Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
A festive, pull-apart appetizer made with pizza dough balls stuffed with mozzarella cheese, arranged in a Christmas tree shape and brushed with garlic herb butter. This easy holiday recipe is perfect for parties and family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 30 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 13 oz refrigerated pizza dough
- 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into 30 one-inch pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 3 tablespoons unsalted 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 cup marinara, pizza sauce, or pesto for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface and cut into 30 equal squares.
- Cut mozzarella sticks into 30 one-inch pieces.
- Place one cheese piece in the center of each dough square, wrap tightly, and seal into a ball.
- Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape.
- Whisk together egg and water, then brush over each dough ball.
- Bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking, melt butter and stir in half the Parmesan, all herbs, and garlic.
- Brush baked bread with herb garlic butter and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
- Serve hot with marinara, pizza sauce, or pesto for dipping.
Notes
- You can freeze unbaked dough balls and bake later after thawing.
- Swap in different cheeses like fontina or provolone for variation.
- Dried herbs may be used instead of fresh (use half the amount).
- To make it dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and butter alternatives.
Find it online: https://www.recipebyelena.com/cheesy-christmas-tree-bread/