The holidays are a time for delicious food that brings friends and family together. One flashy, fun, and fantastic dish to try is Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread. This finger food is perfect for parties, gatherings, or cozy nights in. Plus, it’s cheesy, warm, and shaped like a Christmas tree—a sure hit for both kids and adults!

Why make this recipe

Making Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is not just about taste; it’s also about presentation. This eye-catching dish is great for holiday celebrations and will add charm to your table. It’s simple to prepare and can become a family favorite in no time. With gooey mozzarella and flavorful herbs, this bread pairs perfectly with warm marinara or pesto for dipping.

How to prepare Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t take long to make. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delightful treat that looks good and tastes even better. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients:

13 ounces canned refrigerator pizza dough
Parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)
6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
1 large egg (+ 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
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)
1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the pizza dough into 30 approximately equal squares. Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized (1-inch) pieces.
Place a piece of mozzarella in each square of dough. Form a ball by rolling the dough in your hands to smooth and seal the edges.
Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet seam side down in the shape of a tree. Ensure the balls are touching to create a beautiful tree shape.
In a small bowl, blend the egg and water. Lightly brush each ball with the egg wash.
Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown.
While the bread is baking, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese, the grated garlic, and the herbs.
Once out of the oven, brush the rolls with the butter mixture and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese.
Serve right away with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.

How to serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Serve your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread warm right from the oven. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, allowing the cheese inside to be gooey and melty. Set out bowls of marinara and pesto for dipping, and watch your guests dig in!

How to store Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store the bread in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for 1-2 days. When ready to eat again, reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore its freshness.

Tips to make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread perfectly

Make sure not to overbake the bread; keep an eye on it to achieve that golden-brown perfection.
Use different types of cheese for extra flavor! Cheddar or pepper jack can add a nice twist.
If you’re short on time, you can also use pre-made dough from the store.

Variations

For a sweet twist, try adding small pieces of chocolate or cinnamon sugar on the inside instead of cheese.
Use a mix of herbs such as thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.

FAQ

1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough balls and shape them in advance. Cover them and store in the fridge, then bake when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?
Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped dough before baking. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.

3. What dipping sauces can I use?
Marinara and pesto are great, but you can also try ranch dressing or cheese sauce for a fun alternative!

Now, grab your ingredients and get ready to impress everyone with your festive Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread at your next gathering! Enjoy!

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Print Recipe

A delightful and festive bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with gooey mozzarella and herbs, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Author: tahiriimouhsingmail-com
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the pizza dough into 30 approximately equal squares. Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized (1-inch) pieces.
Place a piece of mozzarella in each square of dough. Form a ball by rolling the dough in your hands to smooth and seal the edges.
Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet seam side down in the shape of a tree, ensuring the balls are touching to create a beautiful tree shape.
In a small bowl, blend the egg and water. Lightly brush each ball with the egg wash.
Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown.
While the bread is baking, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese, the grated garlic, and the herbs.
Once out of the oven, brush the rolls with the butter mixture and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese.
Serve right away with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.

Notes

Make sure not to overbake the bread; keep an eye on it to achieve golden-brown perfection.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: cheesy bread, Christmas bread, holiday appetizer, festive bread, easy recipe