Description
Celebrate the holidays with Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread! ???????? Golden dough balls stuffed with mozzarella, brushed with herb butter, and topped with parmesan. Perfect for sharing and dipping, it’s a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer everyone will love!
Ingredients
13 oz refrigerated pizza dough
6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into 30 bite-sized pieces
1 large egg, whisked with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
3 tbsp butter, melted
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1/2 tbsp fresh basil, finely choppeda
1 clove garlic, grated
Marinara or pesto sauce for dipping
Parchment paper for lining
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dough and Cheese
Cut the pizza dough into 30 equal squares. Slice the mozzarella sticks into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Dough Balls
Place a piece of mozzarella onto each dough square. Wrap the dough around the cheese, rolling it into a smooth ball and sealing the edges. Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree, ensuring they are touching.
Apply the Egg Wash
Lightly brush the dough balls with the egg wash to give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.
Bake the Bread
Bake in the preheated oven for 16–18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown.
Prepare the Herb Butter Topping
While the bread is baking, microwave the butter until melted. Stir in half the parmesan cheese, grated garlic, parsley, rosemary, and basil.
Finish and Serve
Remove the bread from the oven and immediately brush it with the herb butter mixture. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top. Serve warm with marinara or pesto for dipping.