Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
A delightful and festive bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with gooey mozzarella and herbs, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Dough and Cheese Filling
- 13 ounces refrigerated pizza dough (canned)
- 6-7 pieces mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
Herbs and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- ½ tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
- ½ tablespoon fresh basil (finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
Dipping Sauce
- 1 serving Marinara or pesto sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the pizza dough into approximately 30 equal squares.
- Slice the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces.
- Place a piece of mozzarella into each square of dough, rolling it into a ball and sealing the edges well.
- Arrange the dough balls seam side down on the prepared baking sheet, forming a Christmas tree shape with the rolls touching each other.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush each dough ball with the egg wash.
Baking
- Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.
- While the bread bakes, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese along with the grated garlic and chopped herbs.
- Once the bread is baked, brush the buttery herb mixture over the rolls and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve immediately with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.
Notes
Choose high-quality mozzarella cheese for the best melting texture and flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for later use.