Cheesy Tree Bread Recipe

There’s something about the holidays that brings out the joy of baking, and if you’re like me, you might be on the lookout for a festive dish that’s not only impressive but also deliciously fun to make. Enter the Cheesy Tree Bread. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks just as good as it tastes, with warm gooey mozzarella inside fluffy pizza dough, brushed with garlic herb butter, and served with sauce or pesto for dipping. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want to surprise the family with a fun snack, this pull-apart bread is a must-try!

I remember the first time I made this cheesy bread for a gathering. I was in such a rush to get everything done that I almost skipped the egg wash. (Big mistake—don’t do it! That glossy golden top is what makes the bread look irresistible). But as soon as it came out of the oven, perfectly golden and smelling amazing, I knew it was going to be a hit. Sure enough, it was gone in minutes, and I had guests asking me for the recipe before I could even finish setting the table. Now, it’s become a bit of a tradition.

The Story Behind This Cheesy Tree Bread

Pull-apart breads have been around for ages, but this festive twist is a modern addition to holiday spreads. The concept is simple: take a base of pizza dough, add cheese, and bake it into bite-sized, pull-apart pieces shaped like a tree. What makes this recipe truly special is the combination of gooey mozzarella and a butter-herb topping that gives each bite so much flavor.

Ingredients That Make This Recipe Sing

The magic of this Cheesy Tree Bread comes down to a handful of simple ingredients that transform into something spectacular.

• Canned pizza dough: This is our base, and it’s incredibly versatile. It puffs up beautifully in the oven, creating that soft, warm bread we all crave. If you’re out of pizza dough, you can try crescent roll dough, but it will be a little softer and flakier.
• Mozzarella cheese sticks: The ultimate gooey center! I like using cheese sticks because they’re easy to cut and have a nice melt. If you don’t have them on hand, you could substitute cubes of fresh mozzarella, but just be careful—they tend to release more moisture when baked.
• Parmesan cheese: I use this to add a salty, nutty flavor that balances the richness of the mozzarella. Freshly grated parmesan works best for that sharp, intense flavor, but pre-grated will do in a pinch.
• Fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, basil): These add an earthy, aromatic touch that elevates the flavor of the buttery topping. Dried herbs will work in a pinch, but fresh herbs really make a difference in flavor and presentation.
• Garlic: Just one clove is enough to give the melted butter a nice punch. If you’re a garlic lover like me, you could easily add another clove for a more intense flavor.

Kitchen Gear: What You’ll Need (and What You Can Improvise)

This recipe is super forgiving when it comes to tools, but here’s what I recommend:

• Baking sheet: You’ll need one large enough to fit your tree. If your sheet isn’t big enough, no worries! You can always shape your balls into a smaller, squatter tree, or even make two mini trees.
• Parchment paper: This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the dough from sticking. If you’re out of parchment paper, you could use a non-stick baking spray or butter to grease the pan.
• Pastry brush: This is for brushing on the egg wash and the buttery herb mixture. If you don’t have one, just use a spoon to drizzle it on. It won’t be quite as even, but it will still taste delicious.

Step-by-Step: How to Build Your Cheesy Tree Bread

Alright, let’s get to the fun part—assembling and baking this holiday showstopper!

1. Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake.
2. Cut your dough and cheese: Open your pizza dough and cut it into 30 equal squares. You don’t need to be super precise here; I’ve eyeballed it plenty of times. Next, cut your mozzarella cheese sticks into 1-inch pieces. Each square of dough will get one little cheese piece.
3. Roll the dough balls: Take a square of dough, add a piece of mozzarella, and fold the dough over the cheese, pinching the edges to seal. Then roll it gently in your hands until you have a smooth ball. Place each ball seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Shape your tree: This is where the holiday magic happens. Start placing your dough balls in a triangle formation on the baking sheet. It’s totally fine if they touch—they’ll bake into each other, creating that pull-apart effect.
5. Egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together one egg and a tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture lightly over each dough ball. The egg wash is key to getting that lovely golden brown finish on the bread.
6. Bake until golden: Pop the tray into the oven and bake for about 16-18 minutes, or until the bread is a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on it around the 15-minute mark to avoid over-baking.
7. Make the garlic herb butter: While the bread is baking, melt your butter in the microwave. Stir in the garlic, half of the parmesan, and the chopped herbs. As soon as your tree comes out of the oven, brush this glorious mixture over the warm bread, then sprinkle the remaining parmesan over the top for good measure.

Fun Variations to Try

This Cheesy Tree Bread is pretty customizable, so feel free to get creative!

• Stuff it with other cheeses: While mozzarella is a classic, you can try using cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
• Add some spice: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the butter mixture if you want a little heat. I’ve done this before, and it gives the bread a nice, subtle warmth.
• Make it sweet: Swap the cheese for Nutella or chocolate pieces, skip the garlic herb butter, and sprinkle the finished bread with powdered sugar for a sweet treat.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free pizza dough (most stores carry it these days) and make sure your other ingredients are gluten-free.

How to Serve This Cheesy Goodness

If you’re serving this for a party, I recommend placing the tree on a large platter with a bowl of sauce and pesto in the center for dipping. It’s a finger food, so no need for forks or knives! For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some additional fresh herbs around the platter for garnish, and maybe even a few whole sprigs of rosemary to resemble pine branches.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you (miraculously) have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop the bread in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave—it makes the bread a bit soggy.

Scaling the Recipe

Need to feed a smaller group? You can easily halve this recipe and make a mini tree. If you’re feeding a larger crowd, double the recipe and make two trees! Just be mindful of oven space if you’re baking them at the same time—you don’t want them to overcrowd and not bake evenly.

Common Questions (and Answers!)

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dough balls ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just bake them fresh the day you plan to serve.

2. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
No problem! Dried herbs work just fine. Use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

3. Can I freeze the dough balls?
Yep, you can freeze the assembled dough balls before baking. Just let them thaw in the fridge before baking as directed.

4. Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Any melty cheese will work—just keep in mind that some cheeses are oilier than others.

5. How do I keep the bread from getting soggy when reheating?
The best way to reheat is in the oven. Avoid the microwave to keep the bread from getting too soft.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Tree Bread is the perfect addition to your holiday table. It’s festive, fun, and most importantly, delicious. So go ahead, give it a try—your guests will thank you (and so will your taste buds)!

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