What You’ll Need: The Ingredients
Dough Ingredients:
- 1 (1 lb) loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Egg Wash & Garnish:
- 1 egg, beaten
- Everything bagel seasoning, for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Gear Up: What You’ll Need
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Baking!
Preparing the Dough:
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cut the Dough: Roll the thawed bread dough into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches. Brush the seasoned olive oil mixture evenly over the dough.
- Cheese Time: In a large bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and minced garlic. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Spread: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the seasoned dough.
- Slice and Stack: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into 2-inch wide strips. Stack 6-8 strips on top of each other.
- Cut into Triangles: Cut the stacked strips into triangles, starting with a large triangle at the bottom and gradually decreasing the size as you move up. These will form the branches of your Christmas tree.
Forming the Christmas Tree:
- Arrange: Carefully transfer the cheese-filled triangles to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a Christmas tree shape. Leave a small space between each triangle to allow for expansion during baking.
- Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it evenly over the surface of the dough triangles.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the top of the tree with everything bagel seasoning. You can also add fresh rosemary sprigs between the branches for a festive touch.
Baking to Golden Perfection:
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
Troubleshooting Tips: Because We’ve All Been There
- Dough Too Sticky? If your dough is too sticky to work with, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.
- Cheese Oozing Out? If the cheese starts to ooze out during baking, don’t panic! Just gently push it back in with a spatula. It happens.
- Burning on Top? If the top of the tree is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
- Uneven Baking? Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
Variations: Let’s Get Creative!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a little heat.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, Gruyere, or even a smoky Gouda.
- Pesto Power: Spread a thin layer of pesto over the dough before adding the cheese for a burst of flavor.
- Savory Additions: Mix in some cooked bacon bits, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions for extra savory goodness.
Serving Suggestions: Time to Enjoy!
- Appetizer Star: Serve the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread as a stunning appetizer at your holiday gatherings.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or a creamy garlic dip.
- Side Dish Delight: Pair it with a hearty soup or salad for a complete meal.
- Breakfast Treat: Enjoy it warm for a cheesy and satisfying breakfast or brunch.
Make Ahead Magic: Plan Ahead Like a Pro
You can assemble the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of baking, cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and proceed with the baking instructions. This is a total game-changer during the busy holiday season!
Why This Recipe Works: The Secret’s Out!
This recipe is a winner because it combines the comforting flavors of cheese and bread with a festive presentation that’s sure to impress. The seasoned olive oil adds a layer of flavor to the dough, while the cheese mixture is perfectly balanced with savory and aromatic ingredients. The pull-apart nature of the bread makes it fun and interactive to eat, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, the ability to customize the flavors with different cheeses and additions means you can tailor it to your own taste preferences.
If you love cheesy and flavorful recipes, you might also enjoy Boursin Chicken Pasta for a creamy and comforting dinner, or Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a quick and delicious lunch. For something that cooks while you relax, try the Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken And Potatoes. If you’re in the mood for baked chicken, you can try Balsamic Baked Chicken With Melted Mozzarella, or if you need a simple pasta dish, you can consider Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole or Cheesy Herb Chicken Bake.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to create lasting memories with your loved ones during the holidays. It’s a showstopper that doesn’t require professional baking skills. With a few simple steps, you can transform ordinary ingredients into a stunning and delicious centerpiece that will be the talk of the party. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to spread some holiday cheer with this irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread! You’ve totally got this, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!Can I prepare the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the bread ahead of time, refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, and bake it later. Remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before baking.
What can I do if the cheese starts to ooze out while baking?
Don’t panic! If the cheese oozes out, gently push it back in with a spatula.
The top of my bread is browning too quickly. What should I do?
If the top of the tree is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
Can I use different cheeses for the filling?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like provolone, Gruyere, or even a smoky Gouda.
BEST Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and delicious pull-apart appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Loaded with gooey cheese, aromatic herbs, and everything bagel seasoning, it’s a show-stopping centerpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make and will be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Roll the thawed bread dough into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches. If the dough is too sticky, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.
- Brush the seasoned olive oil mixture evenly over the dough.
- In a large bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and minced garlic. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the seasoned dough.
- Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into 2-inch wide strips.
- Stack 6-8 strips on top of each other.
- Cut the stacked strips into triangles, starting with a large triangle at the bottom and gradually decreasing the size as you move up. These will form the branches of your Christmas tree.
- Carefully transfer the cheese-filled triangles to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a Christmas tree shape. Leave a small space between each triangle to allow for expansion during baking.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it evenly over the surface of the dough triangles.
- Sprinkle the top of the tree with everything bagel seasoning. Add fresh rosemary sprigs between the branches for a festive touch (optional).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
If the dough is too sticky to work with, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. If the cheese starts to ooze out during baking, gently push it back in with a spatula. If the top of the tree is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil for the last few minutes of baking. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even browning. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture. Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, Gruyere, or even a smoky Gouda. Spread a thin layer of pesto over the dough before adding the cheese for a burst of flavor. Mix in some cooked bacon bits, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions for extra savory goodness. Assembled bread can be covered tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
