Description
Celebrate the holidays with this festive Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, a delightful appetizer featuring soft pizza dough braided with mozzarella sticks and fragrant herbs, baked to golden perfection and served with marinara or pesto for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough and Cheese
- 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
- 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks
- Parchment paper for lining baking sheet
For the Topping
- 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, grated
For Serving
- 1 jar marinara and/or pesto for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a large triangle shape on a piece of parchment paper placed on a baking sheet.
- Add Cheese Sticks: Arrange the mozzarella sticks lengthwise down the center of the triangular dough, leaving some space at the base for the trunk of the tree.
- Cut the Sides: Using a sharp knife, cut slits about 1 inch apart on both sides of the cheese sticks, making approximately 10 strips on each side.
- Braid the Tree: Take each strip, twist it over the center cheese sticks toward the front, alternating sides to create a braided effect that resembles tree branches.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the egg wash over the entire twisted dough to ensure a golden crust.
- Make Herb Butter: In another bowl, mix melted butter with grated parmesan cheese, finely chopped parsley, rosemary, basil, and grated garlic.
- Brush Herb Butter: Generously brush the herb butter mixture over the braided dough, allowing the flavors to soak through and add aroma and taste.
- Bake the Bread: Place the baking sheet with the braided dough into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce or pesto for dipping to make a festive and delicious appetizer.
Notes
- Use cold refrigerated dough for easier handling and better texture.
- You can substitute mozzarella sticks with string cheese or any other melty cheese sticks.
- Adjust herbs according to preference or availability; dried herbs work but fresh herbs yield better flavor.
- Brush with extra herb butter halfway through baking for richer flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best melty cheese experience.
