Christmas is a time for joy, family, and delicious food! One recipe that brings holiday cheer to the table is Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread. This delightful dish is not only fun to make but also a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering. It combines soft, fluffy bread with gooey cheese, all shaped like a festive Christmas tree. Let’s dive into how you can create this festive treat!
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you choose Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread for your holiday feast? First, it’s incredibly fun and interactive. Everyone loves to pull apart their piece! Second, it’s a great way to impress your guests with a beautiful and tasty centerpiece. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up even if you’re new to baking. Who doesn’t love warm, cheesy bread to share with friends and family during the holidays?
How to Prepare Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Making this cheesy bread is easy. Let’s break it down step by step!
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: Combine all the dough ingredients except for the butter. Mix until no dry flour is visible. Cover and let the dough rest for 10 minutes in the softened butter.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough using a stand mixer or by hand for 10-15 minutes until smooth. Perform the windowpane test to check if it’s ready.
- Let It Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise for 1-1½ hours until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Cheese: While the dough rises, cut the cheese into 30-33 pieces, weighing about 7 grams each.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough. Divide it into balls weighing 19-20 g each. Cover and allow to relax for 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Bread: Insert cheese into each dough ball and lay them out on parchment paper in a Christmas tree design, leaving space for the dough to expand. Cover and let proof for 1 hour.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425ºF (218ºC).
- Check if Ready: Do the finger poke test. If the indent stays and slowly retracts back, it’s ready to bake. If it springs back quickly, let it proof a little longer.
- Egg Wash: Mix egg and water in a small ramekin. Apply egg wash to each dough ball.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
- Add Flavor: Combine chopped herbs with melted butter. Brush the butter over the baked bread, then sprinkle with grated cheese and red pepper flakes. Serve with warm marinara for dipping.
How to Serve Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Serve your Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread warm. Place it in the center of your table and let everyone pull apart their piece. Offer marinara sauce on the side for a tasty dip that adds an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep it fresh longer, consider refrigerating it. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to enjoy it warm again.
Tips to Make Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread Perfectly
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheese will improve the flavor significantly.
- Don’t Skip the Rising Time: Allowing the dough to rise properly ensures fluffiness.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese for unique flavors!
Variations
Feel free to get creative! You can add cooked spinach, other cheeses, or even holiday-themed spices to the dough. Try different herbs or a sprinkle of garlic powder for an extra kick.
FAQ
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but the texture may be a bit different. Bread flour gives a chewier and lighter result.
2. Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape it ahead of time. Refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
3. Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes! You can freeze the rolls after shaping them. Just let them thaw and rise before baking!
Now you’re ready to make your holiday gathering extra special with this delightful Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread! Enjoy the baking and the sharing!
Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
A festive and fun cheesy bread shaped like a Christmas tree, perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- 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
- Mix the dough: Combine all the dough ingredients except for the butter. Mix until no dry flour is visible. Cover and let the dough rest for 10 minutes in the softened butter.
- Knead the dough: Knead the dough using a stand mixer or by hand for 10-15 minutes until smooth.
- Let it rise: Cover the dough and let it rise for 1-1½ hours until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the cheese: While the dough rises, cut the cheese into 30-33 pieces, weighing about 7 grams each.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the dough. Divide it into balls weighing 19-20 g each. Cover and allow to relax for 10 minutes.
- Assemble the bread: Insert cheese into each dough ball and lay them out on parchment paper in a Christmas tree design, leaving space for the dough to expand. Cover and let proof for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425ºF (218ºC).
- Check if ready: Do the finger poke test. If the indent stays and slowly retracts back, it’s ready to bake. If it springs back quickly, let it proof a little longer.
- Egg wash: Mix egg and water in a small ramekin. Apply egg wash to each dough ball.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
- Add flavor: Combine chopped herbs with melted butter. Brush the butter over the baked bread, then sprinkle with grated cheese and red pepper flakes. Serve with warm marinara for dipping.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. You can experiment with different types of cheese for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Christmas, bread, pull-apart, appetizer, holiday