Oh my goodness, have you ever seen a bread that looks like a Christmas tree? Let me tell you, my Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a deliciously cheesy experience that helps kick off the holiday spirit! I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering. Everyone was so excited; it felt like I had created a piece of edible art! The way the melted mozzarella oozes out as you pull apart each triangle is just magical. And the smell? It fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that’s hard to resist. Trust me, this fun and festive bread will be the star of your holiday table, and it’s so easy to make! You’ll definitely want to whip this up for your next celebration!

Ingredients List

2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

How to Prepare Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

Making my Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is a delightful adventure, and I can’t wait to share this with you! It’s all about bringing those cozy holiday vibes right into your kitchen. Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, grab a medium bowl and combine your warm water and sugar. Give it a gentle stir, then sprinkle in the yeast. Let this sit for about 5 minutes until it gets all frothy and bubbly. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour and salt. Make sure they’re well combined! Then, pour in the melted butter and the yeast mixture. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix it all together until it starts forming a dough.
Now comes the fun part—kneading! Lightly flour your countertop and turn out your dough. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nice and smooth. Don’t rush this step, as it helps develop the gluten, giving your bread that perfect pull-apart texture.
Form the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is crucial—be patient!
Once risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and turn it out onto a floured surface again.
Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into triangles. Now, here’s where the magic happens!
On the wide end of each triangle, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Roll them up, starting from the wide end, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in the shape of a Christmas tree.
Once arranged, brush the top with your beaten egg for that lovely golden finish. Let it rise for another 30 minutes; this gives you that fluffy texture.
Finally, pop your bread in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown and your kitchen is filled with the most heavenly smell!

Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before digging in. Trust me, the gooey cheese and the warm bread combination is simply irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s all about the joy and festivity of the season! Here’s why I think you’re going to fall head over heels for this recipe:

Fun and festive presentation: It’s shaped like a Christmas tree! Need I say more?
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginners can shine in the kitchen.
Perfect for holiday gatherings: Bring this to your next party, and you’ll be the star of the show!
Delicious cheesy flavor: The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a cheesy delight that’s hard to resist.
Vegetarian-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy, no meat needed!

Seriously, this bread checks all the boxes for a festive treat that brings warmth and smiles to the table!

Tips for Success

To truly nail my Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread, here are some pro tips that’ll make all the difference! First up, always check that your yeast is fresh. If it doesn’t foam up after mixing with water and sugar, it’s time for a new packet! When it comes to kneading, don’t rush it—give your dough a solid 5-7 minutes of kneading until it’s smooth and elastic. This is where the magic happens, creating that perfect pull-apart texture.

And oh, the rising time? Don’t skip it! Letting the dough rise until it doubles in size is crucial for light and fluffy bread. If your kitchen is a bit chilly, try placing the dough in a warm spot, like near the oven. Lastly, don’t forget to brush that egg wash on top before baking—it gives your tree that beautiful golden color that’ll make everyone swoon! Follow these tips, and your bread will be a showstopper!

Variations

One of the best things about my Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting every time you make it. For instance, try mixing different cheeses! How about a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy fontina for a richer flavor? Or even a tangy goat cheese for a unique twist!

If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the cheese for an aromatic touch that’ll elevate your bread to a whole new level. You could also experiment with different shapes! Instead of a tree, why not form the dough into a festive wreath or even mini pull-apart rolls? The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own festive flair to your holiday spread! Get creative and have fun with it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve enjoyed your Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread, you might be wondering how to keep those leftovers fresh and delicious! First, let the bread cool completely at room temperature. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. This will help maintain its soft texture and cheesy goodness for up to 3 days at room temperature.

When it’s time to enjoy your bread again, the best way to reheat it is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), unwrap the bread, and place it on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning, and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You’ll be amazed at how the cheese gets all gooey and melty again, making it just as delightful as the first time around! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each serving of my Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread. Keep in mind that these are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in:

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Sugar: 1g

Whether you’re indulging for the holidays or just treating yourself, this delightful bread is sure to bring joy to your taste buds while still being a reasonable addition to your festive table!

FAQ Section

I get so many questions about my Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread, so let’s clear up a few common ones! First off, yes, you can definitely make this ahead of time! Just prepare the bread up to the point of baking, then cover it and refrigerate. When you’re ready, let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.

As for serving, this bread pairs wonderfully with a warm bowl of soup or a festive salad. It’s also a fantastic appetizer on its own! Now, if you’re wondering about freezing, you can freeze the baked bread! Just wrap it tightly and store it for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

And finally, how do you know when it’s done baking? Look for that gorgeous golden-brown color and a lovely aroma wafting through your kitchen! If you tap the bottom and it sounds hollow, that’s a good sign it’s ready to come out. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread: 5 Joyful Steps

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A fun and festive bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 packet active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir in yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add melted butter and yeast mixture.
Knead the dough until smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Let it rise for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the dough and cut it into triangles.
Place cheese on the wide end of each triangle and roll them up.
Arrange the rolls in the shape of a Christmas tree on a baking sheet.
Brush with beaten egg and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

Serve warm for the best flavor.
Can be made with different types of cheese.
Great for holiday gatherings.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 150
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

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