Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Introduction

Celebrate the season with this fun and festive Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread. Bite-sized and stuffed with gooey cheese, it’s perfect for sharing at holiday parties or as a cozy appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent dough sheet)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• Marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
3. Step 3: Unroll the pizza dough and cut into 32 equal squares.
4. Step 4: Place about 1 teaspoon of the cheese filling in the center of each square.
5. Step 5: Fold each dough square around the filling and pinch to seal, forming a small ball.
6. Step 6: Arrange the filled dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet to form the shape of a Christmas tree.
7. Step 7: Brush the dough balls with the beaten egg and bake for 16-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Step 8: Optionally, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and grated parmesan before serving.
9. Step 9: Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add finely chopped fresh basil or oregano to the cheese mixture.
• Use different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a twist on the classic filling.
• Make mini trees by using fewer dough squares arranged in a smaller triangle.
• Brush with garlic butter instead of egg wash for a richer crust.

Storage

Store leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. You can also freeze the unbaked filled dough balls for up to 1 month—just thaw and bake as directed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated dough?

Yes, homemade pizza or crescent dough works perfectly. Just roll it out evenly before cutting into squares.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

Be sure to pinch the dough edges tightly and seal completely around the filling. Chilling the filled dough balls briefly before baking can also help maintain their shape.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 116 reviews

This Easy Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and fun appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with soft refrigerated pizza dough stuffed with a creamy blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Italian seasonings, these bite-sized dough balls are arranged in a Christmas tree shape, brushed with egg wash, and baked to golden perfection. Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping and enjoy a deliciously cheesy treat that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 32 pieces 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent dough sheet)

Cheese Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Finishing

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• Marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Prepare Dough Squares: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean surface. Cut the dough into 32 equal-sized squares to create individual pockets for the cheese filling.
4. Fill Dough Squares: Place about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture into the center of each dough square, ensuring not to overfill to prevent leakage.
5. Form Dough Balls: Fold each dough square around the cheese filling, pinch the edges tightly to seal, and shape into a smooth ball to enclose the filling completely.
6. Arrange as Christmas Tree: Place all the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them carefully in the shape of a Christmas tree for a festive presentation.
7. Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the tops of the dough balls with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until the bread is puffed and golden brown on top.
8. Garnish: Once baked, optionally sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese over the tree to enhance flavor and visual appeal.
9. Serve: Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping to enjoy the gooey cheese and herb-infused bread experience.

Notes

• You can substitute crescent dough sheet if pizza dough is unavailable.
• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to easily mix with mozzarella and seasonings.
• Pinch dough edges tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese filling.
• Serve immediately for best taste; leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain texture.

Keywords: cheesy bread, Christmas appetizer, holiday recipe, pizza dough, stuffed bread, festive snacks