Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

There’s something truly magical about gathering around a beautifully shaped bread, especially during the holidays. I remember the first time I made Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread—it was a last-minute addition to my holiday spread. I’d just been looking for something festive yet comforting. The aromas as it baked filled the house, capturing the attention of every guest. When I presented it, the delight on everyone’s faces just made my heart swell! What can I say? It’s a showstopper that no one can resist.

But that’s not all; it’s ridiculously easy to whip up! You’ll see how effortlessly this pulls together, becoming a cherished addition to your festive traditions.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Why should you make this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread tonight? Picture the scene: a flaky, golden bread, eager to be torn apart, with warm, gooey mozzarella hiding inside each delightful piece. Not only does it look fabulous on your holiday table, but it also delivers incredible flavor. The blend of Parmesan, fresh herbs, and that hint of garlic adds depth, elevating this dish from simple to sensational. And let’s not forget—it’s perfect for sharing! Gathering friends and family around this creation turns a meal into a memorable moment, giving everyone a chance to dip into marinara or pesto.

Plus, this recipe is perfect for those who may feel intimidated in the kitchen. It uses store-bought dough, making it accessible for everyone, from novices to experienced home chefs looking to impress!

Gather These Ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients. Nothing fancy or hard to find here—just good quality staples that come together beautifully:

• 13 ounces of refrigerated pizza dough: This is your base. I love how it puffs up in the oven!

• Parchment paper: Essential for lining your baking sheet—no sticking allowed!

• 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks: These guys are your secret to melty, stretchy enjoyment. You can swap with string cheese if that’s what you’ve got on hand.

• 1 large egg (+ 1 tablespoon water): This creates a beautiful sheen when brushed onto your dough balls.

• 3 tablespoons of melted butter: Adds richness—a little drizzle goes a long way!

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided): This will coat the bread, adding salty sharpness that’s divine.

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped): A vibrant touch for color and flavor.

• 1/2 tablespoon each of fresh rosemary and basil (finely chopped): These herbs lend freshness and fragrant depth.

• 1 clove of grated garlic: Because garlic makes everything better!

• 1 jar of marinara and/or pesto: For dipping, ensuring that every bite is an explosion of flavor.

Preparing Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Let’s dive into how you’ll create this beauty. Don’t worry—I’m here with some insider tips!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a perfect bake.

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is key; it keeps your bread from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

3. Cut your pizza dough into approximately 30 equal squares. Keep them about 2 inches each; they don’t have to be perfect, but try to make them uniform for even baking.

4. Slice the mozzarella sticks into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. This means gooey cheese in every bite!

5. Add a piece of mozzarella to each square of dough. Don’t skimp—everyone loves cheesy goodness!

6. Roll the dough around the cheese to form a ball, making sure to pinch the seams tightly to seal them.

7. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a tree, letting them touch. This will help them rise and form a glorious tree shape as they bake.

8. In a small bowl, blend the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this over each dough ball—a little effort here brings a gorgeous golden color.

9. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until those little rolls are a lovely golden brown. Watch them closely toward the end!

10. While the bread bakes, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs. This will keep the flavor on point.

11. Once the bread is out of the oven, brush the melted mixture over the top and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan all over while it’s still hot.

12. Serve immediately with marinara and/or pesto for dipping. Trust me—your guests will flock to the table!

Best Way to Serve It

Here’s a fun way to present your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread. For festive flair, place it on a large wooden board or a vibrant platter surrounded by bowls of marinara and pesto.

You could even add seasonal elements—like holly or rosemary sprigs—for decoration. As for sides, a fresh salad or some roasted veggies provide a nice balance, though let’s be honest: this bread deserves the spotlight all on its own!

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If by some miracle you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I suggest popping them back in the oven for a few minutes—this revives that delightful crispiness. If you want to freeze some, wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Just thaw before reheating, and you’re good to go!

Pro Chef Tips

1. Feel like experimenting? Try adding in different types of cheese, like cheddar or gouda, for a flavorful twist.

2. For a kick, mix some red pepper flakes into the butter coating for those who like a little heat.

3. Want to make this vegetarian? No problem! Just ensure your marinara or pesto is free from any animal products.

4. A dab of mustard in the middle instead of cheese? That’s a creative twist!

Creative Twists

The beauty of Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is its versatility! You could add cooked spinach or jalapeño slices inside for an unexpected flare. How about mixing in some sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean take? The options are endless, so feel free to play around with flavors that you love!

This recipe is just begging for your unique flair—don’t hesitate to sprinkle in your own family traditions or favorite flavors!

Ingredients

• 13 ounces refrigerated pizza dough
• Parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)
• 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 large egg (+ 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
• 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)
• 1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the pizza dough into about 30 squares.
3. Cut mozzarella sticks into bite-sized pieces.
4. Add a piece of cheese to each dough square and form balls by rolling them in your hands.
5. Place the balls seam-side down on your baking sheet in a tree shape, touching each other.
6. Mix the egg and water; brush the mixture over every ball.
7. Bake for 16-18 minutes until golden brown.
8. Melt the butter in the microwave, mix with half of the Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs. Brush onto the baked rolls and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.
9. Serve with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.

Your Questions Answered

1. How long do I need to prep? About 20 minutes to put everything together before baking.
2. Can I use other cheeses? Absolutely—experiment with whatever cheese you love!
3. What if I want to make it ahead of time? You can assemble it, then refrigerate overnight—bake it fresh the next day!
4. Can I use store-bought marinara? Yes, totally! Homemade is incredible, but store-bought saves time.
5. How do I make it vegetarian? Check labels on sauces and cheeses, and you’re all set!

I hope you try this recipe! It’s an invitation to be creative, gather with loved ones, and create wonderful memories over delicious food. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking! Feel free to tweak this recipe to your liking and share your thoughts after trying it out—let’s build our culinary community together!

Print Recipe

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Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Cooking Method: Baking Courses: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy E Easy F Family Friendly Vegetarian Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 18 mins Total Time 38 mins

Cooking Temp: 400  F Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 320

Best Season: Winter

Description

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a delightful and visually stunning addition to your holiday gathering. This easy-to-make bread is filled with gooey mozzarella and flavored with fresh herbs, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Bread

• 13 ounces refrigerated pizza dough (This is your base. I love how it puffs up in the oven!)
• 6-7 sticks mozzarella cheese (These guys are your secret to melty, stretchy enjoyment.)
• 1 large egg (Plus 1 tablespoon water for egg wash.)
• 3 tablespoons melted butter (Adds richness—a little drizzle goes a long way!)
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Divided; to add salty sharpness.)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (Finely chopped for a vibrant touch.)
• ¹⁄₂ tablespoon fresh rosemary (Finely chopped for freshness.)
• ¹⁄₂ tablespoon fresh basil (Finely chopped for fragrant depth.)
• 1 clove garlic (Grated; because garlic makes everything better!)
• jar marinara and/or pesto (For dipping; ensures every bite is flavor-packed.)

Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat and Prepare

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   Mark as complete

2. Cut Dough

   Cut the pizza dough into approximately 30 equal squares, about 2 inches each.
   Mark as complete

3. Prepare Cheese

   Slice the mozzarella sticks into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
   Mark as complete

4. Form Balls

   Add a piece of mozzarella to each square of dough and roll to form balls, pinching the seams tightly.
   Mark as complete

5. Shape the Tree

   Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet in a tree shape, letting them touch.
   This helps them rise and form a glorious shape.
   Mark as complete

6. Prepare Egg Wash

   Mix the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush this over each dough ball.
   This will help achieve a golden color.
   Mark as complete

7. Bake the Bread

   Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until golden brown. Watch closely toward the end.
   Mark as complete

8. Add Flavor

   Melt the butter and mix with half of the Parmesan, garlic, and herbs. Brush this onto the warm bread and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.
   Mark as complete

9. Serve

   Serve immediately with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 320kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 65mg22%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 150mg5%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 2g

Protein 12g24%

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Vitamin A 400 IU

Vitamin C 1 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, holiday bread, festive recipe, mozzarella, easy bread recipe