If you’re craving a festive, fun, and utterly delicious treat to wow your guests, the Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, golden dough balls filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, shaped perfectly into a charming Christmas tree and bursting with garlicky, buttery flavor in every bite. This delightful recipe combines simplicity and cheer, making it a perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings or a cozy family night in. Trust me, once you try this Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to festive appetizer that everyone raves about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient in this Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of soft dough and savory, melty cheese, with just the right herbal kick. These simple components come together effortlessly to create a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.
- 1 pound pizza dough: The soft, chewy base that’ll carry all the cheesy goodness and hold the tree shape perfectly.
- 33 cubes mozzarella cheese: The star ingredient, providing ooey-gooey pockets of comforting melted cheese inside each bread ball.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: For that golden, rich brush-on finish that makes the bread irresistible and indulgent.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory flavor to the butter, elevating the bread beyond simple cheese bread.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that brings a festive, aromatic touch to every bite.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: A nutty, salty sprinkle finishing touch that adds texture and bursts of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of fresh green color and a mild herbal lift to complement the rich flavors.
How to Make Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for the bread to cook evenly and prevents sticking while you focus on shaping the tree.
Step 2: Shape the Dough and Cheese
Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle and cut it into 33 equal pieces—you want each one just right so your tree has even, perfect “branches.” Then, cut mozzarella into 33 small cubes to match, ensuring each dough piece will house a perfect cheesy center.
Step 3: Fill and Seal the Dough Balls
Place one mozzarella cube inside each dough piece, pinch the edges together tightly to seal in that cheesy goodness, and roll into smooth balls. This step is crucial for keeping the cheese melty without leaking during baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Christmas Tree
Arrange your dough balls on the baking sheet in the classic triangular Christmas tree shape. This is your chance to get creative—make it big, small, dense, or airy, but keep that silhouette festive and inviting.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the arranged bread balls in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes until they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown. The smell wafting through your kitchen will make it hard to wait.
Step 6: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
While the bread bakes, melt the butter and mix in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This luscious mixture will become the brush-on finish that adds richness and mouthwatering aroma to the warm bread.
Step 7: Add Finishing Touches
When the bread comes out of the oven, brush the entire tree generously with your garlic herb butter. Then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and optional fresh parsley over the top. This final step creates a flavorful, festive crust that elevates every bite.
How to Serve Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While the bread is stunning on its own, adding fresh chopped parsley not only gives a lovely green garnish but also brightens the flavors with a subtle herbal note. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan right before serving adds a cheesy, salty pop that guests will love.
Side Dishes
Serve this bread alongside flavorful dips like marinara sauce for a classic Italian twist or ranch dressing for a creamy contrast. It also pairs wonderfully with a simple mixed greens salad or a hearty bowl of tomato soup to round out your festive meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests with presentation? Place the bread tree on a festive platter surrounded by colorful veggies or cherry tomatoes to mimic Christmas ornaments. Add a small dip bowl “star” at the top or sprinkle edible glitter or colored salt for extra holiday sparkle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain its soft texture while keeping the cheese inside delightfully melty.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked bread tree by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it inside a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To bring leftover or thawed bread back to life, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works wonderfully and saves time, making this Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe even more accessible and easy to prepare.
What other cheeses can I use instead of mozzarella?
While mozzarella melts best for the classic gooey texture, you can experiment with provolone or a mild cheddar for some variation. Just make sure the cheese melts well to achieve that gooey center.
Can I make the dough balls ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese-filled dough balls in advance and refrigerate them, covered, for up to a few hours before baking. Just let them come close to room temperature before placing them in the oven for even baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough substitute and proceed with the recipe. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
What should I serve this bread with during a holiday party?
Serve it with warm marinara or ranch dips, a crisp salad, or even alongside soups and stews. Its festive look and irresistible flavor make it great for any holiday spread.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe a try this holiday season. It’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a warm, cozy snack bursting with melty cheese and savory flavors that bring everyone together. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a fun family baking activity, this recipe will quickly become a beloved tradition. So grab your dough and cheese, and make your holidays even more delicious!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 33 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the holidays with this irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread featuring soft pizza dough encasing gooey mozzarella cheese, brushed with a flavorful garlic herb butter, and topped with Parmesan and fresh parsley for an eye-catching festive appetizer.
Ingredients
Dough and Cheese
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 33 cubes mozzarella cheese
Butter Mixture and Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface, then cut it into 33 equal pieces to ensure uniform baking.
- Prepare the Cheese: Cut mozzarella into 33 cubes matching the number of dough pieces for individual stuffing.
- Assemble Dough Balls: Place one mozzarella cube on each piece of dough, pinch the edges tightly to seal the cheese inside, and roll gently into smooth balls.
- Arrange Bread Tree: On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the dough balls in the shape of a Christmas tree to create a festive presentation.
- Bake: Bake the arranged dough balls in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed.
- Make Garlic Herb Butter: While baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave, then stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning until combined.
- Brush Bread: Remove the baked bread from the oven and immediately brush the warm dough balls generously with the seasoned butter mixture for added flavor and shine.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley if desired for a colorful finishing touch.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy Christmas tree bread warm, ideally with sides like marinara sauce or ranch dip for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and taste.
- Make sure to pinch the dough well to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle a little extra Italian seasoning on top before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Can be made ahead and assembled but bake just before serving for optimal freshness.
