Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is the ultimate holiday appetizer that brings together warm, garlicky, buttery pull-apart bread and gooey, melty mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or looking for a fun festive snack, this easy-to-make bread is sure to impress your guests. The shape of the bread mimics a Christmas tree, adding to the charm of your holiday spread. This cheesy treat not only looks stunning but tastes incredible, making it the perfect start to your festive season.

Why Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is Perfect for the Holidays

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a hit for many reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make, with pre-made pizza dough as the base and a few simple ingredients. The pull-apart format makes it fun to eat, and the combination of mozzarella, garlic butter, and herbs makes it utterly irresistible. It’s a versatile dish too, perfect for serving at holiday parties, as a side dish for Christmas dinner, or even as a late-night snack.

Ingredients for Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

The ingredients for this cheesy bread are simple yet pack a lot of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Refrigerator Pizza Dough: This is the base of your bread, offering a soft, fluffy texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: These will provide the gooey, melty cheese filling.
• Egg: Used to create an egg wash that gives the bread a golden, shiny finish.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the bread.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Provides a nutty, savory finish.
• Fresh Parsley, Rosemary, Basil: These herbs bring a fresh, aromatic quality to the bread.
• Grated Garlic: Infuses the bread with a delicious garlic flavor.
• Marinara Sauce/Pesto: For dipping, adding a tangy or herbaceous contrast to the cheesy bread.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re missing some of the ingredients or need a substitution, here are a few ideas:

• Cheddar Cheese: Swap mozzarella for cheddar for a sharper, more flavorful bread.
• Dairy-Free Butter: If you’re making this for someone who’s dairy-free, use a plant-based butter alternative.
• Gluten-Free Pizza Dough: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pizza dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Making Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is simple and fun. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the dough: Open the tube of pizza dough and roll it out onto a lightly floured surface. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into approximately 30 squares.
3. Fill the dough: Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces. Place one piece of cheese on each dough square.
4. Form the dough balls: Roll each piece of dough around the cheese, sealing the edges tightly to form a ball.
5. Shape the Christmas tree: Arrange the dough balls in the shape of a Christmas tree on the prepared baking sheet. The balls should be lightly touching each other.
6. Egg wash: Whisk the egg and water together in a small bowl and lightly brush it over the dough balls.
7. Bake the bread: Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 16–18 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Prepare the garlic butter: While the bread is baking, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, rosemary, and basil.
9. Finishing touches: Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and brush it with the garlic herb butter. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top.
10. Serve: Enjoy the bread while it’s still warm with marinara, pizza sauce, or pesto for dipping.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Here are some extra tips to help you make the best Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread:

• Don’t overfill the dough: Make sure to only add a small piece of cheese to each dough ball. Too much cheese can make the bread soggy.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs give the bread a vibrant, aromatic flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can be substituted, but fresh is always best.
• Check for doneness: Bake the bread until it’s golden brown. If you want extra crispy bread, bake for an extra minute or two.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for best results to keep the bread crispy.

Pairing Ideas and Variations for Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

While Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is delicious on its own, you can pair it with various main dishes and dips to elevate your meal:

• Main Dishes: This cheesy bread pairs wonderfully with holiday mains such as baked mostaccioli, garlic butter scallops, or lasagna soup.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara sauce for a classic touch, or try pesto for an herbal, nutty contrast.
• Spicy Variation: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy twist.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the bread in advance and freeze the dough balls. Thaw them and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Why Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a Holiday Must-Have

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is more than just a delicious appetizer — it’s a conversation starter! The fun shape makes it the perfect dish to bring to a holiday party or enjoy with family. With its gooey cheese, savory herbs, and warm garlic butter, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting or attending a holiday gathering, this bread will be a showstopper on the table.

Conclusion

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is not only a festive delight but a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its perfect blend of gooey cheese, savory garlic butter, and a fun holiday shape, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe for your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, this bread brings warmth and cheer to your table. Its ease of preparation makes it accessible for any home cook, and its delicious flavors make it a true showstopper. Add this to your holiday menu and watch it disappear in minutes — everyone will love it!

FAQ About Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

More Relevant Recipes

• Whipped Pumpkin Dip – Easy & Creamy Fall Snack: This smooth and creamy whipped pumpkin dip combines seasonal spices and a sweet, tangy cream cheese base. Perfect as a savory dip for crackers or fresh vegetables, it pairs beautifully with the warm flavors in Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread.
• Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi – A Cozy Fall Recipe: A comforting dish made with soft, pillowy gnocchi and a rich, creamy pumpkin sauce. This dish adds a seasonal twist to your dinner table and complements the warm, cheesy flavors of the Christmas tree bread.
• Creamy Boursin Chicken – Quick & Flavorful Dinner: A deliciously creamy dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a rich Boursin cheese sauce. This savory main course pairs perfectly with the herby, cheesy flavors of the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread.

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