Description
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a fun and festive holiday appetizer! Made with soft dough, gooey cheese, and a garlicky butter topping, it’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or a cozy family dinner, this pull-apart bread is sure to be a hit! Serve it with marinara sauce for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For Serving:
- 1 cup marinara sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Shape the Tree:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 24 equal pieces.
- Flatten each piece, add a pinch of cheese in the center, then roll into a ball.
- Arrange the balls on the baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape.
- Bake the Bread:
- Brush with melted butter and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Add the Topping:
- Mix melted butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush over warm bread.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh parsley.
- Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can use store-bought pizza dough for a quicker version.
- Add some crumbled bacon or diced jalapeños for extra flavor.
- For a crispier crust, bake for an extra 2-3 minutes.