Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a delightful and whimsical recipe that captures the essence of the holiday season. Imagine a beautiful bread shaped like a tree, filled with gooey mozzarella, and perfect for sharing at festive gatherings. This fun twist on traditional cheesy bread is not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty—making it a hit among kids and adults alike. It’s the kind of dish that sparks joy and adds a festive touch to your holiday feasts.
Why you’ll love this dish
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is more than just a pretty centerpiece; it’s also a wonderfully simple recipe that can bring families together in the kitchen. The use of canned refrigerator pizza dough means that you can whip it up in no time, making it an excellent option for holiday parties or busy weeknights. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also welcomes creativity—feel free to personalize it with your favorite herbs or dipping sauces!
“I made this for our Christmas gathering, and it was gone in minutes! Everyone loved the cheesy filling and the fun shape.” – Happy Cook
Preparing Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Creating this festive bread is surprisingly easy. You’ll start by cutting the pizza dough into squares, then adding a piece of mozzarella to each. Roll them into balls and shape them on a baking sheet, creating a tree that’s just begging to be devoured. With just a few simple steps, you’ll end up with a beautiful, cheesy masterpiece that can serve as an appetizer or even a fun holiday snack.
What you’ll need
To bring this festive creation to life, gather the following ingredients:
- 13 ounces canned refrigerator pizza dough
- Parchment paper (for lining the baking sheet)
- 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 large egg (+ 1 tablespoon water for the egg wash)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- ½ tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- ½ tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
- 1 clove of garlic (grated)
- 1 jar of marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)
Note: If you want to experiment, try using different cheeses or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
Directions to follow
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the pizza dough into approximately 30 equal squares while also slicing the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces.
- Place a piece of mozzarella into the center of each square of dough. Form the dough into a ball by rolling it between your palms to seal the edges.
- Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down, in the shape of a Christmas tree, making sure the balls are touching.
- In a small bowl, blend the egg and water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush each dough ball with this mixture.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the bread turns a beautiful golden brown.
- While the bread is baking, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese along with the grated garlic and herbs.
- Once the bread is out of the oven, brush the butter mixture over the rolls and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve warm with marinara and/or pesto for dipping!
Best ways to enjoy it
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is perfect for sharing, making it an ideal appetizer at holiday parties or family gatherings. You might consider serving it alongside a vibrant salad for a lighter meal which balances out the richness of the cheese. Pair it with some sparkling cider or warm mulled wine to elevate the festive atmosphere even more!
How to store & freeze
If you have leftovers—though it’s likely to disappear quickly—you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze the uncooked dough balls before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to three months. Bake them directly from the freezer, just adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Pro chef tips
- For an even golden finish, make sure to brush the dough balls thoroughly with the egg wash.
- If you have time, let the shaped dough rise for 20 minutes before baking for a fluffier texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs based on your personal taste; thyme or oregano can add delightful flavor notes.
Creative twists
Looking to switch things up? Consider adding different cheese varieties, like sharp cheddar or flavored feta, for a twist on taste. You could also try transforming your tree bread into a savory wreath by shaping the dough into a circular design instead.
Your questions answered
Q: Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Homemade dough will work perfectly—just make sure it’s rolled out to the same thickness.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
A: Ensure that the dough is well-sealed around the cheese; rolling it tightly will help keep everything inside during baking.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough balls and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking, just brush them with the egg wash right before putting them in the oven.
Q: Is there a vegetarian dipping sauce?
A: Yes, both marinara and pesto are vegetarian-friendly, and you can opt for homemade versions if you prefer!
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread isn’t just a treat for your taste buds, but a feast for the eyes too. It’s sure to become a staple at your holiday celebrations. Happy baking!
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Ingredients
Dough and Cheese Filling
- 13 ounces canned refrigerator pizza dough Use any brand of canned refrigerator pizza dough.
- 6-7 sticks mozzarella cheese sticks Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water for the egg wash.
- 3 tablespoons melted butter For brushing over the rolls.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Divided for topping and mixing with butter.
Herbs and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley For added flavor.
- ½ tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary Optional, for more herbal flavor.
- ½ tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil Optional, for added freshness.
- 1 clove garlic Grated for flavor.
- 1 jar marinara and/or pesto For dipping, ensure they are vegetarian-friendly.
Optional Ingredients
- Different cheese varieties Feel free to experiment with flavors like sharp cheddar or feta.
- Red pepper flakes For a spicy kick, optional.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the pizza dough into approximately 30 equal squares and slice the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces.
- Place a piece of mozzarella into the center of each square of dough and form the dough into a ball by rolling it between your palms.
- Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree, seam side down, making sure the balls are touching.
Baking
- In a small bowl, blend the egg and water to create an egg wash and lightly brush each dough ball with this mixture.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the bread turns a beautiful golden brown.
- While the bread is baking, melt the butter in the microwave and stir in half of the Parmesan cheese along with the grated garlic and herbs.
- Once the bread is out of the oven, brush the butter mixture over the rolls and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
