Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
Festive Pull-Apart Bread is a beautiful and delicious centerpiece for any holiday table. Soft dough balls are stuffed with cheese and herbs, arranged into a fun shape like a tree or wreath, and baked until golden. It’s warm, fluffy, gooey, and perfect for sharing
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling Pin
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley
- Dried cranberries
- Star-shaped cheese slice
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into approximately 1.5-inch squares.
Fill and Shape the Dough Balls
- Place a small pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough square.
- Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal, forming a ball.
- Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape. Start with one ball at the top and build rows beneath, adding more dough balls as you go to widen the "tree." Leave a little space between the balls to allow for rising.
Make the Garlic Butter
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
- Use a pastry brush to generously coat the dough balls with the garlic butter mixture.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake the Pull-Apart Bread
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Decorate and Serve
- Garnish with additional parsley and a star-shaped slice of cheese at the top for a festive look.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli for dipping.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a party appetizer, side dish, or festive bread centerpiece.
- Pair with a bowl of warm marinara sauce or spinach-artichoke dip.
- Add a mix of cheeses or meats inside the dough for variety.