Print

Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is a delightful holiday treat that’s sure to be the star of your festive gatherings. This bread features a soft, fluffy texture with gooey mozzarella filling, shaped like a Christmas tree for that perfect seasonal touch. Each pull-apart piece is packed with cheesy goodness, making it an inviting appetizer or side dish that’s easy to share. Serve it warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping, and watch as your guests gather around this charming centerpiece.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups bread flour
  • 1 tsp instant dry yeast
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 cup milk or water
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 8½ oz mozzarella cheese (cubed)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp water
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
  • ½ cup grated parmesan
  • red pepper flakes (optional)
  • marinara (for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Combine all the dough ingredients except for the butter. Mix until no more dry flour is visible. Cover and let dough rest for 10 minutes in the softened butter. Knead with a stand mixer or by hand for 10-15 minutes until dough is smooth and passes the windowpane test. Cover and let rise for 1-1½ hours until dough doubles in size.
  2. Meanwhile, cut the cheese into 30-33 pieces, weighing approximately 7 grams each.
  3. Punch down the dough. Divide it into balls weighing approximately 19-20 grams each. Cover and allow them to relax for 10 minutes. Insert cheese into each dough ball and lay them out onto parchment paper on a baking sheet in a Christmas tree design. Be sure to leave space between each ball to allow the dough to expand. Cover and let proof for 1 hour.
  4. Preheat your oven to 425ºF (218ºC).
  5. To see if your dough is ready to bake, perform a finger poke test. Poke the dough lightly; if it springs back quickly, let it proof a little longer. If it stays indented, it's ready.
  6. Mix egg and water in a small ramekin. Apply egg wash generously on each dough ball before baking.
  7. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
  8. Combine chopped herbs with melted butter. Brush this mixture onto the baked bread, then sprinkle with grated cheese and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://bestbakingguide.com/cheesy-pull-apart-christmas-tree-bread/