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–+ servings
Laura Lopez

Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

An enchanting holiday centerpiece made of soft, golden baked dough balls stuffed with gooey molten mozzarella, shaped into a festive Christmas tree! Generously brushed with savory garlic rosemary herb butter and grated parmesan, served with warm marinara dipping sauce.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

Stuffed Dough Rolls
  • 1 lb (16 oz) fresh pizza dough or refrigerated dough brought to room temperature
  • 8 oz block whole milk mozzarella cheese cut into 32 bite-sized 3/4-inch cubes (or mozzarella pearls)
  • 1 large egg beaten with 1 tbsp water for golden egg wash
Garlic Herb Butter Glaze
  • 1/3 cup (5 tbsp) unsalted butter melted
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced or pressed
  • 2 tbsp fresh Italian parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary minced finely (resembles festive pine needles)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional for gentle warmth
For Serving
  • 1 cup warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping

Method
 

Shape the Dough Balls
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Divide the dough into 32 equal small portions (roughly 1/2 oz each). Flatten each piece with your palms into a small disk.
  3. Place one mozzarella cube in the center of each disk. Fold the dough over the cheese and pinch the seams tightly closed, rolling into a smooth, seamless ball in your palms.
Assemble the Tree Structure
  1. On the parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the dough balls seam-side down in the shape of a Christmas tree: 1 ball at the very top, followed by rows of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 balls. Use 2 to 3 remaining balls centered at the bottom to form the tree trunk.
  2. Ensure the dough balls touch each other gently, leaving just a millimeter for expansion during baking.
  3. Brush the entire assembled tree evenly with the beaten egg wash.
Bake & Apply Herb Glaze
  1. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 22 minutes until deep golden-brown on top and cooked through.
  2. While the bread bakes, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, and fine sea salt in a small bowl.
  3. Immediately after pulling the hot bread from the oven, brush the warm garlic herb butter generously across all the steaming golden rolls.
  4. Dust the tree generously with grated Parmesan cheese so it resembles a dusting of winter snow, garnish with extra fresh rosemary needles, and serve immediately alongside warm marinara sauce for dipping!

NUTRITION INFORMATION:

Serving: 3g Calories: 280cal (14%) Carbohydrates: 26g (9%) Protein: 11g (22%) Fat: 14g (22%) Saturated Fat: 8g (50%) Cholesterol: 45mg (15%) Sodium: 490mg (21%) Potassium: 110mg (3%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 2g (4%) Vitamin A: 360IU (7%) Vitamin C: 2mg (2%) Calcium: 220mg (22%) Iron: 1.6mg (9%)
Keywords: cheesy christmas tree bread, christmas finger food, garlic herb bread, holiday appetizers, pull apart christmas tree bread

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