Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to celebrate the holidays, you’ve come to the right place! This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is more than just a treat; it’s a delightful centerpiece that brings joy to any gathering. Picture this: warm, pull-apart bread that’s loaded with herby garlic butter and gooey cheese. Whether it’s for a cozy family night or a festive party, this recipe will surely wow your guests and fill your home with wonderful aromas.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to whip up using refrigerated pizza dough. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute holiday gatherings when you need something quick yet impressive. Plus, everyone will love tearing off their own piece – it’s interactive and makes sharing food so much more enjoyable!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can have warm, cheesy bread ready in no time!
• Great for sharing: This pull-apart bread is perfect for gatherings, allowing everyone to dig in together.
• Customizable flavors: Use your favorite herbs and cheeses to make it your own.
• Deliciously comforting: The combination of garlic butter and melted cheese is irresistibly satisfying.
• Perfect for dipping: Serve with marinara or pesto for an extra burst of flavor!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Get ready to enjoy a warm and cheesy delight that everyone will love!

For the Dough and Filling

• 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
• 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 large egg (+ 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)

For the Herby Garlic 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)

For Dipping

• 1 jar marinara and/or pesto

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up according to your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Add different cheeses: Try using cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for a flavorful twist!
• Incorporate veggies: Add diced bell peppers or spinach into the dough balls for extra nutrition.
• Change the herbs: Experiment with thyme or oregano for different flavor profiles.
• Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter if you like some heat!

How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that our Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread doesn’t stick and helps with easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Cut the Dough

Next, take your pizza dough and cut it into about 30 equal squares. This might feel like an assembly line at first, but trust me—it’s worth it! Also, chop those mozzarella sticks into bite-sized pieces—this is what will make each bite ooey-gooey!

Step 3: Assemble the Balls

Now comes the fun part! Place a piece of mozzarella in the center of each square of dough. Fold the edges over the cheese and roll them into smooth balls. Make sure they are well sealed so that all that cheesy goodness stays inside while baking.

Step 4: Form Your Christmas Tree

Arrange these dough balls seam side down on your lined baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree (how festive!). It’s important they are touching as they bake; this helps them rise together into one beautiful tree shape.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush each ball lightly with this mixture—it gives them a lovely golden color when baked. Every detail counts when you’re making something so special!

Step 6: Bake & Brush with Butter

Bake in your preheated oven for about 16-18 minutes until golden brown. While they’re baking, melt your butter in the microwave and stir in half of the parmesan cheese along with all those lovely herbs and garlic. When you take the bread out of the oven, brush this herby butter mix over each roll for extra flavor before sprinkling on the remaining parmesan.

Now serve up your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread right away with marinara or pesto on the side for dipping! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Making cheesy Christmas tree bread is not only fun but also a delightful way to impress your guests. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your bread turns out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile of your garlic butter, making the bread more aromatic and appealing. They add a vibrant taste that dried herbs simply can’t match.

• Don’t overfill the dough: While it’s tempting to pack in more cheese, using the right amount ensures the dough seals properly and creates that perfect pull-apart texture. Overfilling can lead to messy baking and less cohesive shapes.

• Let it cool briefly: Allowing the bread to cool for a few minutes before serving helps maintain its shape and makes it easier to handle. Plus, this prevents those eager little fingers from getting burned!

• Try different cheeses: Experimenting with various cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack can add a delightful twist to your cheesy Christmas tree bread, enhancing both flavor and texture.

• Experiment with dips: While marinara and pesto are classic choices, trying out creamy ranch or zesty hummus can provide new layers of flavor that complement the bread beautifully.

How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Presenting your cheesy Christmas tree bread in an appealing way can make all the difference at your holiday gathering. Here are some ideas that will have everyone reaching for a piece!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Sprinkling finely chopped fresh parsley on top adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, offering red pepper flakes on the side lets guests customize their experience with a dash of spice.

Side Dishes

• Mixed green salad: A light mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette balances out the richness of the cheesy bread, providing a refreshing contrast.

• Roasted vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies, such as bell peppers and zucchini, complement the flavors of the bread while adding nutrition and texture to your meal.

• Stuffed mushrooms: These bite-sized delights are an excellent addition, offering savory flavors that pair well with cheesy goodness. Plus, they’re easy to eat alongside your pull-apart bread!

• Vegetable platter with dip: A colorful array of crunchy veggies served with hummus or yogurt dip provides a healthy option for snacking and rounds out your festive spread nicely.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is sure to be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy creating delicious memories around this festive dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of the season without stress.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the bread to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat frozen bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• If using a microwave, heat on medium power for about 30 seconds but note that this may make the texture less crispy.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread.

Can I use different types of cheese for Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack can add a unique twist!

How do I serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?

This delightful pull-apart bread is perfect served warm with marinara or pesto for dipping. It’s fantastic as an appetizer or even as a side dish!

Can I make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough balls and assemble them into the tree shape ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

What other herbs can I add to my Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?

You can customize it with any fresh herbs you love! Thyme, oregano, or even chives can enhance the flavor profile beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is truly a festive treat that brings joy and warmth to any gathering. It’s easy to prepare and makes an impressive centerpiece on your holiday table. I hope you have as much fun making this delightful recipe as I did sharing it with you! Enjoy every cheesy bite, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!