Description

This festive Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread is a delightful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft pizza dough pockets filled with gooey mozzarella, seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, baked to golden perfection, then brushed with melted butter, parsley, and parmesan. Served with marinara sauce for a warm, cheesy dip, this bread is as delicious as it is visually appealing.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough & Filling

1 pound prepared pizza dough
8 mozzarella cheese sticks
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder

Egg Wash

1 large egg
1 tablespoon water

Topping

2 tablespoons butter (melted)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

For Serving

1 cup marinara sauce

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Allow the prepared pizza dough to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes to make it easier to work with.
Cut Cheese and Dough: Cut each mozzarella cheese stick into 4 pieces, making a total of 32 bite-sized cheese cubes. Next, roll out the dough and cut it into 32 equal squares.
Assemble the Cheese Bites: Place one mozzarella cube on each dough square. Sprinkle each with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Fold the edges of the dough over the cheese to the center, pinch them closed tightly, and then roll each into a smooth ball.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in the shape of a Christmas tree with a small trunk at the bottom. You will have 3 extra balls; bake those separately on the side. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash, then brush this over each dough ball for a golden finish.
Bake: Bake the bread at 400°F for 16 to 18 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese inside has melted perfectly.
Finish Toppings and Serve: Once baked, brush the warm rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Allowing the dough to come to room temperature will make it easier to handle and shape.
If you prefer, you can use pre-made biscuit dough or crescent roll dough as a shortcut.
Ensure the cheese pieces are fully enclosed in dough to prevent leaking during baking.
For added flavor, consider mixing herbs like oregano or basil into the butter before brushing on top.
This bread is best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven!