Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is the perfect blend of delightful taste and festive presentation. This aromatic bread offers gooey mozzarella cheese nestled between fluffy dough, making it an irresistible treat for holiday gatherings. Not only does it boast incredible flavor, but it’s also a fun and interactive dish that the whole family will enjoy preparing and devouring together. Perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, this festive recipe adds a cheerful touch to any celebration!

Why make this Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread recipe

Protein-rich: Loaded with mozzarella cheese to keep you satisfied.
Quick prep: Have it ready to bake in less than an hour thanks to the simple dough-making process.
Meal-prep friendly: Prepare ahead of time and bake just before serving.
Kid-approved: Fun pull-apart style makes it exciting for children.
Budget-friendly: Uses accessible, affordable ingredients perfect for a family feast.

"This Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread has become a favorite at our holiday gatherings! Everyone loves how tasty and fun it is to eat!"

How to make Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

Making Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is an enjoyable process that combines baking and creativity. You’ll need basic baking tools such as mixing bowls, a stand mixer (or your hands for kneading), parchment paper, and a baking sheet. This recipe combines simple ingredients and transforms them into a festive centerpiece!

Read more about delicious recipes on Tasty Fit Recipes.

Ingredients

For this delightful Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread, gather the following ingredients:

3 cups bread flour
1 tsp instant dry yeast
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 tsp kosher salt
1 cup milk or water
2 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
8½ oz mozzarella cheese, cubed (or approx 8 string cheese sticks)
1 egg
1 tbsp water
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
½ cup grated parmesan
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Marinara (for dipping)

For delicious substitutions, feel free to use any cheese or aromatic herbs you have on hand. Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is versatile and allows you to customize the flavors according to your taste.

Directions

Combine all the dough ingredients except for the butter. Mix until no more dry flour is visible.
Cover and let the dough rest for 10 minutes in the softened butter.
Knead with a stand mixer or by hand for 10-15 minutes until the dough is smooth and passes the windowpane test.
Cover and let rise for 1-1½ hours until the dough doubles in size.
Meanwhile, cut the cheese into 30-33 pieces, weighing approximately 7 grams each.
Punch out the dough. Divide it into balls weighing approximately 19-20 grams each. Cover and let the dough relax for 10 minutes.
Insert the cheese into each dough ball and lay them out onto parchment paper on a baking sheet in a Christmas tree design. Be sure to leave space in between to allow the dough to expand.
Cover and let proof for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 425ºF (218ºC).
To see if the dough is ready to bake, perform a finger poke test. Poke the dough to leave an indent. If the indent doesn’t stay and springs back quickly, let it proof for a little longer. If the indent stays and slowly retracts back, it’s ready to bake.
Mix egg and water in a small ramekin. Apply the egg wash to each dough ball.
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
Combine chopped herbs with melted butter and mix. Brush butter on the dough, then sprinkle with grated cheese and red pepper flakes.
Warm marinara in a small serving bowl for dipping.

For more great ideas, check out our delicious [Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting](https://tastyfitrecipes.com/pumpkin-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/) recipe!

How to serve Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

This festive bread is best served warm and can be enjoyed on its own or dipped in marinara sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with a fresh salad or soup. Nutrition-wise, it packs a good amount of protein from the cheese, making it a delicious treat for the whole family. If you haven’t yet, be sure to explore our Creamy Chicken Casserole for a comforting dinner option.

How to store

To ensure your Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread stays fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough before baking for future enjoyment! Shape the dough and place it in the fridge overnight before baking. For best results reheating, place it in an oven at 350ºF until warmed through.

For safe storage timing, see USDA FoodData Central.

Tips to make

Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal dough rise.
Try adding different cheese varieties for unique flavor twists.
If dough is too sticky, gradually add a little more flour, but avoid over-flouring.
Keep herbs fresh by storing them in water like a bouquet until it’s time to chop.
Make the dough a few hours in advance for convenience.

Variations

Gluten-free: Substitute traditional flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
Vegan options: Use plant-based milk, butter, and mozzarella alternatives.
Flavor twists: Substitute mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Can I freeze Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread?

Yes! You can freeze the dough before baking. Shape it and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

What type of cheese can I use?

You can use any cheese of your choice! Mozzarella is recommended for its melting properties, but cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack can add unique flavors.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough and shape it. Store in the refrigerator and bake it fresh before serving for the best results.

For more on health and nutrition, visit Healthline.

Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a delicious and comforting addition to your holiday table. We hope you enjoyed this recipe and would love to hear your thoughts! Please share your experiences or variations in the comments. Happy baking!