Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and fun appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft dough pockets stuffed with a flavorful cheese mixture come together in the shape of a charming Christmas tree. Served warm with marinara sauce, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well mixed.
3. Step 3: Unroll the pizza dough and cut it into 32 equal squares.
4. Step 4: Place about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture in the center of each dough square.
5. Step 5: Fold each square around the filling and pinch the edges to seal, forming a ball.
6. Step 6: Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree.
7. Step 7: Brush the balls with the beaten egg to create a golden finish when baked.
8. Step 8: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until the bread balls turn golden brown.
9. Step 9: If desired, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese on top before serving.
10. Step 10: Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use crescent dough sheets instead of pizza dough for a flakier texture.
• Add finely chopped spinach or cooked bacon to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
• Brush with garlic butter instead of egg wash for a richer taste and shiny finish.
• Shape the balls tightly to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking.

Storage

Store leftover bread balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from getting soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dough balls and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! Cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses work well. Just make sure they melt nicely to keep the filling creamy.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 98 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 32 stuffed dough balls (serves 6–8 as appetizer) 1x

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Description

This Easy Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft pizza dough filled with a flavorful blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic, and Italian seasoning, baked to golden perfection and shaped into a fun Christmas tree. Serve with marinara or pizza sauce for a delightful dipping experience.

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Ingredients

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Dough

• 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent dough sheet)

Cheese Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Toppings & Serving

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• Marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until the filling is smooth and evenly blended.
3. Cut Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean surface. Cut the dough into 32 equal squares to create individual portions for stuffing.
4. Fill Dough Squares: Place about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture in the center of each dough square, being careful not to overfill.
5. Form Dough Balls: Fold each dough square around the cheese filling, pinching the edges together tightly to seal and form a small ball-shaped parcel.
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each filled dough ball seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Arrange them carefully to form the shape of a Christmas tree, adjusting placement for a festive look.
7. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the dough balls gently with the beaten egg to give a beautiful golden glaze as they bake.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until the dough balls turn golden brown and cooked through.
9. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese over the warm bread tree. Serve with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• Ensure the cheese filling is well blended for even flavor distribution.
• Be careful not to overfill the dough squares to prevent leaking during baking.
• The egg wash helps achieve a shiny golden crust; do not skip this step for best results.
• Fresh parsley and parmesan add extra flavor but are optional.
• Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
• Can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, Holiday Appetizer, Cheese Stuffed Bread, Festive Bread Recipe, Pizza Dough Appetizer