Christmas Tree Bread
There’s something undeniably magical about the holidays, and nothing captures that spirit better than the whimsical Christmas Tree Bread. This festive treat transforms gooey cheese and savory herbs into a lovely bread shaped like a Christmas tree, ready to be the centerpiece of your holiday gatherings. Imagine the warmth of melting mozzarella as you pull apart the golden crescent dough, each bite a delicious hug for your taste buds. This recipe is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s fast, easy to make, and oh-so-nostalgic, evoking memories of cozy family gatherings around the fireplace.
Imagine the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they dig into this cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, making it a great activity where little hands can help form the dough. Your Christmas Tree Bread will quickly become a beloved family tradition, just waiting to be devoured.
What’s your favorite holiday treat that brings you back to childhood?
When the snow falls and the days grow shorter, we naturally crave the warmth and comfort of delicious holiday treats. Is there a sweeter way to remember the joy of the season than indulging in a cheesy, herb-infused snack? I bet that you have a favorite holiday dish that conjures up the best memories—perhaps fluffy sugar cookies or a slice of rich chocolate yule log?
Now, picture the enchanting aroma of Christmas Tree Bread wafting through your kitchen, drawing friends and family together around the table. It’s not just food; it’s about connection, laughter, and shared delight. How can you resist that pull of nostalgia?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy Prep: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal fuss, you’ll be whipping up this festive treat in no time.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a holiday potluck or a cozy family dinner, everyone will adore the fun and interactive element of pulling apart the cheese-filled dough.
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Minimal Ingredients: Using only common kitchen staples means you can create this delicious masterpiece without a lengthy shopping list.
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Versatile: The recipe can easily be adapted with different cheese or herbs, making it a customizable dish that suits your festive preferences.
Ingredients
To create this stunning Christmas Tree Bread, you’ll need:
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2 cans of pizza dough: The pre-made dough is both reliable and easy to handle, providing a soft, fluffy base for our tree.
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6-8 mozzarella sticks, diced: Gooey, stretchy mozzarella is the star of this show, ready to delight with each bite.
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1/4 cup butter, melted: Butter adds richness and flavor, creating a golden color on the outside of our joyful tree.
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1/2 cup parmesan, freshly grated: A sprinkle of parmesan adds a depth of savory flavor, contrasting nicely with the gooey cheese.
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Small bunch of fresh parsley, rosemary, and basil: Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile and bring an aromatic element to the bread.
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2-3 cloves garlic, chopped: Garlic infuses the bread with warmth and depth, perfect for the holiday season.
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1 large egg: The egg wash brings a beautiful golden shine to your tree after baking.
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Dipping sauces (marinara or pesto): Serve with your favorite sauces for a flavorful dip—a must-have!
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Parchment paper: Essential to prevent sticking and ensuring easy cleanup.
Timing
Creating your Christmas Tree Bread can be incredibly fast and indulgent! From start to finish, you can expect to spend about 30 minutes preparing and baking. Imagine the smell filling your kitchen while you mingle with guests. Alternatively, if you choose to make the dough from scratch or let it rise slowly, this can transform into a luxuriant experience that fills your home with comforting aromas for hours.
But trust me, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of pulling this dish from the oven, golden and bubbly, just as your guests arrive. It’s the perfect last-minute treat that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Step-by-Step
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Preheat your oven to 400°F and line your largest baking sheet with parchment paper. The crisp bread and gooey center await!
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Cut the mozzarella sticks into smaller chunks. This makes it easier to place them in our dough and guarantees that every bite oozes cheese.
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Open the pizza dough and slice it into approximately 30 even squares—perfect little parcels for our cheesy filling.
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Place a piece of cheese in the center of each square and close the edges tightly. Encapsulate that cheese goodness entirely!
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Roll them into smooth balls. This step is essential for creating that satisfying round shape that’ll look like ornaments on your tree.
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Arrange the balls on your baking sheet in a triangle pattern to resemble a Christmas tree. Visuals are key here!
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Mix the egg with a tiny bit of water and brush it over all the dough balls. This will give them that gorgeous golden brown finish.
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Bake for 16-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you want that melty goodness inside while the outside becomes delightfully golden.
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In a bowl, combine the melted butter with fresh herbs, garlic, and half of the parmesan cheese. This herby concoction is what dreams are made of.
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Brush this mixture over the bread when it comes out of the oven. Let that rich flavor seep into every nook and cranny.
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Scatter the remaining parmesan on top. A finishing touch that adds a salty crunch—who could resist that?
Nutritional Information
With wholesome ingredients and scrumptious cheese, each serving of Christmas Tree Bread can be indulgent! Expect each serving to have around 150-200 calories. It’s worth noting that this delightful treat is perfect for occasional indulgence; the joy it brings far outweighs minor concerns about the calorie count. Just enjoy every savory bite!
Healthier Alternatives
For those watching their diet, consider these healthier swaps:
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Low-sugar options: Avoid added sugars by sticking with a basic pizza dough recipe or whole-grain alternatives.
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Dairy-free versions: Make substitutions with plant-based mozzarella and butter for a delicious dairy-free delight.
Swapping out some ingredients can make your Christmas Tree Bread more suitable for various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
What’s more delightful than Christmas Tree Bread?
Pair it with creamy ice cream for a fun dessert twist or serve it alongside fresh sides during the holidays. It’s an interactive appetizer perfect for guests to dig into while mingling. Serve with marinara or pesto on the side for dipping, adding an extra flavor dimension to each bite.
Common Mistakes
A few common pitfalls to watch for:
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Overbaking your Christmas Tree Bread can result in a dry texture, so be sure to keep an eye on the timer.
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Messes can happen if the mozzarella isn’t altogether sealed inside the dough—sticky fingers can be a part of the fun, but aim for a neat presentation!
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Texture issues arise from tightly packed dough balls, so give each a little space for expansion on the baking sheet.
Avoid these errors for a picture-perfect, delightfully gooey treat!
Storing Tips
If you find that you have some leftovers (though highly unlikely!), here are some great storing tips:
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Freezing portions: Let your Christmas Tree Bread cool entirely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in an airtight container to freeze. Perfect for future gatherings!
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Reheating: Pop it back in a toaster oven or oven until warmed through to restore that gooey texture.
Conclusion
With its festive flair and indulgent cheesy center, the Christmas Tree Bread is sure to be a hit at any gathering. It’s time to gather your ingredients, bring those winter scents into your kitchen, and whip up this delightful, nostalgic treat. Your holiday celebrations deserve a bit of whimsy and fun. So, let’s get baking—your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
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Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and form the balls, then store them in the fridge until baking. -
What can I substitute for mozzarella sticks?
Cheese curds, ricotta cheese, or even cheddar can be fun alternatives! -
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough will add an extra special touch. -
How can I ensure the bread stays soft?
Brush the tops with butter right after baking while warm to lock in moisture. -
Can this be a sweet variant?
Yes! Swap for a sweet filling like Nutella and use pastry dough for a dessert version.
Creating your Christmas Tree Bread is more than cooking; it’s about making memories. Give it a try!
Print
Christmas Tree Bread
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A whimsical bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with gooey cheese and savory herbs, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of pizza dough
- 6–8 mozzarella sticks, diced
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup parmesan, freshly grated
- Small bunch of fresh parsley, rosemary, and basil
- 2–3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 large egg
- Dipping sauces (marinara or pesto)
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line your largest baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the mozzarella sticks into smaller chunks.
- Open the pizza dough and slice it into approximately 30 even squares.
- Place a piece of cheese in the center of each square and close the edges tightly.
- Roll them into smooth balls.
- Arrange the balls on your baking sheet in a triangle pattern to resemble a Christmas tree.
- Mix the egg with a tiny bit of water and brush it over all the dough balls.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes until golden.
- In a bowl, combine the melted butter with fresh herbs, garlic, and half of the parmesan cheese.
- Brush this mixture over the bread when it comes out of the oven and scatter the remaining parmesan on top.
Notes
Watch out for overbaking to avoid a dry texture, and ensure the mozzarella is sealed inside the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
