If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that brings everyone together, I can’t recommend this Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe enough. This delightful bread is not only fun to make but also wonderfully cheesy and golden, shaped perfectly to add a burst of holiday cheer to your table. Each bite reveals gooey mozzarella tucked inside soft, buttery dough infused with savory garlic and Italian herbs, making it a total crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings or cozy winter nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple ingredients is all it takes to craft this spectacular bread, each playing a crucial role in creating its incredible flavor and texture. From creamy mozzarella to fragrant Italian herbs, these essentials come together beautifully to give the bread its irresistible character.
- 1 pound pizza dough: The soft and stretchy base that forms the perfect bread texture and shape.
- 33 cubes mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully inside each dough piece, giving you a delicious gooey center.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and ensures a beautifully golden, flaky crust.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a savory, aromatic punch into the butter for brushing.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings classic herbaceous notes that pair perfectly with the cheese and garlic.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a slightly nutty, salty finish that elevates every bite.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch of color and flavor to brighten the presentation.
How to Make Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your bread won’t stick and will bake evenly for that perfect golden crust we all love.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough into a large, even rectangle. Then, cut the dough into 33 equal pieces, which will become the individual bread balls. This division is key to the classic Christmas tree shape and consistent baking.
Step 3: Cube the Mozzarella
Next, carefully cut the mozzarella into 33 cubes matching the dough pieces. This ensures every bread ball gets a deliciously melty core of cheese that oozes out when you take that first bite.
Step 4: Encase the Cheese in Dough
Place a cube of mozzarella inside each dough piece, then pinch the dough tightly around to seal it completely. Roll each into a smooth ball, making sure no cheese escapes during baking.
Step 5: Arrange the Dough Balls Into a Christmas Tree
Now for the fun part: arrange all your dough balls on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. This festive arrangement not only looks stunning but makes serving everyone a joyful, interactive experience.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Puffy
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until the bread turns a gorgeous golden brown and noticeably puffs up. This bake time perfectly melts the mozzarella inside while crisping the outside just right.
Step 7: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
While your bread is baking, melt the butter gently and whisk in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This fragrant mixture is a key finishing touch that makes the bread utterly irresistible.
Step 8: Brush with Butter and Finish
As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, generously brush the warm dough with your garlic herb butter. This coats the bread in shine while infusing it with savory goodness.
Step 9: Add Parmesan and Parsley
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the warm bread, followed by chopped fresh parsley if you’re using it. This adds a lovely salty crunch and vibrant color that perfectly complements the cheesy softness.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your irresistible creation warm alongside marinara or ranch dip. These dips elevate the bread with contrasting flavors that will keep everyone reaching for more.
How to Serve Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a touch of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan just before serving can brighten the entire presentation. For an even more festive feel, consider tiny edible red pepper flakes to mimic Christmas tree ornaments.
Side Dishes
This cheesy bread pairs wonderfully with hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy pumpkin, providing a comforting, satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings. It also shines next to a crisp green salad to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing the bread tree on a festive wooden board or bake it directly on a pizza stone for a rustic touch. You can also add small bowls of colorful dips around the tree to invite guests to “decorate” their slices with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover cheesy bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping it sealed well ensures the bread stays soft and the cheese remains melty.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep well for up to one month, perfect for holiday prep or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To revive leftovers or frozen bread, warm it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until hot and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely crust texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and saves time, just make sure it’s thawed and rested before shaping.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the regular pizza dough with a gluten-free variety, but keep an eye on baking times as gluten-free dough can behave differently in the oven.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Definitely! Mozzarella is classic for meltiness, but feel free to mix in provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a flavor twist.
What if I want to make smaller or larger bread balls?
You can adjust the size as you like; just remember to adjust baking time accordingly so the cheese melts without burning the dough.
Can I prepare the bread balls ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can prepare and arrange the dough balls on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking when ready.
Final Thoughts
This Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings joy both in the making and the eating. Its comforting flavors, festive shape, and shareable nature make it a standout addition to any holiday celebration. I hope you have as much fun creating and enjoying this bread as I do every season!
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Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 33 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft, fluffy pizza dough is wrapped around gooey mozzarella cheese cubes, baked to a golden puff, and brushed with a flavorful garlic herb butter. It’s beautifully arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree to add a fun and festive touch to your celebrations.
Ingredients
Dough and Cheese
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 33 cubes mozzarella cheese
Seasoned Butter Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle and cut it into 33 equal pieces, ensuring uniform size for even baking.
- Prepare Cheese Cubes: Cut the mozzarella into 33 equal-sized cubes to match the dough pieces.
- Assemble Dough Balls: Place one cube of mozzarella cheese onto each piece of dough. Pinch the dough firmly around the cheese to seal it completely, then roll each sealed piece into a smooth ball.
- Shape the Tree: Arrange the 33 dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree, which adds a festive presentation to your bread.
- Bake: Bake the dough balls for 20 to 22 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up, indicating the cheese inside has melted perfectly.
- Make Garlic Herb Butter: While the bread is baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small pan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning to infuse the butter with aromatic flavors.
- Brush Bread: Immediately after removing the bread from the oven, brush the warm rolls generously with the garlic herb butter mixture to add flavor and shine.
- Finish with Toppings: Sprinkle the bread with grated Parmesan cheese and, if desired, chopped fresh parsley for added color and taste.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy bread warm with marinara sauce or ranch dip on the side for dipping, enhancing the festive snack experience.
Notes
- Be sure to seal the dough well around the cheese cubes to prevent leakage during baking.
- For a crispier crust, bake a few extra minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Fresh parsley adds a lovely color contrast but can be omitted if unavailable or undesired.
- Try using different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for variations in flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best gooey cheese texture and optimal warmth.
