Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
A delightful and festive bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with gooey cheese and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Dough and Cheese Filling
- 13 ounces canned refrigerator pizza dough
- 6-7 pieces mozzarella cheese sticks sliced into 30 bite-sized pieces
- 1 large egg plus 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
Toppings and Herbs
- 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
Dipping Sauce
- 1 jar marinara and/or pesto for dipping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the dough into around 30 equal squares and slice the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces (about 1 inch).
- Place a piece of mozzarella in each dough square, then roll it into a ball, sealing the edges with your hands.
- Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheet, seam side down, in the shape of a tree, making sure they are touching each other.
Egg Wash and Baking
- In a small bowl, mix the egg and water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush this mixture onto each dough ball.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown.
Finishing Touches
- While the bread is baking, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese along with the grated garlic and herbs.
- Once the bread is out of the oven, brush the garlic herb mixture onto the rolls and sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top.
- Serve immediately with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.
Notes
Make sure the dough balls are well-sealed to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking. You can customize the filling by using different types of cheese or adding cooked bacon bits or sausage for a meaty version. For an extra touch, try adding cooked spinach or sun-dried tomatoes inside the dough balls.