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Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

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A festive and fun cheesy bread shaped like a Christmas tree, perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. Knead the dough: Knead the dough using a stand mixer or by hand for 10-15 minutes until smooth.
  3. Let it rise: Cover the dough and let it rise for 1-1½ hours until it doubles in size.
  4. Prepare the cheese: While the dough rises, cut the cheese into 30-33 pieces, weighing about 7 grams each.
  5. Shape the dough: Punch down the dough. Divide it into balls weighing 19-20 g each. Cover and allow to relax for 10 minutes.
  6. 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.
  7. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425ºF (218ºC).
  8. 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.
  9. Egg wash: Mix egg and water in a small ramekin. Apply egg wash to each dough ball.
  10. Bake: Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
  11. 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

Keywords: Christmas, bread, pull-apart, appetizer, holiday

Find it online: https://www.recipessmart.com/cheesy-pull-apart-christmas-tree-bread-2/