Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 220
- Protein: 10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 24 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Sodium: 360 mg
Why Make This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is not just festive; it’s a delightful and delicious way to bring joy to your holiday gatherings. Its whimsical tree shape makes it perfect for holiday parties, and the warm, melty cheese wrapped in soft, doughy goodness is bound to make everyone smile. This dish can serve as an appetizer or a side dish, adding charm to any dinner table and is simple enough to make with family or friends. The aroma of baking bread wafting through your home will have everyone dropping by the kitchen to sneak a snack before it’s even served!
How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Flour (for dusting)
Directions:
### Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to catch any drips and make cleanup easier.
### Step 2: Rolling Out the Dough
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. You want it to be pliable but not too thin, as it needs to hold the cheesy filling.
### Step 3: Shaping the Dough
Cut the dough into a Christmas tree shape by starting with a triangle and making pointy edges for the branches. Use the leftover dough to create additional branches or fun shapes to place around your tree.
### Step 4: Adding the Filling
Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the cut-out tree shape. Be generous: the more cheese, the better! Then, add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning on top to enhance the flavor.
### Step 5: Encasing the Cheese
Carefully fold the dough over itself to encase the cheese. Pinch the edges to seal the filling inside, ensuring none of that delicious cheesy goodness escapes during baking.
### Step 6: Egg Washing
In a small bowl, beat the egg thoroughly and brush it all over the surface of the dough. This will give your bread a lovely golden color when it bakes.
### Step 7: Baking the Bread
Place the shaped dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.
### Step 8: Serving the Bread
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread warm, and watch as it’s devoured by family and friends!
How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is best served warm, but feel free to slice it into smaller pieces for easy sharing. Pair it with marinara sauce for dipping or serve alongside your favorite soups or salads for a complete meal. It also makes a festive centerpiece on a holiday buffet table, sure to grab everyone’s attention!
How to Store Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
To keep your leftovers fresh, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread by wrapping it in plastic and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep well for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw and reheat in the oven until warm.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
- Make sure your dough is at room temperature for easier rolling and shaping.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for unique flavors.
- If you want extra flavor, add minced garlic or herbs to the cheese mixture.
- Don’t overfill your tree; it should be stuffed, but too much cheese could spill out during baking.
- For an extra festive touch, sprinkle with a bit of sea salt or dried parsley before serving.
Delicious Variations
- Herbed Twist: Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme into the cheese mixture for a fragrant twist.
- Stuffed with Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or roasted red peppers into the cheese filling for added nutrition and color.
- Sweet Option: For a dessert variation, use cinnamon roll dough, stuff with cream cheese and chocolate chips, shape into a tree, and bake. Drizzle with icing for a festive finish!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use homemade dough? Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough will work just as well for this recipe. Just ensure it’s rolled out to the same thickness.
- How do I reheat the bread? Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to warm evenly without losing its texture.
- Can I make this bread ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance. Just shape it, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake—add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.
- What can I serve with it? This bread pairs well with marinara sauce, a creamy dip, or even a light salad to balance the cheese’s richness.
- Is it okay to use gluten-free dough? Certainly! Just select your preferred gluten-free pizza dough for a delicious, gluten-free option.
Conclusion
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a delightful recipe that adds a special touch to your holiday festivities. Its warm, gooey center wrapped in soft dough will bring smiles to your table. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is perfect for both experienced cooks and beginners alike. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and create a truly memorable holiday treat that everyone will love! Enjoy the process, and happy baking!
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Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and delightful bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with melty cheeses and Italian herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Flour (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4-inch thick.
- Cut the dough into a Christmas tree shape.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the cut-out tree shape and add Italian seasoning.
- Carefully fold the dough to encase the cheese and pinch the edges to seal.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it over the dough.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve warm.
Notes
Best served warm. Pair with marinara sauce or alongside soups. Can be made ahead of time and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
