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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Cut Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean surface. Cut the dough into 32 equal squares to create individual portions for stuffing.
- Fill Dough Squares: Place about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture in the center of each dough square, being careful not to overfill.
- 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.
- 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.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the dough balls gently with the beaten egg to give a beautiful golden glaze as they bake.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until the dough balls turn golden brown and cooked through.
- 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
