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Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 0h 30m
  • Cook Time: 0h 20m
  • Total Time: 0h 50m
  • Yield: Approximately 24 pull-apart bread balls, serves 6-8 as an appetizer
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and fun appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with soft pizza dough wrapped around gooey mozzarella cubes, seasoned with Italian spices, and baked to golden perfection, it’s both delicious and visually striking. Serve it warm with marinara or pesto for a delightful dipping experience.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough and Cheese

  • 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes

For the Seasoning and Topping

  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For Serving

  • Marinara or pesto sauce for dipping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare Dough Squares: Open the can of pizza dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into approximately 24 equal squares, ensuring they are uniform for even baking.
  3. Wrap Cheese Cubes: Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough square. Carefully wrap the dough around the cheese and pinch the edges tightly to fully seal, preventing cheese from leaking during baking.
  4. Form Christmas Tree Shape: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in a triangular Christmas tree shape. Start with a base row of seven balls, decreasing by one ball per row until only one remains at the top. Use any leftover balls to create a trunk at the bottom of the tree.
  5. Brush with Seasoned Butter: Mix melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic powder in a small bowl. Generously brush this mixture over all the dough balls for flavor and browning.
  6. Add Parmesan Topping: Evenly sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the assembled Christmas tree to add a savory crust and extra cheesy flavor.
  7. Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and is fully cooked through.
  8. Cool and Garnish: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
  9. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve the pull-apart bread warm alongside marinara or pesto sauce for dipping, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Notes

  • Ensure dough airtight sealing around the cheese cubes to prevent leaks.
  • Use a parchment-lined baking sheet to avoid sticking.
  • Customize seasoning to your taste by adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispness.
  • The shape can be adjusted for smaller or larger gatherings by changing the number of dough balls.

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Find it online: https://sweetindulgencescakes.com/cheesy-pull-apart-christmas-tree-bread-recipe/