Easy Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

The smell of warm, cheesy bread is practically synonymous with holiday gatherings. This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread takes that comforting aroma and gives it a festive, edible shape. It’s made using simple refrigerator pizza dough, so it’s incredibly easy to assemble, making it a perfect project to do with kids or to whip up quickly when unexpected guests arrive. The mozzarella cheese sticks melt into gooey pockets, and the herb and garlic butter adds a wonderful savory note that pairs perfectly with marinara or pesto for dipping. Ingredients: 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough Parchment paper (for lining baking sheet) 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks 1 large egg (+ 1 tablespoon water for egg wash) 3 tablespoons 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 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping) Making the Bread Preparing the Dough and Cheese First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is important because it prevents the dough from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Open the can of pizza dough according to the package instructions. You’ll want to unroll it onto a lightly floured surface. You don’t need to be too precise with rolling it out; a rustic shape is perfectly fine. The goal is to create a workable base for shaping. Take your mozzarella cheese sticks and cut them in half or thirds lengthwise, depending on their thickness. You want pieces that will fit comfortably inside the dough pockets without making them too bulky. Prepare your herb and garlic butter by melting the butter in a small bowl, then stirring in the grated garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, and basil. Set this aside for later. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the grated parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top just before baking.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

The smell of warm, cheesy bread is practically synonymous with holiday gatherings. This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread takes that comforting aroma and gives it a festive, edible shape. It’s made using simple refrigerator pizza dough, so it’s incredibly easy to assemble, making it a perfect project to do with kids or to whip up quickly when unexpected guests arrive. The mozzarella cheese sticks melt into gooey pockets, and the herb and garlic butter adds a wonderful savory note that pairs perfectly with marinara or pesto for dipping.

Ingredients:

• 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
• Parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)
• 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 large egg (+ 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
• 3 tablespoons 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 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)

Making the Bread

Preparing the Dough and Cheese

First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is important because it prevents the dough from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Open the can of pizza dough according to the package instructions. You’ll want to unroll it onto a lightly floured surface. You don’t need to be too precise with rolling it out; a rustic shape is perfectly fine. The goal is to create a rectangular or roughly square shape that’s thin enough to cook through but not so thin that it tears easily. Aim for about a quarter-inch thickness.

Next, unwrap your mozzarella cheese sticks. You’ll need 6 to 7 of them. These will form the “branches” of our tree. You can leave them whole or cut them in half lengthwise if they seem a bit too thick. Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a line down the center of the pizza dough. Leave a small gap between each cheese stick. These will become the warm, melty centers of your breadsticks as they bake.

Shaping the Christmas Tree

Now it’s time to create the tree shape. Cut the pizza dough on either side of the mozzarella sticks into strips that are about one inch wide. You’ll have two columns of strips, one on each side of the cheese. Imagine these strips are going to be twisted around the cheese sticks to form the tree. Start from the bottom of the dough and work your way up. Take a strip from one side and gently twist it around a mozzarella stick. Then, take a strip from the other side and twist it around the same cheese stick. Continue this process, working your way up the dough and around each cheese stick. As you get closer to the top, the strips will become shorter, naturally forming the triangular shape of a Christmas tree. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy; the rustic charm is part of its appeal. Make sure the dough fully encloses the cheese sticks so they don’t ooze out too much during baking. You can tuck in any loose ends to secure the shape.

Applying the Herb Butter and Egg Wash

In a small bowl, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter. To this melted butter, add the grated garlic, finely chopped fresh parsley, finely chopped fresh rosemary, and finely chopped fresh basil. Stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup). This herb butter mixture is where a lot of the flavor comes from. Brush this fragrant butter generously over the entire surface of your bread tree. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the large egg and the 1 tablespoon of water. This is your egg wash. Lightly brush the egg wash over the bread tree. The egg wash helps the bread turn a beautiful golden brown and gives it a lovely sheen. After applying the egg wash, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese over the top. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust.

Baking the Tree

Carefully transfer the prepared bread tree on its parchment paper to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and puffed up, and the cheese inside is melted and gooey. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to prevent it from burning. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven, so visual cues are your best guide. You want that nice, toasted golden color.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is out of the oven, let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This allows the cheese to set up slightly, making it easier to handle. Serve it warm, with a jar of your favorite marinara sauce or pesto for dipping. You can also serve it with a side of ranch dressing for a different flavor profile. This bread is perfect as an appetizer for holiday parties, a fun side dish for a festive meal, or even just a comforting snack.

This recipe is quite forgiving. If you don’t have all the fresh herbs, you can substitute with dried herbs, using about a third of the amount. For example, 1/3 tablespoon of dried parsley, 1/6 tablespoon of dried rosemary, and 1/6 tablespoon of dried basil. Grating fresh garlic gives a more intense flavor, but you could also use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder mixed into the butter if you’re in a pinch. Enjoy this delightful, festive bread!

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a fun and delicious way to bring some holiday cheer to your table. It’s simple enough for anyone to make, and the results are always impressive. The combination of gooey melted cheese, savory herbs, and garlic butter makes it a hit with both kids and adults. Serve it warm with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara or pesto, or even just by itself. It makes a fantastic appetizer for holiday parties, a fun side dish for a Christmas dinner, or a festive snack any time during the season.

Serving Suggestions & Variations:

For an extra cheesy kick, you can add a layer of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese inside with the mozzarella. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs work too, just use about a third of the amount. You could also sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the herb butter for a touch of heat. Feeling creative? Try adding a bit of pizza sauce or pesto inside the pockets before folding.

FAQs:

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can assemble the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread a few hours ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking, or you might need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

What if I don’t have pizza dough?

You can substitute with crescent roll dough or even homemade bread dough if you have a favorite recipe. Just adjust the shaping and baking times as needed.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat slices in the oven or a toaster oven for the best texture.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

A festive and fun appetizer shaped like a Christmas tree, perfect for holiday gatherings. This cheesy bread is easy to make with refrigerator pizza dough and a flavorful herb and garlic butter topping.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
20 Minutes

Total Time
35 Minutes

Servings
6-8 servings

Ingredients

• 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
• 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 3 tablespoons 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 jar marinara and/or pesto, for dipping

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2
   Unroll the pizza dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Cut the dough into a triangle shape for the tree. You can do this by cutting off the sides to create a point at the top and a wider base.
3. Step 3
   Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on the pizza dough to resemble ornaments or decorations on the tree. Leave some space between the cheese pieces.
4. Step 4
   In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, water, half of the grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, rosemary, basil, and grated garlic. Mix well.
5. Step 5
   Brush the herb butter mixture evenly over the pizza dough and around the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Step 6
   Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7
   Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.