Description
This Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and fun appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft, fluffy dough balls loaded with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses are arranged in a charming Christmas tree shape, brushed with butter, sprinkled with fresh parsley, and baked to golden perfection. Easy to make and irresistibly cheesy, it’s perfect for sharing and spreading holiday cheer.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when the dough is prepared.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt for the base of the dough.
- Add cheeses: Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to incorporate cheesy flavor throughout the dough.
- Add wet ingredients and form dough: Pour in 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup melted butter, then mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until smooth and cohesive.
- Shape dough balls: Divide the dough into small balls; size them evenly to bake uniformly and arrange them on a baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree.
- Brush and garnish: Brush the arranged dough balls with additional melted butter to help achieve a golden crust and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for color and flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Pull apart each ball to enjoy cheesy goodness with every bite.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the dough.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other melty cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- Use fresh parsley or swap for dried herbs if fresh is unavailable.
- Ensure dough balls are similar in size for even baking.
- Serve with marinara sauce or a creamy dip for extra indulgence.
