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Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

A whimsically festive dish filled with warm, gooey cheese nestled between soft bread, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 2 cups warm milk Should be around 110°F (43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons) Ensure it is fresh for activation
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour Add more if needed for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted Allow it to cool slightly before using
Filling Ingredients
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 large egg (for egg wash) Beaten
  • to taste fresh parsley (for garnish) Chopped

Method
 

Mixing the Dough
  1. In a large bowl, mix the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy.
  2. Add the melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Assembling the Bread
  1. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle, about 16x12 inches.
  3. Cut the dough into triangles. Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture on the wide end of each triangle, roll them up, and arrange them in a tree shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Cover with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Baking the Bread
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the bread with the beaten egg.
  2. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  3. Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

You can customize the cheese according to your preference. Consider mixing in gouda or a touch of blue cheese for different flavors. If making ahead, shape the bread the night before and refrigerate it.