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Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/cheesy-christmas-tree-bread-recipe/