Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread

Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread is a festive and delightful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. This warm, pull-apart bread features refrigerated pizza dough filled with gooey cheese and infused with herby garlic butter. It’s easy to make and serves as a stunning centerpiece, making it suitable for various occasions, from special occasion parties to family dinners. Enjoy it with marinara or pesto for an extra flavor boost!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can create this beautiful bread without any complex techniques.
• Flavorful Blend: The combination of mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh herbs delivers a rich taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Appetizer: Perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers, this dish suits all occasions.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: Its unique tree shape makes it a fun and festive addition to your holiday table.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite cheeses or herbs for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Ensures even baking and is essential for shaping the Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy, allowing for hassle-free removal of the bread after baking.

Ingredients

Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread from refrigerated pizza dough. Warm, pull apart bread loaded with herby garlic butter and plenty of cheese. Dip in marinara or pesto for the ultimate appetizer or side dish.

For the Dough

• 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
• parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)

For the Filling

• 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks

For the Egg Wash

• 1 large egg (+ 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)

For the Herb Butter Mixture

• 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil (finely chopped)
• 1 clove garlic (grated)

For Dipping

• 1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)

How to Make Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. Cut the dough into approximately 30 equal squares.
2. Cut each mozzarella cheese stick into 30 bite-size pieces, roughly 1 inch long.

Step 3: Assemble the Bread Balls

1. Place a piece of mozzarella inside each square of dough.
2. Form each square into a ball by rolling it in your hands until smooth and seal the edges tightly.

Step 4: Shape into a special occasion Tree

1. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet seam side down.
2. Shape them into a tree formation so that they are gently touching each other.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash

Blend the egg with water in a small bowl. Lightly brush each ball with the egg wash to promote golden browning while baking.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for about 16-18 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 7: Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture

While baking, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese along with all grated garlic and herbs until well combined.

Step 8: Finish Off

Once baked, brush the garlic herb mixture onto rolls while still warm. Sprinkle remaining parmesan over top before serving immediately with marinara or pesto for dipping.

How to Serve Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread

Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread makes a festive appetizer that can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a quiet family dinner, here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your experience.

With Dipping Sauces

• Marinara Sauce: This classic tomato sauce pairs perfectly with cheesy bread for a delicious dip.
• Pesto: A basil pesto adds a fresh and herby flavor that complements the cheese.
• Garlic Butter: Drizzle some melted garlic butter on top for an extra layer of flavor.

As Part of a Charcuterie Board

• Cheese Selection: Include various cheeses like cheddar, brie, and gouda for variety.
• Meat Options: Add cured meats such as salami or prosciutto to enhance the savory experience.
• Veggie Platter: Fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers provide a refreshing contrast.

Pairing with Salads

• Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing balance the richness of the bread.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light and flavorful side.

How to Perfect Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread

Achieving the ideal Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread involves attention to detail. Here are tips to ensure your bread turns out beautifully every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and quality cheese for better flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure there’s enough space between the dough balls on the baking sheet for even cooking.
• Perfect Egg Wash: A well-mixed egg wash gives your bread a shiny, golden crust.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bread as ovens can vary; look for golden brown color.
• Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve your cheesy bread warm right out of the oven.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread

To create a complete meal around your Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread, consider these complementary side dishes. Each option enhances the overall dining experience with its unique flavors.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy sprouts add texture and bitterness to balance the cheese.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushroom caps filled with herbs and cheese pair well with pull-apart bread.
4. Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad with vinaigrette offers freshness alongside rich flavors.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Sweetness from fries contrasts nicely with cheesy flavors, creating balance.
6. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil adds freshness and crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Ignoring dough temperature: Using dough that’s too cold can result in uneven baking. Let your refrigerated pizza dough sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before working with it.
• Cutting uneven squares: If the squares of dough are not uniform, the bread won’t bake evenly. Use a sharp knife and a ruler to measure out approximately equal squares for consistent results.
• Overfilling with cheese: Stuffing too much cheese into each ball can make them hard to seal. Only add one piece of mozzarella per dough square to ensure they hold together while baking.
• Skipping the egg wash: Omitting the egg wash will result in dull-looking bread. Brush each ball lightly with the egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven can lead to undercooked bread. Always preheat your oven to 400° before placing the tray inside.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Storage duration: Store leftover Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Containers: Use an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Freezing Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread

• Freezing duration: You can freeze the bread for up to 2 months.
• Containers: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the bread on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual pieces on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds, but be cautious as this may make the bread chewy.
• Stovetop: For best results, heat slices in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread:

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! While mozzarella is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for unique flavors.

How do I serve Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread?

Serve warm with marinara sauce or pesto on the side for dipping. This makes it perfect as an appetizer or snack!

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough balls and shape them into a tree. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticking, lightly flour your work surface and hands while shaping the balls. This helps prevent sticking without adding too much flour.

Is Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread suitable for freezing?

Yes! You can freeze this delightful bread before or after baking. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners, this recipe allows for various customization options—try adding different herbs or spices! Don’t hesitate; give this festive treat a try!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x

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Description

Cheesy special occasion Tree Bread is the ultimate festive appetizer that brings joy to any holiday gathering. This mesmerizing pull-apart bread combines warm, gooey cheese with herby garlic butter, all wrapped in convenient refrigerated pizza dough. It’s not just a treat for the taste buds; its eye-catching tree shape makes it a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, this delightful bread pairs beautifully with marinara or pesto for dipping, elevating your appetizer game effortlessly. Whether it’s a special occasion party or a cozy family dinner, this cheesy wonder is sure to impress everyone!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 13 ounces refrigerated pizza dough
• 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, basil)
• 1 clove garlic

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the pizza dough into about 30 equal squares and each mozzarella stick into bite-size pieces.
3. Place a piece of mozzarella in each square of dough and roll them into smooth balls.
4. Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheet in a tree shape, seam side down.
5. Mix the egg with water and brush it over each ball for golden color.
6. Bake for 16-18 minutes until golden brown.
7. While baking, prepare the garlic herb butter by melting butter and mixing it with half of the parmesan, herbs, and garlic.
8. Brush the baked bread with garlic butter and sprinkle remaining parmesan on top before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 50g)
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg