Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread (Print-Friendly Version)
Great for holiday parties, this pull-apart bread combines soft pizza dough with stretchy mozzarella, all arranged like a Christmas tree. Pair it with marinara or pesto. Tap to see more.
# Ingredients You’ll Need:
→ Dough and Cheese
01 -
13 ounces chilled pizza dough from the fridge
02 -
6 to 7 string cheese sticks
→ Egg Wash
03 -
1 large egg
04 -
1 tablespoon water
→ Herb Butter Topping
05 -
3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
06 -
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, split in half
07 -
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
08 -
1/2 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
09 -
1/2 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
10 -
1 clove garlic, grated finely
→ For Serving
11 -
1 jar marinara or pesto sauce for dipping
# How to Make It:
01 -
Heat your oven to 400°F and put parchment paper on a baking sheet.
02 -
Divide the pizza dough into 30 equal squares. Cut your mozzarella sticks into 30 small chunks, roughly 1 inch each.
03 -
Take each dough square and wrap it around a piece of mozzarella. Pinch the edges to make a sealed ball.
04 -
Place all the cheese-stuffed balls on your lined baking sheet in a tree pattern with the balls touching each other. Mix the egg with water and brush this mixture over the tops of your dough balls.
05 -
Pop them in the hot oven for 16 to 18 minutes until they turn a nice golden brown.
06 -
While they're baking, melt your butter in the microwave. Mix in half the parmesan, all the herbs, and the grated garlic. Once the bread comes out of the oven, immediately brush on this herb butter mix and sprinkle the leftover parmesan on top.
07 -
Bring to the table hot with marinara or pesto on the side for dipping.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Make sure to seal the dough balls tightly so cheese doesn't escape during baking.