Description
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with pizza dough, mozzarella sticks, fresh herbs, and garlic, this pull-apart bread is shaped like a Christmas tree and baked to golden perfection. Served with marinara or pesto dipping sauces, it’s sure to impress your guests with both its presentation and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough and Cheese
- 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
- 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks
Herb Butter and Topping
- 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
Other
- Parchment paper for lining baking sheet
- 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
- 1 jar marinara and/or pesto for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Roll out the pizza dough into a large triangle shape approximately 12 inches wide at the base and about 14 inches tall, resembling a Christmas tree shape.
- Cut and stuff: Slice the dough triangle into horizontal strips leaving the center intact to mimic tree branches, then stack and twist the strips with mozzarella sticks inside to create layers of cheesy pull-apart sections.
- Brush egg wash: Whisk together 1 large egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush this evenly over the dough to help it bake to a golden brown color.
- Add herb butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, grated parmesan cheese (half of the 1/2 cup), chopped parsley, rosemary, basil, and grated garlic. Brush this mixture generously over the dough for rich flavor and aroma.
- Bake: Place the prepared dough on the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and serve: Once baked, remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top. Let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with marinara and/or pesto sauces for dipping.
Notes
- Use room temperature dough for easier handling and shaping.
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella sticks with other cheeses like string cheese or shredded mozzarella.
- Fresh herbs can be adjusted or replaced with dried if fresh is unavailable; reduce quantity accordingly.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture as the bread is best enjoyed warm.
- This recipe makes a great centerpiece appetizer that doubles as a party snack.
Keywords: Christmas tree bread, cheesy bread, holiday appetizer, pizza dough recipe, pull apart bread, festive bread, mozzarella bread