A Holiday Tradition: Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
The holiday season is a time of warmth, joy, and togetherness, a period when families reunite to share stories, laughter, and delicious meals. Among the cherished traditions that have woven themselves into the fabric of our festivities is the delightful Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread. This recipe not only fills our home with the comforting aromas of cheese, herbs, and freshly baked bread but also serves as a wonderful opportunity to bond with loved ones in the kitchen. Join me as I take you through this festive culinary journey, and perhaps it will become a beloved tradition in your family too.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
On a chilly December evening, with the soft glow of twinkling Christmas tree lights illuminating our living room, I found myself yearning to create something special for my family. I wanted a dish that was both fun and delicious, something that would bring us together in the kitchen and around the table. The inspiration struck while watching my children gleefully decorate our Christmas tree. I envisioned a savory bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with gooey cheese and the comforting flavors of herbs and garlic. Little did I know that this simple idea would soon become a staple of our holiday celebrations, loved by both young and old alike.
A Closer Look: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is more than just a dish—it’s an experience. Here’s why it has captured our hearts and why it might do the same for you:
Family-Friendly Fun: Shaping a Christmas tree out of dough and cheese is a delightful activity that invites everyone into the kitchen. Children can help roll small dough balls, while older kids and adults can assist in assembling the tree. It’s a collaborative effort that strengthens family bonds and creates memories that last a lifetime.
Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something undeniably comforting about warm, cheesy bread. The flavors of fresh herbs and garlic elevate this simple dish, making it the perfect antidote to a cold winter’s day and a festive addition to any holiday gathering. The golden crust encases a soft, fluffy interior filled with melted cheese, creating a sensory delight.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need a lengthy grocery list to create this dish. With everyday ingredients like mozzarella sticks, pizza dough, and fresh herbs, you can whip up something extraordinary that’s sure to impress. The beauty lies in the simplicity and the magic that unfolds as these ingredients come together.
Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a bake time of 16-18 minutes, this dish is ideal for those busy holiday schedules. You can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of loved ones. The straightforward process ensures that even novice cooks can achieve delicious results.
Versatile Dipping Options: Pair this bread with marinara sauce or pesto for a flavor-packed experience that complements the cheesy goodness perfectly. These dipping sauces add an extra burst of flavor, ensuring that every bite is a delightful adventure. Whether you prefer the tangy richness of marinara or the herby notes of pesto, each dip adds its own twist to the experience.
The Recipe in Detail
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: Approximately 200 per serving
Ingredients
- 13-ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
- Parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)
- 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 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
- 1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
Prepare the Dough: Cut the pizza dough into 30 approximately equal squares. Then, slice the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces, preparing them for their cheesy transformation.
Assemble the Balls: Place a piece of mozzarella on each dough square. Form a ball by pinching the dough around the cheese and rolling it with your hands to seal the edges. This step is crucial for ensuring the cheese remains inside as the bread bakes, preventing any cheesy leakage.
Shape Your Tree: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree, making sure the balls are touching. This not only creates an appealing presentation but also ensures that the dough balls bake into a cohesive structure. You can even add a small dough ball at the bottom to represent the tree trunk.
Egg Wash: In a small bowl, blend the egg and water. Lightly brush each dough ball with the egg wash to give the bread a golden, shiny finish. This step enhances the visual appeal and adds a touch of elegance to the final product.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking. The dough should rise, turning into a beautiful, golden tree structure that’s both inviting and festive.
Add Flavor: While the bread bakes, microwave the butter until melted. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese, the grated garlic, and all the herbs. This mixture will form the crowning glory of your tree bread, adding an aromatic layer that tantalizes the senses.
Finish: Once the bread is out of the oven, brush the herb butter generously over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor. The butter not only adds flavor but also a glossy sheen that makes the bread look as good as it tastes.
Serve: Serve immediately with marinara and/or pesto for dipping. Watch as smiles light up the faces around your table! The combination of warm, cheesy bread with flavorful dips is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To ensure a smooth cooking process, gather the following tools:
- Baking Sheet: Essential for baking the Christmas tree bread, providing a flat surface for even cooking.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup, making the baking process hassle-free.
- Small Bowl: Useful for mixing the egg wash and herb butter, keeping your ingredients organized.
- Microwave: Handy for melting butter quickly, saving time and effort.
- Pastry Brush: Helps apply the egg wash and herb butter evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful and visually appealing.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures:
- Pizza Dough: Serves as the soft, pillowy foundation of our Christmas tree, providing a delightful contrast to the cheesy filling. Its neutral flavor allows the other ingredients to shine.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Known for its superb melting qualities, mozzarella adds an irresistible gooeyness to every bite, making it a favorite among cheese lovers.
- Parmesan Cheese: Imparts a nutty, savory depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully, adding complexity and richness.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley, rosemary, and basil bring a fragrant, earthy aroma that elevates the dish to festive heights, transforming simple bread into a culinary masterpiece.
- Garlic: Infuses the bread with a rich, aromatic depth that’s a hallmark of comfort food, adding a layer of complexity that enhances the overall taste.
- Marinara and Pesto: These dipping sauces not only enhance the flavor of the bread but also offer a delightful contrast, making each bite an adventure. The marinara adds a tangy, tomato-based richness, while the pesto introduces a fresh, herby element.
What to Serve With This Dish
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread can be the star of your holiday appetizer spread. Pair it with a fresh green salad or a hearty soup like my Creamy Tomato Basil Soup for a complete meal. It also complements a charcuterie board beautifully, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will please any crowd. The versatility of this dish means it can stand alone as an appetizer or be part of a larger feast.
Storage & Leftover Tips
While this bread is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you might find yourself with leftovers. If so, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bread soggy and less enjoyable. Reheating in the oven ensures the bread retains its texture and flavor, allowing you to enjoy it as if it were freshly baked.
A New Tradition for Your Holidays
In the spirit of sharing good food and creating cherished family memories, I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your home as it has to mine. Whether you’re gathered around the table with family or sharing it with friends, this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is sure to be a hit. So roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and embark on this festive culinary adventure. Happy cooking and happy holidays from my kitchen to yours!
Embracing the Holiday Spirit
The holiday season is a time to embrace traditions and create new ones. Cooking together in the kitchen is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about sharing moments, laughter, and love. The Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread embodies this spirit, turning a simple recipe into an occasion for connection and joy. As the aroma of baking bread fills the air, you’ll find that the kitchen becomes a hub of festive cheer, a place where hearts and hands come together to create something magical.
Tips for a Personalized Touch
To make this recipe truly your own, consider adding a personal touch. You could incorporate different herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to suit your taste. Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can introduce a hint of spice for those who enjoy a little kick. You might even experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda, to bring new flavors into the mix. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your family’s preferences and make it a unique tradition in your household.
Conclusion: A Recipe for Joy
As you gather around the table to enjoy this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, you’ll find that it’s more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of togetherness, creativity, and the simple pleasures of life. This holiday season, let this recipe be a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing good food and great company. Whether it’s the centerpiece of your holiday feast or a delightful appetizer to start the evening, this bread is sure to bring warmth and happiness to your celebrations. Here’s to creating delicious memories and cherishing the moments that make the holidays truly special. Happy holidays!
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400° then line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the dough into 30 approximately equal squares then cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-size (1 inch) pieces.
- Add a piece of mozzarella to each square of dough then form a ball, rolling with your hands to smooth and seal the edges.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet seam side down in the shape of a tree – so the balls are touching.
- Blend the egg and water in a small bowl and lightly brush each ball with the egg wash.
- Bake 16-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the bread is baking, microwave the butter until melted then stir in half of the parmesan cheese and all of the grated garlic and herbs.
- Brush onto the rolls, then sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese over the top then serve right away with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.
