Who doesn’t love cheesy bread? When it comes to the holiday season, I find myself craving all the festive treats around me. This is when I stumbled across a delightful idea – Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread! It’s not just an end-of-the-year dish; it’s a living decoration that is fun to make and even better to eat. Imagine a warm, gooey cheese pull in the shape of a Christmas tree, surrounded by herbs and butter, what’s not to adore? As you gather with family and friends this holiday season, let this beautiful bread take center stage, bringing smiles and deliciousness to your gatherings!
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Origin of the Christmas tree bread Recipe
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a creative reinterpretation of a classic cheese bread, originally popularized as a party favorite in the late 20th century. While the precise origins are hard to pinpoint, similar cheese-stuffed breads can be traced back to European culinary practices where stuffed and shaped breads have been served during festive celebrations. The fun concept of shaping bread into festive holiday designs, however, is truly an American contribution.
This recipe embodies the essence of holiday cooking, easy, heartfelt, and communal. Plus, it invites everyone into the kitchen to help roll and shape the dough. For those looking to add a touch of nostalgia to their holiday gatherings, this recipe can easily be served alongside cozy dishes similar to Crockpot Turkey Chili to warm everyone’s spirits.
In recent years, the trend has only grown. From Pinterest boards to Christmas cookie swaps, creations like Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread become memory makers, lending themselves to personal touches and family traditions. So pull out that canned pizza dough and get ready to whip up something magical this holiday season!
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Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
A fun and festive cheese-filled bread shaped like a Christmas tree, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 13 ounces canned refrigerator pizza dough
- 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 large egg (plus 1 tablespoon water for wash)
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil (finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- Marinara or pesto for serving (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the pizza dough into about 30 equal squares and cut mozzarella sticks into bite-sized pieces.
- Add a piece of mozzarella to the center of each dough square, roll into a ball, and place on the baking sheet in the shape of a tree.
- Mix the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush over the dough balls.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking, melt butter and mix in half of the parmesan, garlic, and herbs. Brush this over the baked rolls and sprinkle remaining parmesan on top. Serve warm with marinara and/or pesto.
Notes
Feel free to customize by adding ingredients like cooked spinach or artichokes inside the bread for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe combines simple ingredients with a touch of creativity to deliver something spectacular. It works for several reasons.
Easy-to-Follow Method
One of the beauties of Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is its simplicity. With only a few ingredients and no need for complicated techniques, anyone can master this recipe. You can invite children to assist, allowing them to flex their creative muscles as they shape the tree branches and squeeze in the mozzarella. Baking is always more fun when everyone can pitch in!
Customization Galore
Versatility is another fantastic feature of this recipe. While the classic combination of cheese and herbs is unbeatable, you can easily adapt the flavors to suit your taste. For an additional zing, you can add in a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or even some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the dough balls. Each family’s version will vary, leading to a beautiful tapestry of recipes as different people share their twists, like serving it with Baked Brie with Honey for indulgent holiday fare.
Visual Appeal and Deliciousness
When presenting Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, its visual appeal is undeniable! Imagine pulling out a golden-brown tree from the oven, glistening with melted cheese and topped with fresh herbs. It captivates the room before anyone takes a bite. And once they do, the soft, fluffy texture and rich flavor sealed within will have everyone reaching for that next piece. Pair it with Gingerbread Lasagna for a delightful sweet-and-savory balance at your holiday gathering.
On that note, don’t forget to provide a delicious dipping sauce, like marinara or pesto, for an additional layer of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions + Tips
Before you dive into making Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, allow me to guide you through the steps to ensure everything goes smoothly. You’ll find it remarkably straightforward. Follow these steps for a satisfying cooking experience!
Prep Your Ingredients
First, gather all your ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Canned refrigerator pizza dough | 13 ounces |
| Mozzarella cheese sticks | 6-7 sticks |
| Large egg | 1 (plus 1 tablespoon water for wash) |
| Butter (melted) | 3 tablespoons |
| Grated parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh parsley | 1 tablespoon (finely chopped) |
| Fresh rosemary | 1/2 tablespoon (finely chopped) |
| Fresh basil | 1/2 tablespoon (finely chopped) |
| Garlic | 1 clove (grated) |
| Marinara/Pesto for serving | To taste |
Shaping Your Dough
Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. As your oven warms, cut the dough into about 30 equal squares. For added fun, invite kids or friends to help with this task. Meanwhile, cut the mozzarella sticks into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch in length.
Add a piece of mozzarella to the center of each dough square. Now, roll each square into a ball, ensuring the cheese is securely sealed within. This keeps the ooey-gooey treasure safe for your final bake. Spread the balls on your baking sheet in the shape of a tree, ensuring they touch slightly to create that cohesive look.
Bring It All Together!
Blend your egg with a tablespoon of water in a small bowl. With a pastry brush, apply a light coat of egg wash over each dough ball, adding a glossy finish to your bread as it bakes. Pop the sheet into your preheated oven and bake the rolls for about 16-18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
While the bread bakes, melt your butter in a microwave-safe container. Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese along with the grated garlic and chopped herbs. Brush this flavorful mixture over the freshly-baked rolls as they come out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top. Serve hot with marinara and/or pesto for dipping, and enjoy a wonderful experience together! For another delightful bread to try, you may also enjoy Garlic Parmesan Dinner Galette.
Variations & Serving Ideas
Now that you’ve mastered the basics of Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, let’s explore some exciting variations and serving suggestions. This recipe is not just fixed; it welcomes creativity!
Flavor Twists
Consider adding a savory twist by incorporating cooked spinach, artichokes, or even chopped olives into your cheese filling. This adds depth and flavor to each bite while enhancing the nutritional profile. You could also opt for different types of cheese inside, like pepper jack for a kick or cheddar for a richer flavor. Each bite would surprise and delight!
Creative Dipping Options
Don’t limit yourself to just marinara and pesto! How about trying a honey mustard dip or a spicy aioli? Additionally, a warm cheese sauce could add an incredibly delicious dimension to the mix! The dippers not only create more taste variety but also bring a fresh angle to the presentation. Consider pairing this delightful bread with Creamy Italian Meatball Soup for a full meal experience.
Presentation Tips
When serving Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, think about making it a centerpiece! Use a rustic wooden board or a festive holiday platter. Adding sprigs of fresh rosemary around the bread not only boosts flavor but adds a visual touch that screams holiday cheer. Get creative with garnishes to elevate this dish visually.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is such a fun and festive addition to any holiday gathering. It offers an exciting way to enjoy a classic comfort food, while also being a conversation starter for everyone around. And let’s be honest, who can resist the allure of cheese melted inside soft, golden-brown dough? The aromas of the herbs mingling with the bread create a beautiful experience that invites laughter and togetherness.
This recipe celebrates the spirit of the holiday season, making it a new tradition that can be enjoyed by families for years to come. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, snack, or side, Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread will undoubtedly bring joy and deliciousness to your table. For more recipe inspiration, check out No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake for an easy dessert option to round off the festive feast. Let’s make holiday cooking an adventure filled with creativity and fun; who knows what new recipes you may discover? Don’t forget to check out my Pinterest page for more inspiration!
FAQ
Can I make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this bread in advance! Follow the steps until placing the dough balls on the baking sheet, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them. When ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge for about 30 minutes to let them come to room temperature before applying the egg wash and baking.
What types of cheese work best for this recipe?
While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other melty cheeses. Cheddar, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses can add unique flavors to your bread. Choose cheeses based on your taste preferences, but make sure they melt well.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Let the bread cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To give your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat pizza dough and substitute part of the cheese with a lower-fat option like ricotta or cottage cheese. Add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value!
Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade dough would work wonderfully! Just ensure it’s a good pizza or bread dough recipe that’s soft and pliable. Follow the same instructions for shaping and baking for a delicious homemade touch.
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