Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with pizza dough stuffed with mozzarella, topped with a fragrant blend of garlic, herbs, and parmesan, and shaped into a charming Christmas tree, this recipe combines warm, cheesy bites with vibrant flavors and an impressive presentation. Serve it with marinara or pesto dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 30 appetizer servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dough and Cheese:
- 13 ounces canned refrigerator pizza dough
- 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- Parchment paper for lining baking sheet
Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Herb Butter Topping:
- 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 Sauces:
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 jar pesto (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cut Dough and Cheese: Cut the pizza dough into approximately 30 equal squares. Then, cut the mozzarella sticks into 30 bite-size 1-inch pieces to match the dough squares.
- Assemble Cheese Balls: Place one piece of mozzarella on each dough square. Roll the dough around the cheese, forming a ball by smoothing and sealing the edges tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- Arrange Tree Shape: Place the assembled dough balls seam side down on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree, positioning the balls so they touch each other to form a cohesive tree shape.
- Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush each dough ball with the egg wash to promote golden browning during baking.
- Bake: Bake the dough balls in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Herb Butter: While the bread is baking, microwave the butter until melted. Stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese, the grated garlic, and all of the finely chopped herbs (parsley, rosemary, basil) to combine.
- Brush Herb Butter: Once the bread is baked, immediately brush the warm herb butter mixture over the hot rolls to infuse flavor and moisture.
- Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the rolls for a savory finish.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy Christmas tree bread warm with marinara and/or pesto sauces on the side for dipping to add festive flavor and variety.
Notes
- Ensure the dough balls are sealed tightly around the cheese to prevent leakage during baking.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with 1 teaspoon dried herbs if unavailable, adjusting to taste.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture; the rolls are best enjoyed warm.
- For a vegetarian option, verify that the parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly or use a suitable substitute.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain freshness.
Keywords: Christmas bread, cheesy bread, appetizer, holiday recipe, mozzarella bread, festive appetizer, herb butter bread
Find it online: https://zarameals.com/cheesy-christmas-tree-bread-recipe/
