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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour blend and mix on low speed until the ingredients start to form a cohesive dough.
- 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.
- Incorporate the softened butter into the dough, continuing to knead until fully absorbed and creating a silky texture.
- 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.
- Gently deflate the risen dough and reshape it into a smooth ball.
- Divide the dough into 19 equal portions, rolling each piece into a uniform ball.
- Flatten each dough ball, place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, and carefully seal the edges to encase the cheese completely.
- 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.
- Cover the arranged dough and allow it to proof for an additional 45 minutes, enabling the balls to become puffy and interconnected.
- Prepare the garlic herb butter by melting 60 grams of unsalted butter and mixing in finely minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and dried oregano.
- Generously brush the proofed dough balls with the aromatic garlic herb butter.
- 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.
- 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