Name: Cheesy Tree Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough; 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash); 3 tablespoons butter (melted); 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped); 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped); 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil (finely chopped); 1 clove garlic (grated); 1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping); parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)

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Introduction

Cheesy Tree Bread is a fun and festive pull-apart bread perfect for sharing. Soft dough pockets filled with gooey mozzarella come together in a beautiful tree shape, making it an irresistible appetizer for gatherings or cozy nights in.

The image shows a Christmas tree shape made from small, round, golden brown bread rolls baked closely together on a wooden board. Each roll is topped with melted cheese and small green herb pieces scattered on top, creating a textured look. The tree has about six horizontal layers of rolls, getting narrower towards the top, with a small round roll at the bottom forming the trunk. To the right, there is a white bowl filled with thick red marinara sauce, and a spoon with some sauce on it lies next to the bowl. A sprig of fresh rosemary is placed near the bottom right of the bread tree. In the upper left corner, a woman's hand is partially covered by a red and white checkered cloth. The setting is on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
Parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)
6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
3 tablespoons butter (melted)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
1/2 tablespoon fresh basil (finely chopped)
1 clove garlic (grated)
1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cut the pizza dough into approximately 30 equal squares. Slice the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch each.
Step 3: Place a piece of mozzarella in the center of each dough square. Carefully form each square into a ball, rolling between your hands to smooth the dough and seal the cheese inside.
Step 4: Arrange the dough balls seam side down on the lined baking sheet, positioning them close together in the shape of a tree. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with water and lightly brush each dough ball with this egg wash.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown. While baking, melt the butter in the microwave, then stir in half of the parmesan cheese, the grated garlic, and all the chopped herbs.
Step 6: Once baked, brush the herb butter mixture generously over the rolls. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately with marinara sauce and/or pesto for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb butter mix for a mild heat.
Use different types of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for a twist on the classic mozzarella filling.
If fresh herbs aren’t available, substitute with 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning.
To make shaping easier, lightly flour your hands before sealing the dough balls.

Storage

Store any leftover cheesy tree bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty. For best taste, enjoy fresh on the day it’s made.

How to Serve

The image shows a Christmas tree-shaped pull-apart bread made of golden brown dough pieces arranged in a triangular shape with a small round base resembling the tree trunk. Each dough ball is shiny and topped with melted cheese and small green herb bits, giving a textured look. The bread sits on a wooden board with some grated cheese sprinkled around. To the right is a white bowl filled with red marinara sauce, and a spoon with some sauce on it rests nearby. A sprig of rosemary lies near the base of the bread, and a red and white striped cloth is on the left side. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dough balls and arrange them on the baking sheet, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to let the dough come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh herbs?

If fresh parsley, rosemary, or basil aren’t available, use dried Italian seasoning or a mix of dried parsley and oregano. Use about one-third of the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.