Description
This Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and fun appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft pizza dough pockets filled with gooey mozzarella cheese are shaped into a charming Christmas tree, baked golden, then brushed with a flavorful garlic butter and topped with Parmesan and parsley for an extra festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 33 cubes mozzarella cheese
- 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 and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle. Cut the dough into 33 equal pieces to form the base for each cheesy bite.
- Prepare Cheese: Cut the mozzarella into 33 cubes, matching the number of dough pieces, so each piece will be filled evenly.
- Fill and Shape: Place one cube of mozzarella cheese inside each piece of dough. Pinch the dough edges tightly to seal the cheese inside and roll each into a smooth ball.
- Shape Tree: Arrange all the cheese-filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree, making it festive and visually appealing.
- Bake: Bake the arranged dough balls for 20 to 22 minutes or until they become golden brown and puffed up.
- Make Garlic Butter: While baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning to infuse the butter with flavor.
- Brush with Butter: After removing the bread from the oven, immediately brush the warm bread generously with the garlic butter mixture to add richness and aroma.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the baked bread with grated Parmesan cheese and optionally chopped fresh parsley for color and extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Christmas tree bread warm alongside your favorite marinara or ranch dip for a delightful holiday appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is sealed tightly around the cheese to prevent leakage while baking.
- Fresh mozzarella works best for gooey, melty centers.
- Feel free to add extra herbs like rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter for different flavor profiles.
- For a crispier crust, bake on a preheated baking stone if available.
- This recipe can be doubled or halved depending on the size of your gathering.
