Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and fun appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft dough balls filled with a creamy cheese mixture are arranged into a charming tree shape, making it both a delicious and eye-catching treat.

Ingredients

• 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent dough sheet)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• Marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth and well mixed.
3. Step 3: Unroll the pizza dough and cut it into 32 equal squares.
4. Step 4: Place about 1 teaspoon of the cheese filling in the center of each square.
5. Step 5: Fold each dough square around the filling and pinch the edges to seal, shaping them into balls.
6. Step 6: Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet, forming the shape of a Christmas tree.
7. Step 7: Brush the assembled bread with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
8. Step 8: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
9. Step 9: Optional: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and grated parmesan before serving.
10. Step 10: Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping and enjoy your festive cheesy bread tree!

Tips & Variations

• You can prepare and assemble the dough balls a few hours ahead of time and bake just before serving to save time.
• Feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like cheddar, fontina, or gouda for different flavors.
• Add finely chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the cheese filling for extra color and taste.

Storage

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works great and adds a personal touch. Just make sure it is well risen and rolled out to a similar thickness as the store-bought dough for even baking.

What can I use instead of marinara sauce for dipping?

If you prefer, you can use ranch dressing, garlic butter, or a creamy pesto dip as delicious alternatives for dipping your cheesy bread balls.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 75 reviews

This Easy Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and fun appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with refrigerated pizza dough, a creamy cheese filling, and baked to golden perfection, it’s a delightful treat that resembles a Christmas tree and pairs wonderfully with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 32 cheesy bread balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent dough sheet)

Cheese Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Toppings and Garnish

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Serving

• Marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up.
2. Make the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy filling.
3. Prepare the Dough Squares: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough on a clean surface and cut it into 32 equal-sized squares using a knife or a pizza cutter.
4. Fill the Dough: Place about 1 teaspoon of the prepared cheese filling in the center of each dough square, making sure not to overfill to avoid leakage during baking.
5. Form Dough Balls: Fold each dough square over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal, shaping them into neat balls to trap the cheese inside.
6. Arrange as a Christmas Tree: Place the filled dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in the shape of a Christmas tree for a festive presentation.
7. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the dough balls gently with the beaten egg to help them develop a shiny, golden-brown crust during baking.
8. Bake: Bake the assembled bread in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the dough balls are puffed and golden brown on top.
9. Optional Garnishes: Once baked, optionally sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese over the top to add color and extra flavor.
10. Serve: Serve the cheesy Christmas tree bread warm, accompanied by marinara or pizza sauce for dipping, making it a perfect holiday appetizer.

Notes

• You can prepare the dough balls a few hours ahead and bake just before serving for convenience.
• Feel free to use any melty cheese of your choice to customize the filling to your taste.
• Ensure the dough is tightly sealed around the cheese to prevent leakage during baking.
• For a crispier crust, you can bake on a preheated pizza stone instead of a baking sheet.

Keywords: cheesy Christmas tree bread, holiday appetizer, pizza dough recipe, pull apart bread, festive bread, Christmas appetizers, easy holiday recipes