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.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread: 5 Ingredients And 30 Minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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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.

Author: Sarah Mitchell
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