So, during the holiday season, my family and I always look forward to baking together. There’s something special about loading the kitchen with flour, laughter, and, of course, the amazing smells that fill the air. One recipe that has become a tradition in our home is the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread. This delightful treat never fails to bring us together, and I have to say, it’s always a hit at our holiday gatherings!
The best part about this bread is how fun it is to make—the kids love getting involved. Everyone gets their hands in the dough and has a blast forming it into a tree shape. Plus, who can resist tearing into warm, gooey, cheesy bread? Honestly, the joy on their faces when they pull those cheesy bites apart is priceless. We usually get so wrapped up in chatting and giggling that the baking time just flies by!
Preparing the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a breeze, too. With just a few simple ingredients and about thirty minutes of prep, you’ll have a festive centerpiece that’s both delicious and impressive. What makes it even better is that you can customize the herbs and dips to suit your family’s tastes. I mean, who doesn’t love a warm, cheesy treat with a side of marinara sauce or pesto? It’s like an invitation for everyone to dip in and enjoy a bit of holiday magic.
This recipe is a fantastic way to kick off your holiday baking. Not only is it easy to follow, but it creates an opportunity to bond with family while making memories. So, roll up your sleeves and let me share how you can whip up this deliciously cheesy bread. Your holiday celebrations will never be the same once you add this to your table!
How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
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Ingredients
- 13 ounces refrigerated pizza dough
- 6-7 sticks of mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg (plus 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- ½ tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- ½ tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
- 1 jar marinara or pesto (for dipping)
- Parchment paper (to line the baking sheet)
Directions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. While that’s warming up, grab your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.
- Next, take your pizza dough and cut it into about 30 equal squares. Then, slice the mozzarella sticks into about 30 pieces, aiming for bite-sized bits—around one inch is perfect.
- Now, place one mozzarella piece in the middle of each square of dough. Gather the dough edges up and around the cheese, rolling it into a sealed ball. It’s important to ensure they are sealed well so the cheese doesn’t ooze out while baking.
- Arrange your little dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet to form a Christmas tree shape. Make sure they’re packed together snugly for a cozy look.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and water together. Brush this egg wash lightly over each dough ball. This will give them a gorgeous golden-brown finish when they bake.
- Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 16-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should turn a lovely golden hue when they’re done.
- While your bread is baking, go ahead and melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese along with the grated garlic and your chopped herbs. When your bread comes out of the oven, brush this herby butter topping over the warm rolls and finish off with the rest of the Parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish.
- Serve your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread hot with marinara or pesto for dipping and watch it disappear in no time!
Storing Suggestion
If you have any leftovers (which is rare with this bread), simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick snack!
Cooking Tips
Don’t hesitate to get creative with the herbs! If you have other favorites in your pantry, like thyme or oregano, feel free to mix and match. You can also use pre-shredded cheese for convenience. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as different cheeses can melt at varying rates.
Serving Suggestions
This bread pairs brilliantly with holiday-themed salads or as a side to your festive main courses. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or even add a drizzle of olive oil. For drinks, a glass of sparkling cider or hot chocolate makes the perfect accompaniment!
Ingredient Substitutions
If you find yourself missing some ingredients, no worries! You can substitute any cheese, like cheddar or pepper jack, for the mozzarella. For a vegetarian option, skip the ham or sausage you might be tempted to add. Just keep it cheesy!
Seasonal Variations
In the spring, feel free to swap in seasonal herbs like chives or dill for a fresh twist. In the summer, throw in some sun-dried tomatoes or even spinach for a burst of color and flavor. And in the fall, adding pumpkin puree can give it an exciting, festive flair!
Allergen Information
This recipe contains gluten (from the pizza dough) and dairy (from the cheese). For gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pizza dough at your local store. If you need a dairy-free alternative, try using cashew cheese or a vegan mozzarella substitute to make an allergy-friendly version of this delicious treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works beautifully for this recipe. The key is to ensure it’s the same thickness as store-bought dough so that the baking time remains consistent. Just make sure it has time to rest when you prepare it, and you’ll get a delicious and fresh outcome.
Can I prepare this bread in advance?
You can definitely prepare it a few hours in advance! Assemble the tree bread and then cover it with a damp cloth until you’re ready to bake. If you need to make it the night before, refrigerate it and let it come to room temperature before baking. That way, it won’t be a hassle and still tastes fresh.
What dipping sauces work best with this bread?
While marinara and pesto are popular choices, you can get creative! Try serving it with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a spicy salsa for a twist. The dipping options are endless, so you can tailor it to your family’s tastes.
How can I ensure the bread stays soft and fluffy?
Make sure not to overbake the bread. Keep a close eye on it as it bakes, and remove it from the oven once it turns golden brown. Also, brushing the herbed butter right after it comes out of the oven keeps it moist and adds flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! To make the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread vegan, use a plant-based pizza dough, substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan with vegan cheese alternatives, and skip the egg wash in favor of a plant-based milk or a simple sprinkle of non-dairy butter. It will still be delicious and satisfy those holiday cravings.
What if I can’t find mozzarella sticks?
No worries at all! You can buy shredded mozzarella cheese or even cut fresh mozzarella into cubes. Just remember that the baking time might slightly adjust depending on the moisture content in other types of cheese, so keep an eye on your delicious creations as they bake!
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Ingredients
- 13 ounces refrigerated pizza dough
- 6-7 sticks mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- ½ tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
- ½ tablespoon fresh basil (finely chopped)
- 1 jar marinara or pesto (for dipping)
- parchment paper (to line the baking sheet)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the pizza dough into about 30 uniform squares. Then, slice the mozzarella sticks into approximately 30 bite-sized pieces (around 1 inch).
- Place one piece of mozzarella in the center of each square of dough, then gather the edges and roll into a ball, ensuring they are sealed properly.
- Arrange these dough balls on the baking sheet, seam side down, forming a Christmas tree shape. Make sure the balls are snug against each other.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water, then lightly brush the mixture onto each ball.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- While the bread is baking, melt the butter in the microwave, mix in half of the Parmesan cheese along with the grated garlic and herbs. Once baked, brush this mixture over the rolls and top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately with marinara or pesto for dipping. Enjoy this delightful holiday treat with your loved ones!