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To make the Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread, you need these tasty ingredients: - 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 (around 110°F) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning - 1 egg (for egg wash) - Fresh parsley (for garnishing) Each ingredient plays an important role. The all-purpose flour gives the bread structure. The mozzarella and cheddar add that melty, cheesy goodness. Instant yeast helps the dough rise quickly. Sugar feeds the yeast, and warm milk activates it. Olive oil adds moisture and flavor. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning enhance the taste. An egg wash gives your bread a lovely golden color. Fresh parsley adds a bright touch for serving. Gather these items to create a delicious treat everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, combine warm milk and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Make sure the milk is about 110°F. This warmth helps activate the yeast. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. You will see bubbles form, which means it is ready. Next, add olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix everything well until it forms a dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. The dough should double in size. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a square, about 12x12 inches. Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning evenly across the dough. Now, layer the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. To cut the dough, slice it diagonally to make triangles. You want a large base and smaller triangles towards the top. Carefully stack the triangles on top of each other. Arrange them in a star-like shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet to form your Christmas tree. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, beat an egg in a small bowl. Brush the egg wash over the top of your dough tree. This will give it a nice golden finish. Bake the bread in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color and melted cheese. Once baked, take it out and add chopped fresh parsley for a festive touch. Enjoy pulling apart this cheesy delight with family and friends! - Ensuring perfect dough texture To get the best dough, start with warm milk. This helps the yeast grow. Use the right amount of flour. Too much flour makes the dough dry. - How to let the dough rise properly After mixing, place your dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour. It should double in size. If your kitchen is cold, try placing it near the oven. - Knowing when the bread is done Watch for a golden-brown color. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. - Achieving a golden-brown finish Brush the dough with an egg wash before baking. This gives it that lovely shine. Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn. - Best ways to present the bread Serve the bread warm on the baking sheet. Add some fresh parsley around the base. This adds color and makes it look festive. - Pairing suggestions for dips This bread is great with marinara sauce or garlic butter. For a twist, try a spicy ranch dip. It adds a nice kick to every cheesy bite! Pro Tips Use Fresh Yeast: For the best rise and flavor, consider using fresh yeast instead of instant yeast, if available. Experiment with Cheeses: While mozzarella and cheddar are classic choices, try adding other cheeses like gouda or parmesan for a unique flavor twist. Let Dough Rest: Allow the dough to rest for an additional 10 minutes after kneading for a softer texture. Perfect Egg Wash: For a shiny finish, mix a splash of milk into the beaten egg before brushing it on the dough. {{image_2}} You can use many types of cheese for this bread. Mozzarella and cheddar are great, but you can also try gouda or parmesan. Each type brings its own taste. Mixing cheeses can create fun flavors. Adding herbs can make the cheese even better. Try using fresh basil or rosemary. These will give your bread a nice twist. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour. Many brands work well in baking. You can also try whole wheat flour. This adds more fiber and a nutty taste. Both options keep the bread tasty and fun. Just be sure to adjust the yeast to the type of flour you choose. You can change the shape of this bread for other holidays too. For Halloween, make a pumpkin shape. For Easter, try a bunny. These shapes can make your gatherings more festive. Think about adding toppings that match the holiday. You can use colored sprinkles or festive herbs to match the theme. To keep your Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread fresh, follow these steps: - Wrap it well: Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover the bread tightly. - Store in a cool place: Place it in the fridge to maintain its taste and texture. If stored properly, the bread stays fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge. When it's time to enjoy the leftovers, here’s how to reheat without losing moisture: - Use the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. - Try the microwave: If you're in a hurry, microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds. Add a damp paper towel to keep it soft. For long-term storage, you can freeze the bread as well: - Wrap and seal: Place the wrapped bread in a freezer bag. - Freeze for up to 3 months: When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat. Yes, you can make the dough ahead. After kneading, place it in a greased bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This slows down the rising process. When ready, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping. This helps the dough relax and rise again. This bread pairs well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Marinara sauce for dipping - Warm garlic butter - Spinach and artichoke dip - A light salad with vinaigrette - Roasted vegetables for a hearty meal These options add flavor and variety to your feast. Absolutely! You can shape the bread in many fun ways. Here are some tips: - Use a star shape for a festive touch. - Make smaller rolls for easy sharing. - Create a wreath shape for a unique look. - Use cookie cutters for fun designs. Feel free to get creative. The best shape is the one that brings joy to your table. This blog post covered how to make Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread step-by-step. You learned about the key ingredients, mixing techniques, baking tips, and creative variations. Remember, great bread starts with good dough and practice. Enjoy yourself while making it. The joy of sharing this tasty treat grows with each batch. Embrace your creativity in the kitchen, and make it your own. Now grab your ingredients and start baking!

Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

A festive and cheesy bread shaped like a Christmas tree, perfect for sharing.
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 (2¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ¾ cup warm milk (around 110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 egg for egg wash
  • to taste fresh parsley (for garnishing)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  • Add the olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture, and stir to combine. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  • Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about a 12x12 inch square.
  • Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning evenly over the dough, then layer the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
  • Cut the dough into triangles by slicing diagonally to create a tree shape with the large base and smaller triangles towards the top.
  • Carefully stack the dough triangles on top of each other, starting from the bottom. Position the triangles in a star-like formation on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, shaping them into a Christmas tree.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Beat an egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top of the tree for a golden finish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  • Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a festive touch.

Notes

Serve warm directly on the baking sheet, adorned with additional sprigs of parsley for a festive touch.
Keyword appetizer, bread, cheese, Christmas