Description
This Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and fun appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft pizza dough is filled with gooey mozzarella cubes, arranged in a Christmas tree shape, brushed with a flavorful herb butter, and baked until golden and cheesy. Serve warm with marinara or pesto sauce for an irresistible party treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough and Cheese
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
Seasoning and Toppings
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional
- Marinara or pesto sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Dough: Open the can of refrigerated pizza dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into approximately 24 equal squares, which will be used to encase the cheese cubes.
- Fill Dough with Cheese: Place a 1-inch cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough square. Wrap the dough fully around the cheese and pinch the edges tightly to seal, preventing the cheese from leaking out during baking.
- Arrange Dough Balls: On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the cheese-filled dough balls into a triangular shape resembling a Christmas tree. Begin with a base row of seven balls, then reduce the number in each subsequent row until just one ball remains at the top. Use any remaining dough balls to form a “trunk” at the base of the tree.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Brush this aromatic mixture generously over all the dough balls to add flavor and help with browning.
- Add Parmesan: Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the entire shaped tree to add a savory, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread has turned golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly so it holds its shape. Garnish the tree with freshly chopped parsley for a festive green touch.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy pull-apart Christmas tree warm alongside marinara or pesto sauce for dipping, making it perfect for sharing at holiday parties.
Notes
- If mozzarella cubes are too large, they might cause the dough to tear; ensure they are about 1-inch for even wrapping and melting.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal from the baking sheet.
- Butter mixture can be adjusted with more or less seasoning based on preference.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before pulling apart to avoid burning from hot cheese.
- This recipe is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated covered in a low oven or microwave.
