Christmas is a time for joy, family, and good food. What better way to celebrate the season than with a festive and delicious Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread? This charming bread not only looks fantastic on your holiday table, but it’s also packed with gooey cheese and herbs that your family and friends will love. It’s perfect for sharing and becomes a fun part of any gathering.
Why make this recipe
Making this Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is a great way to bring the family together. Kids can help stuff the dough with cheese and shape it like a tree. Plus, it’s fun to pull apart the soft, cheesy bread as you enjoy it with marinara for dipping. It’s an eye-catching centerpiece that combines the holiday spirit with delectable flavors.
How to prepare Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 tsp instant dry yeast
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup milk or water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 8½ oz mozzarella cheese, cubed (or approx 8 string cheese sticks)
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Marinara (for dipping)
Steps:
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine all the dough ingredients except for the butter. Mix until no dry flour remains. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for 10-15 minutes until it’s smooth and passes the windowpane test.
- Let it Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Cheese: While the dough is rising, cut the cheese into 30-33 pieces, each about 7 grams.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough and divide it into small balls weighing about 19-20 grams each. Cover the balls and let them relax for 10 minutes.
- Stuff the Balls: Insert a piece of cheese into each dough ball and lay them out on parchment paper on a baking sheet, arranging them in a Christmas tree shape. Leave space between each ball to allow them to expand. Cover and let them proof for 1 hour.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425ºF (218ºC).
- Check the Dough: Perform a finger poke test on the dough. If the indent slowly retreats, it’s ready to bake. If it springs back quickly, let it proof a bit longer.
- Egg Wash: In a small bowl, mix the egg and water for the egg wash. Brush it on each dough ball.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Add Herbs and Cheese: Combine the chopped herbs with the melted butter. Brush the mixture on the baked dough, then sprinkle with grated cheese and optional red pepper flakes.
- Serve with Marinara: Warm marinara in a small bowl for dipping.
How to serve Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Serve this delightful bread hot out of the oven. It’s perfect for sharing as an appetizer or side dish. Just pull off a dough ball, dip it into the warm marinara, and enjoy!
How to store Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also refrigerate it for about a week. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a great taste revival.
Tips to make Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread perfectly
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough to rise properly for airy, soft bread.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheese types like cheddar or gouda for unique flavors.
Variations
- Add Protein: Incorporate cooked bacon or ham pieces into the dough balls for extra flavor.
- Seasoning Twist: Use garlic powder or Italian seasoning in the dough for an added kick.
- Sweet Version: Transform it into a sweet treat by using chocolate pieces and cinnamon sugar.
FAQ
Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
A: Yes, but bread flour gives the best texture due to its higher protein content.
Q: Is it possible to make this bread ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough the day before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
Q: Can I freeze the bread?
A: Absolutely! Once baked, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw before reheating.
Enjoy bringing this festive treat to your holiday celebrations!
Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
A festive and delicious bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with gooey cheese and herbs, perfect for sharing during the holiday season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 tsp instant dry yeast
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup milk or water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 8½ oz mozzarella cheese, cubed (or approx 8 string cheese sticks)
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Marinara (for dipping)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all the dough ingredients except for the butter. Mix until no dry flour remains. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for 10-15 minutes until it’s smooth and passes the windowpane test.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- While the dough is rising, cut the cheese into 30-33 pieces, each about 7 grams.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into small balls weighing about 19-20 grams each. Cover the balls and let them relax for 10 minutes.
- Insert a piece of cheese into each dough ball and lay them out on parchment paper on a baking sheet, arranging them in a Christmas tree shape. Leave space between each ball to allow them to expand. Cover and let them proof for 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 425ºF (218ºC).
- Perform a finger poke test on the dough. If the indent slowly retreats, it’s ready to bake. If it springs back quickly, let it proof a bit longer.
- In a small bowl, mix the egg and water for the egg wash. Brush it on each dough ball.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Combine the chopped herbs with the melted butter. Brush the mixture on the baked dough, then sprinkle with grated cheese and optional red pepper flakes.
- Warm marinara in a small bowl for dipping.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for about a week. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas, bread, pull-apart, appetizer, holiday baking