Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Why Make This Recipe

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a delightful treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. It’s not only fun to make but also a great addition to any festive gathering. The combination of warm, gooey mozzarella coated in a buttery herb mixture makes it irresistible. Plus, the tree shape adds a whimsical touch to your holiday table, making it an eye-catching centerpiece. This recipe is simple enough for anyone to try, making it a great project for families or a holiday gathering with friends.

How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Ingredients:

• 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)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the dough into 30 approximately equal squares. Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized (1 inch) pieces.
3. Place a piece of mozzarella in each square of dough. Roll the dough around the cheese to form a ball, smoothing and sealing the edges.
4. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down, in the shape of a tree so they are touching.
5. In a small bowl, blend the egg and water. Lightly brush the egg wash over each ball.
6. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until they are golden brown.
7. While the bread is baking, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese, the grated garlic, and the herbs.
8. Brush the melted mixture onto the rolls after baking, then sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top.
9. Serve immediately with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.

How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is best served warm. Set it on a festive platter and allow guests to pull off their own pieces. The marinara or pesto makes great dips to enhance the cheesy goodness. Pair it with a holiday drink to keep the festive spirit flowing.

How to Store Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

If you have leftovers, let the bread cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 2-3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes until heated through.

Tips to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

1. Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Feel free to mix and match herbs according to your taste.
2. Experiment with different cheeses if you want a twist. Cheddar or pepper jack can add a nice kick!
3. Make sure to seal the edges of the dough well to prevent the cheese from leaking out while baking.

Variation

You can add cooked and crumbled sausage or chopped vegetables like spinach or bell peppers into the cheese center for added flavor and nutrition. This will change the flavor profile and make it heartier.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of canned dough?

Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough if you prefer. Just make sure it’s rolled out to the right thickness for easy handling.

Can I make this in advance?

You can prepare the dough balls ahead of time and place them on the baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the instructions as normal.

Can I freeze the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?

Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Just freeze them on the baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container once frozen. Bake from frozen, but add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

A delightful and festive bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with gooey mozzarella and herbs, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 33 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 210

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the bread

• 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
• 6-7 pieces mozzarella cheese sticks Cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large egg Plus 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
• 3 tablespoons butter Melted
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese Divided

For the herb mixture

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley Finely chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary Finely chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil Finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic Grated

For serving

• 1 jar marinara and/or pesto For dipping

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the dough into 30 approximately equal squares. Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized (1 inch) pieces.
3. Place a piece of mozzarella in each square of dough. Roll the dough around the cheese to form a ball, smoothing and sealing the edges.
4. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down, in the shape of a tree so they are touching.
5. In a small bowl, blend the egg and water. Lightly brush the egg wash over each ball.

Baking

1. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Final Touch

1. While the bread is baking, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese, the grated garlic, and the herbs.
2. Brush the melted mixture onto the rolls after baking, then sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top.
3. Serve immediately with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.

Notes

Best served warm. Use fresh herbs for better flavor and feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.