There’s something special about Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread the way its aroma fills the kitchen and makes everyone wander in for a taste. Imagine friends and family gathering around the table, drawn in by the warm, inviting scent of melted mozzarella and fresh herbs. This delightful bread is not just a dish; it’s a moment that brings people together, sparking joy and sharing in the holiday spirit. Every bite is fluffy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect centerpiece for your festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love Making This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

This recipe is a joyful burst of creativity and comfort that is perfect for the holiday season. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you’ll find that making Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread can be both fun and rewarding. Plus, it’s truly easy for anyone to try their hand at, regardless of their cooking experience.

The best part? It’s not just about the bread itself. The way it’s shaped into a charming tree makes it a beautiful addition to your holiday feast. You can serve it as an appetizer, a side, or even a fun snack. The gooey cheese filling is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Not to mention, it gives you the perfect opportunity to reconnect with loved ones in the kitchen.

Once you take that first bite, with the crunchy golden outside giving way to oozing cheese, you’ll understand why this dish is a holiday favorite that warms the heart and excites the taste buds.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

“Cooking isn’t about perfection. It’s about enjoying every delicious step.”

Now let’s dive into the delightful world of baking this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread. With clear, easy steps, you’ll quickly feel like a seasoned home cook. Gather your ingredients and let’s get started.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

• 13-ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough (easy and no yeast hassle)
• Parchment paper (for lining the baking sheet and preventing sticking)
• 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks (the gooier, the better)
• 1 large egg (+ 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
• 3 tablespoons butter (melted for rich flavor)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided for a cheesy crust)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped, adds vibrancy)
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped, gives aromatic depth)
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil (finely chopped, brightens the flavor)
• 1 clove garlic (grated, for a lovely savory note)
• 1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping, adds an extra zing)

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a delicious outcome, so it’s worth using quality products. Fresh herbs will elevate the dish, and real butter will give your bread that rich, homemade taste.

Directions: Cooking with Confidence

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven ensures that your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread puffs up perfectly.
2. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper, which will make cleaning up a breeze while ensuring that nothing sticks.
3. Next, take the pizza dough and cut it into approximately 30 equal squares. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect this is a rustic bread.
4. Now, grab those mozzarella cheese sticks and cut them into bite-sized pieces, about one inch long. You want enough cheese in each bite to have that glorious gooeyness.
5. For each piece of dough, add a piece of mozzarella cheese and then carefully form a ball. Use your hands to smooth and seal the edges firmly. This step is so important to keep that melting cheese contained.
6. Once all your dough balls are ready, place them on the prepared baking sheet seam side down. Arrange them in the shape of a Christmas tree. The balls should be touching to create a cozy and fluffy texture when baked.
7. In a small bowl, blend together the egg and water. This is your egg wash, which will help turn your bread a lovely golden brown.
8. Lightly brush each dough ball with the egg wash. This detail makes all the difference in achieving that gorgeous crust.
9. Bake in your preheated oven for about 16 to 18 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as you want that perfect bake.
10. While your bread is baking, melt the butter in the microwave. Once melted, stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese along with the garlic, parsley, rosemary, and basil.
11. As soon as your bread is out of the oven, brush this delicious herb-infused mixture on top of the rolls. This adds an aromatic touch and enhances the flavor.
12. Finally, sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top before serving. This adds an extra cheesy crust that everyone will love.

How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread and Make It Shine

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is best served warm and fresh from the oven. Pair it with marinara and/or pesto for dipping. Not only does this enhance the taste but it also adds vibrant colors to your table spread.

Consider serving it on a rustic wooden board or a festive platter for a stunning presentation. Place the bread in the center and surround it with small bowls of dipping sauces. You can even garnish the platter with fresh herbs for that extra festive flair.

Encourage guests to pull apart their own piece of bread, creating a communal and joyful atmosphere. Each tear releases more aromas, enhancing the experience as everyone shares in the fun.

How to Store Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread for Later

If you happen to have leftovers (rare, but it can happen), storing Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is simple. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 2 to 3 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy more of this cheesy delight, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will get it warm and restore some of that lovely crust. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can make the bread soggy.

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Clara’s Tips for Success

1. If you want an even cheesier bread, feel free to mix in some shredded cheese like cheddar or gouda with the mozzarella.
2. Don’t skimp on the herbs; they really lift the flavor profile! You can even try adding some crushed red pepper for a hint of heat.
3. Keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, so take them out once they are golden brown to avoid overcooking.
4. If you prefer a vegan option, find a dairy-free pizza dough and substitute the cheese with dairy-free mozzarella.
5. Making dough from scratch? Feel free to use any dough of your choice, but remember that consistency matters for the best results.

Simple Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread. Here are a few fun variations you can try:

• Pesto Surprise: Instead of forming cheese balls, mix a dollop of pesto into the center of each dough ball. It adds a burst of flavor that compliments the cheese wonderfully.
• Sweet Twist: For a delightful dessert version, fill the dough with chocolate or Nutella instead of cheese. Brush with a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking for a festive touch.
• Savory Spin: Add cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the filling for a more savory experience. This additional flavor layer makes it unique and exciting.
• Cheesy Herb Loaf: You can shape the dough into a braid or traditional loaf, filling it with cheese and herbs. This gives a more classic presentation while still delivering delightful flavors.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

A delightful, cheesy bread shaped like a Christmas tree, perfect for festive gatherings. It’s fluffy, flavorful, and a joy to share with loved ones.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 38 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 13 ounces canned refrigerator pizza dough easy and no yeast hassle
• 6-7 pieces mozzarella cheese sticks the gooier, the better
• 1 large egg plus 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
• 3 tablespoons butter melted for rich flavor
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese divided for a cheesy crust
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped, adds vibrancy
• 0.5 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped, gives aromatic depth
• 0.5 tablespoon fresh basil finely chopped, brightens the flavor
• 1 clove garlic grated, for a lovely savory note
• 1 jar marinara and/or pesto for dipping, adds extra zing

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Cut the pizza dough into approximately 30 equal squares.
4. Cut mozzarella cheese sticks into bite-sized pieces, about one inch long.

Assembly

1. For each piece of dough, add a piece of mozzarella cheese and carefully form a ball, ensuring the edges are sealed.
2. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in the shape of a Christmas tree.
3. In a small bowl, blend together the egg and water for the egg wash.
4. Lightly brush each dough ball with the egg wash.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 16 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Melt the butter and stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, rosemary, and basil.
3. Brush this mixture on top of the rolls as soon as they come out of the oven.
4. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

Notes

Serve warm with marinara and/or pesto for dipping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

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FAQs About Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough balls and arrange them on the baking sheet ahead of time. Store them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

Is it possible to freeze the bread?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked dough balls arranged on a parchment-lined tray. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Just bake from frozen whenever you are ready to enjoy them; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I dip with besides marinara or pesto?
There are plenty of options! Try ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a creamy queso dip for a twist. The choice is yours!

How can I make it gluten-free?
Using gluten-free pizza dough is your best bet for a delicious alternative. Many stores carry ready-made gluten-free dough that works well.

Can I skip the fresh herbs?
While the fresh herbs do enhance flavor, you can omit them if you prefer. Dried herbs could work, but be sure to use them sparingly.

Final Encouragement or Closing Note

I hope this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread helps you discover how simple and rewarding homemade cooking can be. Cooking should always be an enjoyable experience filled with laughter and sharing. So gather your loved ones and embrace the joy of creating together. You’ve got this. Now go ahead and bring that beautiful tree to life – it’s sure to be a hit at your celebrations!