
5. Microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)

 

 

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 13-ounce 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)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (about 200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cut the dough: Take the pizza dough and cut it into 30 approximately equal squares.
3. Prepare the cheese: Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-size pieces, about 1 inch each.
4. Form the balls: Add one piece of mozzarella cheese to each square of dough. Form a ball by rolling the dough in your hands, sealing the edges well.
5. Shape the tree: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet seam side down. Arrange them in a tree shape, ensuring that the balls are touching each other for a more cohesive look.
6. Prepare the egg wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg and water together. Lightly brush each dough ball with the egg wash to give it a golden color when baked.
7. Bake: Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.
8. Prepare the topping: While the bread is baking, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add half of the grated parmesan cheese, the grated garlic, and all the chopped herbs. Stir this mixture well.
9. Finish the bread: Once the bread is out of the oven, brush the butter and herb mixture over the rolls. Then, sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top.
10. Serve immediately: Serve your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread warm, with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.

HOW TO SERVE Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is best served warm and fresh out of the oven. Arrange the bread on a festive platter with bowls of marinara or pesto nearby for dipping. You can offer toothpicks as well, making it easy for guests to grab their pieces. This bread makes a wonderful appetizer or snack at holiday gatherings, parties, and family celebrations. It is a fun, interactive way for everyone to enjoy the flavors together.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

If you have leftovers, you can store them easily. Place the cooled bread in an airtight container. This can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (about 175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

If you want to freeze the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This will prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw the bread in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is great on its own, but you can make it even more special with these serving suggestions:

• Add a variety of dips: Besides marinara and pesto, try serving with a cheese sauce or spinach dip for extra flavors.
• Serve with a salad: Pairing the bread with a fresh salad can balance the richness of the cheese.
• Create a festive platter: Arrange the bread with other holiday appetizers for a fun, colorful spread.

VARIATIONS

This recipe can be customized to fit different tastes:

• Different cheeses: Substitute mozzarella with cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for a twist.
• Spices and herbs: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs, like oregano or thyme.
• Add veggies: Incorporate finely chopped veggies like spinach or bell peppers into the cheese for a healthier touch.
• Sweet version: Create a sweet version by filling the dough with chocolate or cinnamon sugar and serve with a sweet dip.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of canned?
   • Yes, you can! Homemade pizza dough works great too.
2. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
   • Dried herbs can be used as a substitute, but the flavors might be slightly different.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the dough balls and store them in the fridge. Bake them just before serving.
4. What can I dip the bread in besides marinara and pesto?
   • You can dip it in cheese sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli for a different flavor experience.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

To save time, you can prepare Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread ahead of time. Here are some tips:

• Dough Preparation: Cut the dough and cheese, form the balls, and place them on the baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Frozen Option: After forming the balls, freeze them on the baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-lock bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Pre-mix the herb butter: You can mix the melted butter, herbs, and cheese beforehand and store it in the fridge. Just brush it on when the bread comes out of the oven.

Enjoy making and sharing this festive Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread! It is bound to bring cheer to your celebrations.

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