Description
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft dough balls stuffed with gooey mozzarella are baked until golden, then brushed with a flavorful garlic-herb butter and parmesan mixture. Arranged cleverly in the shape of a Christmas tree, this bread is ideal for dipping into marinara or pesto sauces, adding both fun and flavor to your celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough and Cheese
- 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
- 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
- Parchment paper for lining baking sheet
For the Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Garlic 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
For Serving
- 1 jar marinara and/or pesto sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cut Dough and Cheese: Cut the pizza dough into 30 approximately equal squares. Then cut the mozzarella sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch each.
- Form Cheese-Stuffed Dough Balls: Place one mozzarella piece onto each dough square. Wrap the dough around the cheese, forming a ball by rolling it gently in your hands to seal and smooth the edges completely.
- Arrange Balls in Tree Shape and Egg Wash: Place the dough balls seam side down on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them closely so they touch in the shape of a Christmas tree. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water and lightly brush each ball with this egg wash to promote browning.
- Bake: Bake the shaped dough balls in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: While baking, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in half of the grated parmesan, the grated garlic, and the chopped fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, and basil).
- Brush and Garnish: Once the bread balls are baked, brush them generously with the garlic herb butter mixture. Then sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top for an extra cheesy, flavorful finish.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy Christmas tree bread warm with your choice of marinara and/or pesto sauce for dipping, making it perfect for a holiday appetizer or festive snack.
Notes
- Ensure the dough balls are sealed tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- You can substitute mozzarella sticks with other melty cheeses like provolone or string cheese.
- Fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor, but dried herbs can be used if necessary (use about half the amount).
- For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic herb butter.
- Best served immediately while warm and gooey, but can be reheated in the oven to refresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2 dough balls)
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
