Description
This Cheesy Pull-Apart special occasion Tree Bread is a stunning centerpiece that will bring joy to your holiday celebrations. Crafted in the shape of a festive tree and filled with gooey, melted cheese, this delightful bread is perfect for sharing at gatherings. Its eye-catching presentation and customizable flavors make it a must-try recipe that everyone will love, whether served at special occasion parties or cozy family dinners. Pair it with warm marinara sauce for dipping, and watch as guests eagerly pull apart each cheesy piece!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 tsp instant dry yeast
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup milk or water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 8½ oz mozzarella cheese (cubed)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Marinara (for dipping)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dough ingredients (excluding butter) until no dry flour remains. Let rest for 10 minutes, then knead in softened butter until smooth (10-15 minutes). Cover and let rise in a warm area until doubled (1-1½ hours).
- While the dough rises, cube the mozzarella cheese into small pieces.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into small balls (19-20 grams each). Insert a piece of cheese into each ball and arrange them on parchment paper in the shape of aspecial occasion tree. Allow to proof for an hour.
- Preheat oven to 425ºF (218ºC). Brush the dough balls with an egg wash made from one egg mixed with water. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- After baking, brush with melted herb-infused butter and sprinkle grated Parmesan on top. Serve warm with marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg