Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

The holiday season is all about togetherness, joy, and, of course, delicious food! One recipe that beautifully captures the spirit of Christmas is the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread. Picture this: a festive tree shaped bread, bursting with gooey cheese and fragrant herbs, that not only tastes incredible but also brings a smile to everyone at the table. This dish is a wonderful conversation starter and is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in. Did you know that bread shaped like trees has become increasingly popular during the festive season, serving both as food and decoration? It’s fun to pull apart and enjoy with friends and family, making it a delightful addition to your holiday spread. You may even find it compares beautifully with our other festive favorite, the savory Christmas wreath. So grab your apron, gather the family, and let’s make this delicious Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread together!

What is Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?

What’s in a name, you ask? Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread isn’t just a clever title; it embodies everything festive and tasty! The word ‘cheesy’ instantly makes you think of that melty, mouthwatering flavor that can turn the blandest of days into a gourmet experience. And ‘Christmas Tree’? Well, who wouldn’t love a bread dough shaped like a tree? It’s like baking a hug! They say, "The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach," and this playful bread will have everyone swooning. So we invite you to gather your loved ones and try making this enchanting bread that fills not just the tummy, but also the spirit of the season.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is sure to capture your heart for three delightful reasons. First, the star of the dish—melted cheese—will enchant every cheese lover in the family. You get that glorious pull when taking a bite, and every mouthful is like a winter wonderland of flavors! Second, making this bread at home is incredibly cost-effective. Instead of splurging on fancy bakery items, you can impress your guests—and yourself—with a homemade masterpiece that’s sure to turn heads. Lastly, the aromatic herbs and spices elevate this dish from simple bread to a festive treat! It’s reminiscent of our popular Garlic Breadsticks but with the added charisma of holiday cheer! So, gather the ingredients and give this recipe a whirl. Your taste buds will thank you!

How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Quick Overview

Creating Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a joyfully simple process! All you need is a little patience and some basic cooking skills. In less than an hour, you’ll have an appealing centerpiece for your holiday table that is as delectable as it is visually stunning.

Key Ingredients for Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

• 1 package of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (like oregano and basil)
• Flour, for dusting
• Fresh parsley or basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will allow you to bake your bread to perfection.

2. Prepare the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a rectangular shape about 1/4 inch thick.

3. Cut the dough: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to create a tree shape—triangular on top and a flat bottom. You can make multiple layers of triangles to give it depth if you’re feeling creative.

4. Add cheese: Spread mozzarella cheese generously over the dough, leaving space at the edges for folding. Sprinkle Parmesan and herbs evenly on top.

5. Create tree branches: Cut small lines to form branches on each side of the tree, ensuring you leave some dough to pull over the cheese on top.

6. Fold and shape: Starting from the bottom branch, carefully pull each piece upwards and twist to shape them resembling branches of a Christmas tree.

7. Brush with butter: Once shaped, brush the entire loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic powder and a pinch of salt.

8. Bake: Place the bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

9. Garnish: Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with parsley or basil for an extra festive touch.

What to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread With

Pair your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread with an assortment of scrumptious sides! Try serving it alongside a warm bowl of homemade tomato soup for a cozy feel. You could also complement it with a fresh green salad, or for a more festive touch, a cranberry sauce can bring a lovely tartness to the rich cheese. Everyone will love pulling apart the branches while dipping it into their chosen accompaniment!

Top Tips for Perfecting Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

To ensure your bread comes out perfectly, here are a few pointers:

• Dough Temperature: If you’re using homemade dough, allow it to rest and rise for the recommended time to get that fluffy texture.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese combinations, like cheddar or pepper jack, to mix things up!
• Avoid Soggy Bread: Ensure you don’t overload the cheese between layers to prevent the dough from becoming too soggy when baking.
• Consistency: Keep a close eye on it while it bakes to achieve that perfect golden-brown color.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. If you want to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to a month. Just remember to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!

In conclusion, Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer. With its fun shape and mouthwatering flavor, you’ll love making this recipe through the seasons. Give it a try, and watch as it becomes a beloved staple in your holiday festivities!

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

A festive, cheese-filled bread shaped like a Christmas tree, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Bread ingredients

• 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For a gooey texture.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds nuttiness.
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted For brushing and flavor.
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder Enhances flavor.
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs Oregano and basil work well.
• Flour for dusting To prevent sticking.
• Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional) Adds a festive touch.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a rectangular shape about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to create a tree shape—triangular on top with a flat bottom.
4. Spread mozzarella cheese generously over the dough, leaving space at the edges for folding.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan and herbs evenly on top.
6. Cut small lines to form branches on each side of the tree.
7. Starting from the bottom branch, carefully pull each piece upwards and twist to resemble branches.
8. Brush the entire loaf with melted butter, then sprinkle garlic powder and a pinch of salt.

Baking

1. Place the bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
2. Once baked, let it cool slightly and garnish with parsley or basil.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Can also be frozen for up to a month.