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Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 72 reviews

Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and fun appetizer featuring mozzarella stuffed dough balls arranged in a Christmas tree shape. Baked to golden perfection, then brushed with a flavorful herb butter and sprinkled with Parmesan and red pepper flakes, this delicious bread is perfect for holiday gatherings and sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 7 mozzarella sticks
  • All-purpose flour, for dusting
  • 1 lb. store-bought or homemade pizza dough, room temperature
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving
  • 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
  • 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 Tbsp. thinly sliced fresh basil
  • Crushed red pepper flakes, for serving
  • Warmed marinara, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Cheese: Arrange a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 450°F (232°C). Cut each mozzarella stick into 5 equal pieces to prepare for stuffing the dough.
  2. Shape Dough and Stuff Cheese: On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough in half. Roll each half into an 18″ x 4″ rectangle. Cut the rolled dough into 2″ squares, totaling about 33 pieces. Wrap each dough square tightly around a piece of mozzarella, forming a sealed ball to keep the cheese inside during baking.
  3. Arrange Balls in Christmas Tree Shape: Place the dough balls seam side down, touching each other on a parchment-lined baking sheet, carefully arranging them in the shape of a Christmas tree.
  4. Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash gently over each dough ball to promote browning and shine as it bakes.
  5. Bake Bread: Bake the arranged dough balls in the preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  6. Make Herb Butter and Finish: While the bread is baking, whisk melted butter with Parmesan, parsley, rosemary, and basil in a small bowl. Once the bread is out of the oven, brush the herb butter mixture generously over the entire tree. Sprinkle additional Parmesan, parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes on top. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Ensure that the dough balls are sealed tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
  • For a vegetarian version, confirm that the Parmesan used is vegetarian-friendly.
  • Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, as the cheesy bread is best enjoyed warm.
  • Use fresh herbs for vibrant flavor; dried herbs may not provide the same freshness.
  • Marinara sauce can be warmed gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

Keywords: Pull Apart Bread, Christmas Bread, Mozzarella Bread, Holiday Appetizer, Stuffed Bread, Christmas Tree Bread, Herb Butter Bread, Party Food

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