If you’re looking for a Christmas appetizer that doubles as the most adorable centerpiece, then let us introduce this easy, crowd-pleasing app. This Christmas tree pull-apart bread not only brings the cheesy, herby pizza-vibe to our spread, but it’s so easy to prepare. We use simple ingredients like store-bought pizza dough and mozzarella sticks to create this pull-apart bread in under an hour, making it an ideal last-minute appetizer when you just need one more addition to your spread. Keep reading on for everything you need to know on how to perfect this festive, cheesy tree:
How to make Christmas tree pull-apart bread:
All you need are a handful of ingredients to make this tree, and many of them you most likely already have on hand. The pull-apart comes from our two star ingredients: store-bought pizza dough and sticks of mozzarella, cut into pieces. If you're not a mozz fan, no prob! Feel free to switch it out for any stretchy cheese your heart desires—Monterey Jack would also work perfectly.
After forming your balls into a Christmas tree shape, you're going to bake until golden before brushing on buttery Parmesan and herbs. Here's where you can switch things up too: Feel free to swap out the herbs for your preference, or add some extra in like garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
Serving ideas:
To complete the pizza flavors, we love serving this app up with a batch of warm store-bought or homemade (if you're feeling fancy) marinara to dip in. But, your dipping options don't end there. This tree would also pair perfectly with ranch dressing, or even homemade cowboy butter. With that buttery, herb topping, this cheesy tree really speaks for itself—we won’t blame you if you serve it plain.
Make it ahead:
Ideally, we think this appetizer is best served fresh, but if you make this ahead of time and reheat it, we recommend setting your oven to 250° and baking it for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can also form your dough balls and prep on a sheet, then bake when you’re ready to serve.
Made this cheesy tree? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
- Yields:
- 8 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 20 mins
- Total Time:
- 40 mins
Ingredients
- 1 lb.
refrigerated pizza dough
Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tbsp water)
- 7
mozzarella sticks
- 1/4 c.
melted butter
- 1/2 c.
finely grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp.
Thinly sliced basil
- 1 tbsp.
chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp.
chopped rosemary
Marinara, warmed (for serving)
Directions
- Step 1Preheat oven to 450°. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut mozzarella sticks into 1” pieces and set aside.
- Step 2On a floured surface, divide pizza dough into two pieces. Stretch and roll each piece of dough into a long rectangle, then cut dough into 2” squares (you’ll need 33 total).
- Step 3Wrap a dough square around each piece of mozzarella, forming a tightly sealed ball. Place balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree (they should be touching). Brush egg wash on dough balls and bake until golden, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Step 4Meanwhile, whisk together melted butter, Parmesan and herbs. Brush on baked pizza balls. Serve warm with marinara for dipping.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below