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Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

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A festive and delicious bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with gooey cheese and herbs, perfect for sharing during the holiday season.

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. 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.
  2. Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for 10-15 minutes until it’s smooth and passes the windowpane test.
  3. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  4. While the dough is rising, cut the cheese into 30-33 pieces, each about 7 grams.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Preheat your oven to 425ºF (218ºC).
  8. 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.
  9. In a small bowl, mix the egg and water for the egg wash. Brush it on each dough ball.
  10. Bake for 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
  11. 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.
  12. 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

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

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