How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a delightful, festive treat that easily adds cheer to any gathering. Perfect for holiday parties or cozy family dinners, this recipe brings the joy of the season right to your dinner table. The combination of warm, buttery bread with gooey mozzarella and aromatic herbs creates a fantastic appetizer or snack.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a fun and interactive activity, especially when the whole family pitches in to help. The assembly process is simple enough for kids to join in, making it a perfect project for creating holiday memories. Not only is it fun to make, but the result is a beautiful, edible centerpiece that will impress your guests. Plus, you can customize the fillings and dips to suit your family’s tastes. It’s also a crowd-pleaser; who doesn’t love warm, cheesy bread?
This recipe can easily become a holiday tradition. It brings everyone together and encourages laughter and storytelling while rolling the dough and filling each piece with cheese. You can even let your imagination run wild with the decorations to make the bread look like a tree.
How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Making Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is simple and straightforward. Follow this guide to create the perfect cheesy treat for your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
- Parchment paper (for lining the 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
First, set your oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking the bread to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the bread from sticking and make cleanup easier.Cut the Dough
Open your refrigerated pizza dough. Cut it into approximately 30 equal squares. This will make the process of wrapping the cheese easier.Prepare the Cheese
Take the mozzarella cheese sticks and cut them into about 30 bite-sized (1-inch) pieces. Each piece of cheese should fit nicely into the dough.Assemble the Dough Balls
Take a square of dough, place a piece of mozzarella cheese inside, and then form a ball. Use your hands to roll the dough until smooth and seal the edges. Ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed will lead to a delicious melty pocket of cheese when baked.Shape the Bread
Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet. Place them seam side down and shape them like a Christmas tree. The balls should be close together, so they stick together while baking.Prepare the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and one tablespoon of water. This egg wash will give the bread a beautiful golden color.Brush the Dough Balls
Use a pastry brush to lightly cover each dough ball with the egg wash. This step is essential for that golden, shiny finish.Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 16 to 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they are golden brown.Prepare the Butter Mixture
While the bread is baking, melt the butter in the microwave. Once melted, stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese, the grated garlic, and the chopped herbs (parsley, rosemary, and basil).Brush the Herb Butter
After removing the bread from the oven, immediately brush the melted herb butter over the rolls while they are still warm.Finish with Parmesan
Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top of the bread. This will add an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful finish.Serve
Serve the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread warm with a jar of marinara and/or pesto for dipping. Enjoy the smiles of satisfaction as everyone digs in!
How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is best served fresh out of the oven when the cheese is still gooey and the bread is warm. Place the baking sheet on the table for a family-style serving where everyone can pull apart their own piece. Offer small bowls of marinara and/or pesto for dipping on the side.
Consider pairing the bread with a simple salad or some festive drinks like holiday punch to balance the richness of the cheese. This makes a great appetizer or snack for holiday gatherings.
How to Store Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to believe you will!), you can store Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread easily. Place the cooled bread in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat, you can pop it back in the oven at a low temperature or use a microwave for a quick warm-up. However, warming it in the oven is recommended for best results to help retain that crispy exterior.
Tips to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh herbs add so much flavor to the bread. Do not skip this step; it makes a big difference!Experiment with Fillings
While mozzarella is classic, you can also try using different types of cheese or adding pepperoni or ham for variety. Just remember to adjust the size accordingly so they still fit inside the dough.Customize the Toppings
You can sprinkle additional herbs, spices, or even everything bagel seasoning on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor.Serve with Variety
While marinara and pesto are great, you can also offer a variety of dips like ranch, garlic aioli, or any favorite sauce to make it more interactive.
Variations
- Add Veggies: Mix in some spinach or roasted red peppers with the cheese for some added nutrition and sweetness.
- Try Different Dough: If you want a different flavor, try using herb-infused dough or even crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough if you need to cater to dietary restrictions.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough balls and place them on the baking sheet the night before. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before brushing with the egg wash and baking.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
You can use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, gouda, or a blend of your favorites. Just be sure to cut them into smaller pieces to fit the dough.
Can I freeze Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked dough balls. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They should last for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Now you have a delicious and easy recipe for Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, perfect for your holiday gatherings. Enjoy making and sharing this tasty treat with your friends and family!
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Open the pizza dough and cut it into approximately 30 equal squares.
- Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces.
- Take a square of dough, place a piece of mozzarella cheese inside, and form a ball. Seal the edges well.
- Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down, shaping them like a Christmas tree.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and one tablespoon of water to prepare the egg wash.
- Brush each dough ball lightly with the egg wash.
- Bake the dough balls for about 16 to 18 minutes, until they are golden brown.
- While the bread is baking, melt the butter and stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese, garlic, and chopped herbs.
- After removing the bread from the oven, brush the melted herb butter over the rolls while they are still warm.
- Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Serve warm with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.