Description
Festive holiday cheer meets culinary magic with this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, creating a delightful centerpiece that sparks joy at any seasonal gathering. Cheese-lovers and holiday enthusiasts will adore this whimsical, pull-apart treat that brings warmth and deliciousness to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (13.8 ounces/392 grams) can refrigerated pizza dough
- 14 mozzarella cheese cubes (about ½-inch each)
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon flour (for dusting)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garnish and Serving:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven, ensuring the temperature is set precisely to create the perfect golden-brown crust for this festive bread creation.
- Carefully prepare a baking sheet by layering a sheet of parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for your Christmas tree-shaped delicacy.
- Roll out the dough into a large triangle, mimicking the classic silhouette of an evergreen tree, with a broad base tapering to a pointed top.
- Generously spread the soft cheese mixture across the dough, making sure to distribute it evenly from edge to edge, leaving a small border for sealing.
- Strategically layer the additional cheese and herbs, creating a vibrant green and white pattern that resembles the festive colors of the holiday season.
- Delicately cut the sides of the dough into tree-like branches, using a sharp knife or pizza cutter to create precise, angled strips.
- Gently twist each branch, allowing the cheese to peek through and create a textured, rustic appearance reminiscent of pine branches.
- Brush the entire surface with egg wash, ensuring a glossy, golden finish that will make the bread shine like a Christmas ornament.
- Carefully transfer the prepared tree-shaped bread onto the prepared baking sheet, maintaining its intricate shape.
- Place in the preheated oven, baking until the bread turns a rich, golden brown and the cheese becomes perfectly melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly, allowing the cheese to set and the bread to develop its final, crisp texture.
- Garnish with additional herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese to enhance the festive presentation and add a final touch of flavor.
Notes
- Opt for high-quality cheese like sharp cheddar or gruyère for a more robust flavor profile.
- Ensure bread dough is rolled evenly to create a symmetrical Christmas tree shape that looks visually appealing.
- Brush edges with egg wash before baking to achieve a golden, glossy exterior that catches everyone’s eye.
- For gluten-free friends, swap traditional bread dough with a gluten-free alternative or use a cauliflower-based flatbread to maintain the festive design.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 284
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg