Garlic-Parmesan Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic-Parmesan Pull-Apart Christmas Tree is a festive and fun appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft dough stuffed with melted mozzarella and coated in savory garlic butter makes it irresistible. Serve warm with marinara for dipping and watch it disappear.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough
• Mozzarella pearls
• Butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and grated parmesan cheese
• Warm marinara sauce
• Parchment paper and baking sheet

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Cut the pizza dough into 24 equal pieces. Wrap each piece of dough around a mozzarella pearl to fully enclose the cheese.
3. Step 3: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley. Brush this garlic butter mixture generously over the dough balls.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the entire tree with grated parmesan cheese.
6. Step 6: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden and puffed.
7. Step 7: Serve warm with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
• Swap mozzarella pearls for small chunks of your favorite cheese like cheddar or fontina for a different taste.
• If you want a more herbaceous note, sprinkle some fresh rosemary or thyme on top before baking.
• Make sure to seal the dough well around the mozzarella to avoid cheese leaking during baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the crispy outside and melty cheese inside. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully and allows you to control ingredients, just make sure it’s chilled and easy to handle when wrapping the cheese.

What can I substitute for mozzarella pearls?

You can use small cubes of mozzarella or other melty cheeses like provolone or gouda. Just be sure the pieces are bite-sized for even melting inside the dough.

Garlic-Parmesan Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Recipe

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4.7 from 193 reviews

This festive Garlic-Parmesan Pull-Apart Christmas Tree is a fun and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made by wrapping mozzarella pearls in pizza dough, then arranged in a tree shape and brushed with a flavorful garlic butter-parmesan mixture, this recipe bakes to golden perfection and pairs beautifully with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: 30-33 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6–8 as an appetizer 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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For the Dough and Cheese

• Refrigerated pizza dough, enough to cut into 24 pieces
• 24 mozzarella pearls

For the Garlic Butter

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Serving

• 1 cup warm marinara sauce
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Dough Pieces: Cut the refrigerated pizza dough into 24 equal pieces. Take each piece and wrap it securely around a mozzarella pearl, sealing the dough completely around the cheese to prevent leakage during baking.
3. Arrange Tree Shape: On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the dough-wrapped mozzarella balls in the shape of a Christmas tree, starting with a single piece at the top and increasing rows below to form a triangular tree pattern.
4. Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley, stirring well to blend all flavors.
5. Brush and Sprinkle: Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the entire arranged dough tree, ensuring all pieces are coated. Then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top for added flavor and a beautiful golden finish.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, perfect for sharing during your holiday celebrations.

Notes

• Ensure the dough is wrapped tightly around the mozzarella to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the garlic butter mixture.
• You can substitute mozzarella pearls with small mozzarella balls if pearls are unavailable.
• This recipe is great for a crowd and can be scaled up or down easily.
• Warm the marinara sauce before serving for optimal taste.

Keywords: garlic parmesan pull apart, holiday appetizer, Christmas tree bread, mozzarella pull apart, festive appetizer, garlic butter bread, party food