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Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 108 reviews

This festive Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a fun and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with easy-to-use canned pizza dough, mozzarella cheese sticks, and a blend of fresh herbs, this pull-apart bread is both visually impressive and delicious. Served with a marinara or pesto dipping sauce, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any Christmas party.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Herb Butter Mixture

  • 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 Sauce

  • 1 jar marinara sauce and/or pesto sauce for dipping

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease of cleanup.
  2. Shape the Tree Base: Carefully unroll the 13-ounce pizza dough and roll it out slightly into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Using a knife or pizza cutter, trim the dough into a triangle shape resembling a Christmas tree.
  3. Layer Cheese Sticks: Place the mozzarella cheese sticks on the lower portion of the dough triangle in vertical rows, leaving some space between each stick for folding.
  4. Fold and Cut Branches: Starting from one side, cut slits horizontally across the dough extending outward from the cheese sticks, stopping just before the row of cheese. Gently twist each strip away from the center to create the look of branches, exposing the cheese within.
  5. Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush this egg wash gently over the entire dough surface to ensure a golden brown finish when baked.
  6. Make Herb Butter: In another bowl, mix the melted butter with half of the grated parmesan cheese, the chopped parsley, rosemary, basil, and grated garlic. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the entire bread, emphasizing the twists and edges.
  7. Sprinkle Remaining Parmesan: Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the bread for an extra cheesy crust.
  8. Bake the Bread: Place the prepared bread on the lined baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey inside.
  9. Cool Slightly and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with marinara and/or pesto sauce on the side for dipping, enhancing the rich flavors.

Notes

  • For best results, make sure to twist each strip firmly to expose the cheese and create distinct branches.
  • Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for variation.
  • Fresh herbs add vibrant flavor; dried herbs can be used but reduce quantity.
  • This bread is best enjoyed warm but can be reheated in the oven to refresh the crispness.
  • Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and for easy cleanup.

Keywords: Christmas tree bread, cheesy bread, holiday appetizer, pizza dough recipe, pull-apart bread, festive bread, mozzarella sticks, herb butter bread

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