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Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

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4.2 from 11 reviews

Delight your guests with this festive Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, featuring soft pizza dough filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, baked to golden perfection, and brushed with a flavorful garlic herb butter topped with Parmesan. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a fun appetizer served with marinara and pesto dipping sauces.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 26 minutes
  • Yield: 15 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Dough and Cheese

  • 13 ounces canned refrigerator pizza dough
  • 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
  • Parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)

Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water

Garlic Herb Butter Topping

  • 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

Dipping Sauces

  • 1 jar marinara sauce (for dipping)
  • 1 jar pesto sauce (optional, for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Cut Dough and Cheese: Slice the pizza dough into approximately 30 equal squares. Then cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces about 1 inch each.
  3. Form Cheese-Stuffed Dough Balls: Place one piece of mozzarella cheese onto each square of dough. Carefully fold and roll the dough around the cheese, smoothing and sealing the edges to form balls with the cheese enclosed inside.
  4. Arrange Dough Balls into Tree Shape: Place the cheese-filled dough balls seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Arrange them so the balls are touching and form the shape of a Christmas tree.
  5. Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Lightly brush each dough ball with the egg wash to give the bread a golden, glossy finish after baking.
  6. Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Prepare Herb Butter Topping: While the bread is baking, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese, grated garlic, and all the chopped fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, and basil).
  8. Brush Bread with Herb Butter and Finish: Once the bread is baked, brush the hot rolls generously with the garlic herb butter mixture. Then sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top for extra flavor and a delicious cheesy crust.
  9. Serve: Serve the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread warm immediately, accompanied by marinara and/or pesto sauces for dipping.

Notes

  • Ensure dough balls are sealed well to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
  • Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs; reduce quantity according to taste.
  • The shape of the tree can be adjusted to your preference, but make sure the dough balls are close together to hold the shape.
  • This recipe serves as a fun, shareable appetizer perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
  • To make ahead, you can prepare the dough balls and refrigerate them covered for up to 2 hours before baking.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/cheesy-christmas-tree-bread-recipe/