The Best Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
This festive Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a delightful holiday appetizer featuring soft, golden-baked dough balls stuffed with gooey mozzarella. Shaped like a Christmas tree and brushed with a flavorful garlic-herb butter and Parmesan topping, it’s perfect for sharing alongside marinara or pesto for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
- Total Time: 26-28 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Dough and Cheese
- 13 ounce 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
- 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 and/or pesto (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare Dough and Cheese: Cut the pizza dough into approximately 30 equal squares. Then cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized piece about 1 inch each.
- Form Cheese-Stuffed Dough Balls: Place one piece of mozzarella in the center of each dough square. Fold the edges of the dough around the cheese and roll gently with your hands to form smooth, sealed balls ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
- Arrange Dough Balls in Tree Shape: Place the dough balls seam side down on the parchment-lined baking sheet, arranging them closely to form the shape of a Christmas tree as shown in the photos, with all balls touching.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash. Lightly brush each dough ball with the egg wash to help achieve a glossy, golden crust.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the dough balls in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: While the bread bakes, microwave the butter until melted. Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese along with all the grated garlic, and the chopped fresh parsley, rosemary, and basil.
- Brush Herb Butter and Add Toppings: As soon as the baked bread comes out of the oven, brush the garlic herb butter evenly over the rolls. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top for extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy Christmas tree bread warm with a side of marinara and/or pesto sauce for dipping, making it a perfect festive appetizer.
Notes
- The dough balls must be sealed well around the cheese to prevent melting cheese from leaking during baking.
- Fresh herbs elevate the flavor but dried herbs can be substituted in smaller quantities if needed.
- Serve immediately after brushing with garlic herb butter for best taste and presentation.
- Leftover bread can be reheated in a moderate oven to regain crispness but is best enjoyed fresh.
