why make this recipe
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a fun and festive treat that is perfect for holiday gatherings. This delightful bread not only looks great, but it’s also packed with gooey cheese and delicious herbs. It’s an easy recipe that everyone can join in on, making it a wonderful activity for families or friends during the holiday season. Plus, it’s a tasty addition to any holiday spread!
how to make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough or 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Small bell pepper (yellow), cut into star shape
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and position the rack in the center. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Let the refrigerated dough sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- If using pizza dough: Roll into a 12"x16" rectangle and cut into 24-30 circles using a 2.5-3 inch biscuit cutter. If using biscuit dough: Separate biscuits and flatten each into 3-inch circles.
- Mix shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses together in a bowl.
- Brush one side of each dough circle with the garlic herb butter mixture, reserving some for later.
- Place one dough circle at the bottom center of the baking sheet for the tree trunk. Add a small pinch of cheese.
- Stack 2-3 more circles vertically on the trunk, adding cheese between layers.
- Arrange 5-6 circles in a row above the trunk for the bottom tree layer, overlapping edges slightly. Add cheese on top.
- Continue building the tree with progressively fewer circles per row (4-5, then 3-4, then 2-3, and finally 1-2), adding cheese between each row until you form a pointed top.
- Brush the entire tree surface with the remaining garlic herb butter.
- Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush the egg wash over all exposed dough.
- Press fresh rosemary sprigs into the tree as a “garland” and position cherry tomato halves as “ornaments.”
- Cut yellow bell pepper into a star shape and place it at the top of the tree.
- Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Serve warm on the baking sheet or transfer to a wooden board.
how to serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread warm straight from the oven. It makes a great centerpiece for your holiday table, and it’s perfect for dipping into marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Guests can pull apart the cheesy layers, making it a fun and interactive dish!
how to store Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also wrap the bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap before refrigerating. For longer storage, consider freezing it, which is best done before baking.
tips to make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
- Make sure to let the dough sit at room temperature before you start. This helps it roll out easily.
- Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses for the filling.
- Add extra toppings like cooked bacon bits or fresh herbs for more flavor.
- If you like a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños or hot sauce to your cheese mixture.
variation
You can customize this recipe by using different fillings. Try adding spinach and artichoke, pesto, or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist on the traditional flavor.
FAQs
What can I use instead of pizza dough?
You can use refrigerated biscuit dough or even homemade dough for a fresh option.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bread up to the baking point, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
You can use dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t available. Just remember to use smaller amounts, as dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh.
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough or 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Herb Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Other
- 1 each egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 bunch Fresh rosemary sprigs For garnishing
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved For garnishing
- 1 each Small bell pepper (yellow), cut into star shape For decorating the top of the tree
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and position the rack in the center. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Let the refrigerated dough sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- If using pizza dough: Roll into a 12"x16" rectangle and cut into 24-30 circles using a 2.5-3 inch biscuit cutter. If using biscuit dough: Separate biscuits and flatten each into 3-inch circles.
- Mix shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses together in a bowl.
Assembly
- Brush one side of each dough circle with the garlic herb butter mixture, reserving some for later.
- Place one dough circle at the bottom center of the baking sheet for the tree trunk. Add a small pinch of cheese.
- Stack 2-3 more circles vertically on the trunk, adding cheese between layers.
- Arrange 5-6 circles in a row above the trunk for the bottom tree layer, overlapping edges slightly. Add cheese on top.
- Continue building the tree with progressively fewer circles per row (4-5, then 3-4, then 2-3, and finally 1-2), adding cheese between each row until you form a pointed top.
- Brush the entire tree surface with the remaining garlic herb butter.
- Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush the egg wash over all exposed dough.
- Press fresh rosemary sprigs into the tree as a 'garland' and position cherry tomato halves as 'ornaments.'
- Cut yellow bell pepper into a star shape and place it at the top of the tree.
Baking
- Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.
