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Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 120 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Add Garnishes: Once baked, optionally sprinkle the bread tree with fresh chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese to add flavor and festive color.
  9. 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

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/cheesy-christmas-tree-bread-recipe/