Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe: Create festive bread with gooey mozzarella—perfect for holiday gatherings! Try Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe.
Ingredients
- 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
- parchment paper for lining baking sheet
- 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic grated
- 1 jar marinara and/or pesto for dipping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper so the bread won't stick and will slide off easily when it's baked. This is a quick, quiet prep step — get the oven warm and the sheet ready, then move on to the hands-on work while the oven comes up to temperature. The warm oven ensures even browning and the parchment keeps the bottoms clean and tidy.
Step 2: Create the Dough Balls
Cut the canned pizza dough into 30 equal squares and slice the mozzarella sticks into 30 little bite-sized pieces. Wrap each cheese bite in a dough square, sealing the seams and rolling each into a smooth, tight ball so the cheese stays neatly contained while baking. Work with lightly floured hands so the dough is tacky but not sticky, and group finished balls on a piece of parchment as you go so they don’t lose shape.
Step 3: Shape and Brush
Arrange the dough-wrapped cheese balls seam-side down on the prepared sheet into the silhouette of a Christmas tree: a wide base tapering up to a pointed top, with each row slightly offset so the tree looks full and symmetrical. Whisk the egg with the tablespoon of water to make a gentle egg wash, then brush the wash over each ball for a glossy golden finish once baked. Keep the small bowl of egg wash and the pastry brush nearby as active tools so you can quickly touch up any gaps.
Step 4: Bake and Flavor
Bake the assembled tree for 16–18 minutes until the tops are a warm golden brown and the dough balls look puffed and set. While the tree bakes, melt butter and stir in half the grated parmesan, the grated garlic, and the finely chopped parsley, rosemary, and basil. As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, brush the garlicky herb butter over the hot surface so it soaks into crevices, then sprinkle the remaining parmesan and a few extra herb flecks for contrast and aroma. Serve with marinara or pesto for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure to seal the dough completely to prevent cheese leaks.
- The egg wash is essential for a golden finish.
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor.