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Cheesy Special Occasion Tree Bread Recipe

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4 from 295 reviews

  • Author: Patricia
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 30 servings

Description

Cheesy Special Occasion Tree Bread is a festive, pull-apart bread featuring gooey mozzarella cheese encased in soft pizza dough, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a flavorful herby garlic butter and parmesan topping. This visually stunning bread shaped like a Christmas tree is perfect for holiday gatherings, encouraging sharing and complementing dips such as marinara or pesto for an irresistible appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Dough and Cheese

  • 13 ounces canned refrigerator pizza dough
  • 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks

Toppings

  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, basil), finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
  2. Prepare Dough and Cheese: Cut the pizza dough into approximately 30 equal squares. Cut each mozzarella stick into bite-sized pieces that will fit inside the dough squares.
  3. Assemble Dough Balls: Place one piece of mozzarella in the center of each dough square, then roll the dough around the cheese to form balls, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed.
  4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in a tree shape pattern to create the festive design.
  5. Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush each dough ball with the egg wash to promote golden browning during baking.
  6. Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
  7. Make Herby Garlic Butter: While the bread bakes, combine the melted butter, half of the grated parmesan cheese, grated garlic, and chopped fresh herbs in a small bowl.
  8. Finish Bread: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and immediately brush the herby garlic butter mixture generously over the entire loaf. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.
  9. Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly so it can be easily pulled apart, then serve warm alongside marinara or pesto dips for an irresistible festive treat.

Notes

  • You can customize the herbs based on your preference or availability; thyme or oregano also work well.
  • For a crispier crust, brush additional melted butter after brushing the herby garlic butter once cooled slightly.
  • This bread is best served fresh and warm to fully enjoy the gooey mozzarella inside.
  • Use fresh grated parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
  • Make sure to seal the dough balls tightly to prevent cheese from oozing out during baking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://patriciarecipes.com/cheesy-special-occasion-tree-bread-recipe/