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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) instant yeast - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon sugar - ¾ cup warm milk (approximately 110°F) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning - 1 egg (for egg wash) - Fresh parsley (for garnishing) To create Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread, you need simple ingredients. First, gather two cups of all-purpose flour. This forms the base of your dough. You’ll also need one cup each of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. These cheeses bring the gooey, cheesy goodness. Next, grab a packet of instant yeast, which helps the dough rise. A half teaspoon of salt adds flavor, while a tablespoon of sugar helps the yeast activate. Use three-quarters of a cup of warm milk, around 110°F, to mix with the yeast. Olive oil, two tablespoons, keeps the dough moist. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning, both one tablespoon, add great taste. Lastly, one egg creates a shiny finish when brushed on top. Fresh parsley will brighten the final dish. Each ingredient plays a role. The cheeses melt beautifully. The yeast makes the bread fluffy. And herbs give it a festive look. With these ingredients, you’re set for a fun baking experience! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the dough, start by taking a large bowl. Pour in the warm milk and add the sugar. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the top. Let it sit for about five minutes. You will see bubbles form. This means the yeast is active. Next, add olive oil, all-purpose flour, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Now, move the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for five to seven minutes. You want the dough to feel smooth and elastic. After kneading, shape the dough into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for one hour. The dough should double in size. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down. Roll it out on a floured surface into a square, about twelve inches wide. Now, sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the dough. Add mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into triangles. Aim for larger triangles at the bottom and smaller ones at the top. Stack the triangles, making a tree shape. Start with the largest at the base and layer upward. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Now, prepare the egg wash. Beat one egg in a small bowl. Brush the egg wash over the top of the dough triangles. This helps the bread turn golden brown. Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The bread should be golden, and the cheese should bubble. When done, let it cool a bit. Garnish with fresh parsley for a festive look. To get that nice rise, warm milk is key. Warm milk helps wake up the yeast. When you mix it with sugar, the yeast will bubble. This means it’s ready. Always check the temperature. It should be about 110°F. Too hot can kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it. You can mix up the cheese for fun flavors. Mozzarella and cheddar are great, but try others too. Fontina melts well and adds creaminess. Gouda gives a nice smoky taste. You can even use a spicy cheese like pepper jack for a kick. Get creative with your favorite cheeses. Garnishing makes your bread look festive. Fresh parsley adds a bright green touch. You can also use rosemary or thyme for flavor. Sprinkle these herbs on top after baking. For extra fun, use red pepper flakes for color. Consider adding cherry tomatoes for a pop of red. Let your creativity shine! Pro Tips Perfect Dough Texture: Ensure the dough is smooth and elastic by kneading it thoroughly. This will help create a fluffy texture in the bread. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix and match different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist. Seasoning Options: Experiment with additional seasonings such as crushed red pepper flakes or herbs de Provence to customize the taste. Serving Suggestion: Serve the bread warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, enhancing the cheesy experience. {{image_4}} You can make this bread in many shapes. If you want to skip the tree, try a star or a wreath. You can also form it into rolls. Just cut the dough into small pieces and shape them into balls. Line them up in a circle or a fun shape on the baking tray. This gives your bread a new look and makes it fun for everyone. Want to shake things up? You can add more flavor to this bread. Try adding some fresh herbs like basil or thyme. You can also mix in cooked spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. Just remember, balance is key. Too much can overpower the cheese. If you need gluten-free or dairy-free options, I have you covered. For gluten-free bread, use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum for the best texture. For dairy-free, swap the cheese for your favorite dairy-free cheese. There are many great options today. Just read the labels to find one that melts well. With these changes, everyone can enjoy this tasty treat! To store leftovers, let the bread cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped bread in the refrigerator. This keeps it fresh for about 3 days. When you want to eat it, just reheat in the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. This warms the bread and melts the cheese again. If you want to freeze the bread, first let it cool. Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then in foil. This helps keep out the air. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, remove the bread from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until hot. Enjoy your cheesy pull-apart bread any time! Yes, you can prep the dough in advance. First, mix the warm milk and sugar with the yeast. After it froths, add the olive oil, flour, and salt. Knead it until smooth. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it and let it rise for an hour. If you want to make it ahead, let it rise and then punch it down. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. Cheesy pull-apart bread pairs well with many dishes. Try serving it with warm marinara sauce for dipping. A fresh salad balances the richness of the cheese. You can also serve it alongside soups like tomato or minestrone. For a festive touch, offer it with a charcuterie board. This adds a variety of meats, cheeses, and fruits. Guests will love pulling apart the bread while enjoying the sides. To keep the cheese from spilling out, use a mix of cheeses that melt well. Mozzarella and cheddar work great together. Make sure to layer the cheese evenly across the dough. Avoid overstuffing the triangles. When you stack the dough, press it gently to seal the edges. Brush the top with egg wash as it helps bind the layers. Bake at the right temperature and check for doneness. This method ensures you get cheesy bites without the mess. This blog shows you how to make cheesy pull-apart bread. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Remember, using warm milk helps the dough rise well. You can also try different cheeses and shapes for variety. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Creating this festive bread is fun and delicious. Try your own twists and share with friends and family. Enjoy your baking adventure and delight in every cheesy bite!

Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

A festive and interactive cheesy bread shaped like a Christmas tree, perfect for gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 packet instant yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 0.75 cup warm milk (approximately 110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 egg for egg wash
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley (for garnishing)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the milk and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
  • Add the olive oil, all-purpose flour, and salt to the frothy yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  • Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
  • Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release some of the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a square approximately 12x12 inches.
  • Evenly sprinkle the garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the surface of the rolled-out dough. Layer the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly across the dough, ensuring even coverage.
  • Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the dough diagonally into triangles. Aim to create a tree shape, with larger triangles at the bottom and smaller ones towards the top.
  • Carefully stack the dough triangles, starting with the largest at the base and layering upwards. Position the stacked triangles in a star-like formation on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, shaping them into the form of a Christmas tree.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a small bowl, beat the egg and then brush it generously over the top of the assembled tree, ensuring an even golden finish during baking.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
  • Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for an extra festive touch.

Notes

Serve warm and encourage guests to pull apart their favorite cheesy bite.
Keyword bread, cheesy, Christmas, pull-apart