Top Cheesy Pull-Apart Tree Bread Holiday Recipe

Cheesy pull-apart tree bread elevates ordinary gatherings into memorable culinary experiences with its irresistible allure.

Soft, golden dough becomes a canvas for melted cheese and aromatic herbs that promise comfort in every bite.

Intricate layers of fluffy bread intertwine like delicate branches, creating a centerpiece that beckons hungry guests.

The magic lies in its interactive nature, where each morsel invites playful sharing and connection.

Fragrant herbs and rich cheese elevate this dish from simple appetizer to conversation-starting sensation.

Family and friends will marvel at the stunning presentation that seems to defy kitchen logic.

Warm, gooey, and utterly captivating, this bread promises to become your next social gathering’s showstopper.

Pairing Cheesy Pull-Apart Tree Bread with Dips

• Dip into Marinara Magic: Pair this cheesy pull-apart bread with a zesty marinara sauce that complements the rich, garlicky flavors and provides a tangy contrast to the melty mozzarella.
• Sip Crisp White Wine: Enjoy a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the bread's richness and enhances the herb-infused garlic butter notes.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the bread's decadence and add a refreshing crunch to your meal.
• Match with Hearty Red Wine: A light-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese works perfectly, offering enough acidity to cut through the cheese and complement the herbal undertones.

Cheesy Pull-Apart Tree Bread Variations You’ll Love

• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Tree: Incorporate diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese into each dough ball for a fiery kick that adds zesty excitement to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace mozzarella with feta cheese and mix in sun-dried tomatoes, chopped olives, and Mediterranean herbs for a fresh, tangy flavor profile.
• Bacon Cheddar Cluster: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese inside each dough ball, creating a savory and indulgent bread that's perfect for meat lovers.
• Pesto Parmesan Pull-Apart: Swap garlic herb butter with homemade basil pesto and stuff each ball with grated parmesan cheese for an aromatic and rich bread experience.

Cheesy Pull-Apart Tree Bread: Perfect for Festive Gatherings

• Festive Flavor Explosion: Dive into a mouthwatering Christmas tree-shaped bread that combines cheesy goodness with herb-infused buttery deliciousness, creating a show-stopping appetizer that'll wow everyone at your holiday gathering.
• Irresistible Texture Magic: Experience the ultimate crowd-pleaser with soft, pillowy bread balls stuffed with melty mozzarella that pull apart effortlessly, delivering a satisfying stretch and gooey center in every single bite.
• Stress-Free Holiday Cooking: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe offers simple step-by-step instructions and minimal ingredients, allowing you to create a stunning centerpiece that looks professionally made with surprisingly little kitchen expertise.

Ingredients for Cheesy Pull-Apart Tree Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: Soft and fine flour perfect for creating soft, smooth bread dough.
• Sugar: Helps activate yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the bread.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and strengthens gluten development.

• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for bread rising and creating airy texture.
• Warm Milk: Activates yeast and provides moisture for dough development.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheese that creates delightful melty center in each bread ball.
• Butter (Softened): Adds richness, tender texture, and helps dough become smooth.

• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic flavor to the herb butter.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds brightness and green color.
• Oregano: Earthy herb that complements garlic and adds depth to butter.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic dipping sauce for extra flavor and enjoyment.

How to Make Cheesy Pull-Apart Tree Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• Warm milk
• Yeast

Sprinkle yeast over warm milk and stir gently. Let it sit for 3 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

• Flour
• Sugar
• Salt
• Activated yeast mixture

In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the activated yeast and mix on low speed until the dough starts to form. Increase to medium-high speed and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter

Add softened butter to the dough and continue kneading until completely absorbed. The dough should feel soft and silky.

Step 4: First Dough Rise

Shape the dough into a smooth ball and return to the bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 45-60 minutes.

Step 5: Shape Cheesy Dough Balls

• Mozzarella cheese

• Flatten the dough
• Place a piece of mozzarella in the center
• Seal edges completely
• Roll gently into a round shape

Step 6: Create Tree Formation

Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on a lined sheet pan in a Christmas tree shape. Cover and let proof for 45 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare Garlic Herb Butter

• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Dried oregano

Melt butter and mix in garlic, parsley, and oregano until well combined.

Step 8: Final Baking

Brush dough balls generously with garlic herb butter. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and irresistibly fragrant.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Invite friends and family to pull apart and savor each cheesy, herby bite!

Pro Tips for Cheesy Pull-Apart Tree Bread

• Master the Windowpane Test: Knead dough until it stretches thin without breaking, showing gluten development for perfect bread texture.
• Control Yeast Activation: Use lukewarm milk (110-115°F) to ensure yeast blooms without killing it, creating soft, airy bread.
• Seal Cheese Completely: Pinch dough edges tightly when stuffing mozzarella to prevent cheese leakage during baking.
• Proof in Warm Spot: Place dough in draft-free area like near a warm oven or inside a turned-off oven with pilot light for consistent rising.
• Brush with Precision: Apply garlic herb butter generously but gently to avoid deflating the delicate dough balls before baking.

Storing and Reheating Cheesy Pull-Apart Tree Bread

• Refrigerate leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each piece individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying. When ready to reheat, place the bread in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warm and cheese becomes gooey again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread tough and rubbery. For best results, consume within 24 hours for maximum freshness and flavor.

Cheesy Pull-Apart Tree Bread Delight Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cheesy Pull-Apart Tree Bread Delight invites holiday gatherings with festive Mediterranean flair. Herbed dough clusters and melted cheese create a showstopping centerpiece where guests connect and savor delicious moments together.

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Ingredients

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Bread Ingredients:

• 2⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (95 to 105°F)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Cheese Ingredients:

• 4 sticks string mozzarella (cut into 5 pieces each, one piece left over)
• Grated parmesan
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasoning and Topping Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• Kosher salt or other coarse salt
• Chopped parsley
• Marinara sauce for dipping

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by sprinkling it over 120 milliliters of warm milk, allowing it to sit for approximately 3 minutes until it becomes frothy and aromatic.
2. In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
3. Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour blend and mix on low speed until the ingredients start to form a cohesive dough.
4. Gradually increase the mixer speed to medium-high and knead the dough for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, passing the windowpane test by stretching without tearing.
5. Incorporate the softened butter into the dough, continuing to knead until fully absorbed and creating a silky texture.
6. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 45-60 minutes or until it doubles in volume.
7. Gently deflate the risen dough and reshape it into a smooth ball.
8. Divide the dough into 19 equal portions, rolling each piece into a uniform ball.
9. Flatten each dough ball, place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, and carefully seal the edges to encase the cheese completely.
10. Arrange the cheese-filled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, positioning them to resemble a Christmas tree shape with the seam side facing down.
11. Cover the arranged dough and allow it to proof for an additional 45 minutes, enabling the balls to become puffy and interconnected.
12. Prepare the garlic herb butter by melting 60 grams of unsalted butter and mixing in finely minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and dried oregano.
13. Generously brush the proofed dough balls with the aromatic garlic herb butter.
14. Bake in a preheated oven at 190 degrees Celsius (375 degrees Fahrenheit) for 20-25 minutes until the bread achieves a golden-brown color and sounds hollow when tapped.
15. Allow the bread to cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm, accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping and optional garnishes.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Matters: Warm milk helps activate the yeast properly, ensuring a soft and fluffy bread texture.
• Kneading Technique: Develop gluten by kneading until the dough passes the windowpane test, creating a stretchy and smooth consistency.
• Proofing Patience: Allow sufficient rising time in a warm spot to help dough double in size, which enhances flavor and texture.
• Cheese Sealing Trick: Carefully encase mozzarella inside each dough ball, preventing cheese from leaking during baking.
• Festive Presentation: Arrange dough balls in a Christmas tree shape for a visually stunning and fun holiday appetizer.
• Flavor Enhancement: Brush with garlic herb butter before baking to infuse extra aromatic and delicious notes into the bread.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg