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To create the perfect Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, you will need the following ingredients: - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup warm water (approximately 110°F/45°C) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a mix of oregano and basil) - 1 egg (for egg wash) - Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for garnish Using these simple ingredients, you can make a fun and tasty holiday treat. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan provides a rich, cheesy flavor that everyone loves. The garlic powder and Italian herbs add a delightful aroma and taste to the bread. Make sure your warm water is not too hot, or it will kill the yeast. The sugar helps to activate the yeast, making your bread nice and fluffy. If you want, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top before baking for a festive touch. Each ingredient plays a key role in making your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread both festive and delicious! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Activating the yeast: Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about five minutes. You will see bubbles forming. This means the yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise. 2. Mixing the ingredients: Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mix. Then, add two cups of flour. Stir until it is just combined. You want a lumpy mix at this stage, so don’t worry about it being smooth yet. 3. Kneading the dough: Gradually add the last cup of flour while mixing. Once the dough forms, dust your surface with flour. Knead the dough for five to seven minutes. You want it to feel smooth and elastic. 1. Rolling and cutting the dough: After kneading, let the dough rise in a greased bowl for about one hour. Once it doubles in size, punch it down gently. Roll it out into a triangle shape on a floured surface. 2. Adding the cheese filling: Take the bottom two-thirds of the triangle. Evenly sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried herbs on this part. 3. Forming the tree branches: Fold the top third of the dough down over the cheese. Seal the edges by pressing them together. Cut vertical strips from the base up, leaving an inch at the top for the trunk. Twist each strip to shape the branches. 1. Preparing the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup and keeps your bread from sticking. 2. Egg wash technique: Beat one egg in a small bowl. Brush this egg wash over the dough to give it a nice, shiny finish. If you want, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top for extra flair. 3. Baking time and temperature: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes. It should look golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. To get the best dough, you want it soft but not sticky. Start with warm water and let the yeast work for about five minutes. This makes the dough rise better. If you want, you can use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. Bread flour has more protein, which helps create a chewier texture. Your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread can look even more festive! After baking, place it on a rustic wooden board. You can sprinkle fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme around it. For a fun touch, add small holiday ornaments beside the bread. Serve it with warm marinara sauce or garlic butter for a tasty dip. If your dough does not rise, make sure your yeast is fresh. Try a warmer spot for rising. Sometimes, a cold kitchen slows down the rise time. If your bread turns out too dry, this can happen if you overbake it. Keep an eye on it in the oven. You can brush melted butter on top after baking to add moisture. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh herbs and high-quality cheese for the best flavor in your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread. Let the Dough Rise Properly: Ensure your dough rises in a warm, draft-free environment to achieve the best texture and flavor. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist on the traditional recipe. Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the bread warm, and pair it with a tasty dip like marinara or garlic butter. {{image_4}} You can change up the cheeses for a new twist. Try sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese. Both add rich flavors. You can also mix in some blue cheese for a bold taste. Adding herbs and spices can elevate your bread. Fresh rosemary or thyme works great. You can also try adding a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of heat. If you want different shapes, think outside the tree. Try making stars or wreaths. Both look festive and fun. Use cookie cutters to create these shapes easily. For decorations, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top. You can also use colorful toppings like diced peppers. They add a nice touch and flavor. Pair your bread with tasty dipping sauces. Warm marinara is a classic choice. Garlic butter is another favorite that complements the cheese well. You can also include the bread in a holiday spread. Serve it with charcuterie and cheese boards. This adds variety and makes it a showstopper at any gathering. To keep your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread fresh, store it properly. First, let the bread cool completely. This step prevents moisture buildup. Use an airtight container for storage. Wrap the bread in plastic wrap before placing it in the container. This method helps keep it soft and tasty. You can also use a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to squeeze out any air to avoid drying. When you want to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method warms the bread without making it hard. You can also use a microwave. Heat it for 15-20 seconds. Check to ensure it’s warm but not too hot. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some bread for later. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. This step helps you keep track of how long it has been frozen. To thaw the bread, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 2 hours. Once thawed, reheat it in the oven for the best taste. Enjoy it fresh, just like when you first made it! Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread stays fresh for about three days at room temperature. Keep it in a sealed bag or airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate it. It can last up to a week in the fridge, but the texture may change. Yes, you can make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread ahead of time. Prepare the dough and let it rise. After the first rise, shape the tree and place it on a baking sheet. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This bread pairs well with many dips. Here are some popular choices: - Warm marinara sauce - Savory garlic butter - Creamy ranch dressing - Spinach and artichoke dip These dips add great flavor and make your festive treat even more enjoyable! This blog post shared a fun way to make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You now know how to prepare and shape the dough, bake it perfectly, and store leftovers. Remember, you can customize the recipe with different cheeses and fun shapes. Enjoy making this festive treat with your loved ones this holiday season. Happy baking!

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

A festive and delicious bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with cheese and herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm water (approximately 110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a mix of oregano and basil)
  • 1 egg for egg wash
  • optional sesame seeds or poppy seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast.
  • Add the olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of the all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Stir thoroughly until just combined.
  • Gradually incorporate the remaining flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough begins to form. Dust your work surface with flour and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
  • Transfer the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and place it in a warm area to rise for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising.
  • Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large triangle shape.
  • Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the triangle into smaller triangle-shaped pieces, resembling the branches of a Christmas tree.
  • On the bottom two-thirds of the dough, evenly sprinkle a mixture of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs.
  • Fold the top third of the dough down over the cheese mixture, pressing gently to seal the edges.
  • From the base of the dough, cut vertical strips upward toward the sealed top, leaving about an inch at the top uncut to create the tree’s trunk.
  • Carefully twist each strip of dough to form whimsical branches of your Christmas tree.
  • Arrange these twisted dough pieces to recreate the shape of a Christmas tree on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it generously over the dough to achieve a shiny golden crust. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top for an extra festive touch.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  • Allow the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

Present the bread on a rustic wooden board and pair with marinara sauce or garlic butter dip.
Keyword bread, cheesy, Christmas, holiday