Description
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive appetizer filled with molten mozzarella and rich herbs, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 13 ounces canned refrigerator pizza dough
- 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 large egg (+1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
- 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)
- 1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the pizza dough into approximately 30 squares, each about 2 inches in size.
- Slice each mozzarella cheese stick into 30 bite-sized pieces, about one inch thick.
- Place a piece of cheese onto every square of dough, then roll the edges to form sealed balls.
- Arrange the dough balls on the lined baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water for an egg wash, then brush this mixture over the dough balls.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
- While baking, melt the butter and mix in half of the grated Parmesan with garlic and herbs.
- Once out of the oven, brush the baked dough with the herb butter mixture and top with remaining Parmesan. Serve warm with marinara or pesto.
Notes
For a vegan option, use plant-based mozzarella and vegan butter. You can also try adding jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American/Mexican Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg