Description
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and fun appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft pizza dough balls stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese are shaped into a Christmas tree, brushed with a flavorful herbed butter and parmesan mixture, baked until golden, and served with marinara and pesto for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Balls
- 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
- 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- parchment paper for lining baking sheet
Herb Butter Topping
- 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
Dipping Sauces
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 jar pesto sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cut Dough and Cheese: Cut the pizza dough into about 30 approximately equal squares. Then slice mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 one-inch pieces to correspond with the dough squares.
- Assemble Bread Balls: Place one piece of mozzarella cheese onto each dough square. Roll each square into a ball, smoothing and sealing the edges carefully to encase the cheese completely.
- Shape into Tree: Arrange the dough balls seam side down on the prepared baking sheet, placing them touching each other in the shape of a Christmas tree. Use reference photos if needed for the shape.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and 1 tablespoon water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush each dough ball with this mixture to achieve a golden and glossy finish when baked.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the assembled bread balls in the oven for 16-18 minutes or until they turn golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.
- Prepare Herb Butter: While the bread bakes, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese, grated garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, and basil to create a fragrant herbed butter blend.
- Brush Herb Butter and Finish: Once the bread is baked, brush the warm herb butter mixture over the bread balls generously. Then sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy bread tree immediately with warm marinara sauce and/or pesto for dipping to enjoy the perfect festive appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure the dough balls are sealed well around the cheese to prevent leakage while baking.
- Adjust herbs according to taste or use dried herbs if fresh are unavailable.
- You can make the bread balls ahead and refrigerate before baking, but bake fresh for the best texture.
- Serve warm for the best gooey cheese experience.
- Substitute mozzarella sticks with string cheese or shredded mozzarella if preferred.
- Optional: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the herb butter for a subtle heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2 bread balls)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
