Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Recipes Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and fun appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft dough balls filled with creamy cheese blend into a charming tree shape that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent dough sheet)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- Marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well mixed.
- Step 3: Unroll the pizza dough and cut it into 32 equal squares.
- Step 4: Place about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture in the center of each dough square.
- Step 5: Fold the dough around the cheese filling and pinch the edges to seal, forming a small ball.
- Step 6: Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree.
- Step 7: Brush the dough balls with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish when baked.
- Step 8: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown.
- Step 9: Optional: sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated parmesan before serving.
- Step 10: Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped basil or sun-dried tomatoes to the cheese filling.
- Use crescent dough if pizza dough is unavailable; the texture will be slightly flakier.
- Brush with garlic butter instead of egg wash for a richer taste and softer crust.
- Try different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Storage
Store leftover cheesy bread balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness. They can also be frozen before baking; arrange on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dough balls and arrange them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. This allows for easy prep before your event.
What can I use if I don’t have marinara sauce for dipping?
Ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even pesto make delicious alternatives for dipping if marinara is not available.
PrintCheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
This Easy Recipes Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a fun and festive appetizer perfect for the holiday season. Soft pizza dough pockets filled with a savory blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Italian seasonings are shaped into a charming Christmas tree, baked until golden, and served with marinara sauce for dipping. Perfect for parties and family gatherings, this recipe delivers comforting cheesy goodness with a seasonal twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 32 stuffed bread balls (serves approximately 8–10 people as an appetizer) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Dough and Filling
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent dough sheet)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional Garnishes and Accompaniments
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- Marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined to create a flavorful cheese filling.
- Prepare Dough Squares: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean surface and cut it into 32 equal squares using a knife or pizza cutter, ensuring each piece is roughly the same size for uniform baking.
- Fill Dough Squares: Place about 1 teaspoon of the prepared cheese filling in the center of each dough square, being careful not to overfill to avoid leakage.
- Form Dough Balls: Fold each dough square around the filling by bringing the corners together, then pinch the edges firmly to seal, creating a filled dough ball.
- Arrange Dough Balls: Arrange the filled dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree, starting with a single ball at the top and then adding rows beneath to form the tree shape.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the arranged dough balls lightly with the beaten egg to achieve a shiny, golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Garnishes: Once baked, optionally sprinkle the bread tree with fresh chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese to add flavor and festive color.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy Christmas tree bread warm alongside marinara or pizza sauce for dipping, making it a delightful and interactive appetizer.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh mozzarella cheese for richer flavor.
- Make sure to pinch the dough squares tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- You can prepare the dough balls ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, as the bread is fluffiest warm.
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding cooked spinach, pepperoni, or different cheeses.
Keywords: Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, holiday appetizer, stuffed bread, festive bread, cheesy bread bites, Christmas recipe, party appetizer
