Ah, the holidays! A time filled with warmth, love, and aromas wafting from the kitchen that can make your heart sing. One of my fondest memories is from my childhood, when my mom and I would get together to bake, transforming our kitchen into a winter wonderland filled with laughter and the delightful scent of baked goods. Among the cookies and cakes was always her Special Christmas Tree Bread—decorated with gooey cheese and herbs, it looked just like a holiday masterpiece. Every slice was a cozy hug on a chilly winter day.

Today, I’m excited to share this recipe with you: Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread. It’s not only a feast for the eyes but also for the tummy! Plus, it’s the perfect centerpiece for your holiday gatherings, bringing a touch of festive spirit and oodles of delicious flavor to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s visually stunning, making it a show-stopper at any holiday gathering.
• Filled with ooey-gooey cheese, it’s a comforting delight for all ages.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients—so no fancy skills required!
• Perfect for sharing and bonding over during the festivities.
• Versatile—serve it as an appetizer, snack, or festive side.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to create this festive bread:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet, about 7 grams)
• 1 cup warm water (110°F or 43°C)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or use your favorite cheese)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (like oregano and basil for that festive touch)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Note: Using fresh garlic and herbs adds an extra punch of flavor, so feel free to swap them in where you can!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get started on making this delicious Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread!

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 ½ cups of flour and salt. Creating a little well in the center, pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil.
3. Bring it together: Stir until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add in the remaining flour until it’s manageable. You don’t want it sticking to your fingers like glue!
4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This is so therapeutic, trust me—put on some holiday tunes!
5. Let it rise: Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. You can preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) for a few minutes, then turn it off and let your dough rise there.
6. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs. This scrumptious combination will be the cheesy surprise inside your bread!
7. Punch it down: After an hour, gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Now it’s time to shape it into our festive tree!
8. Shape the tree: Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Roll out each piece into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread half of the cheese mixture over each rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold over the edges and pinch to seal, then cut into triangles (like cutting a pizza), but leave the base intact.
9. Twist and shape: Gently twist each triangle in opposite directions to create the shape of a Christmas tree. Assemble it on a lined baking sheet to form the tree shape. Roll out the scraps and cut out small stars or ornaments to add flair.
10. Final rise: Cover the shaped tree with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
11. Brush with egg wash: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the bread with beaten egg for that golden finish. Sprinkle any remaining cheese on top for an extra cheesy layer.
12. Bake: Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and melted cheese is bubbling. Oh, the smell will be irresistible!
13. Cool and serve: Let it cool for a few minutes, then gently pull apart and enjoy warm. This tree is fantastic on its own, but it could always use a dipping sauce of marinara or garlic butter!

Pro Tips & Variations

Let’s talk some tips for making this recipe even more exciting!

• Spices: Adding red pepper flakes gives it a little kick, or use smoked paprika for a more aromatic depth.
• Toppings: Consider sprinkling sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
• Herb variations: You can swap out dried Italian herbs for fresh ones if you have them on hand! They fill the kitchen with an even more delightful aroma.
• Dipping sauces: Pair it with different sauces like ranch, pesto, or a spicy aioli for added flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute with a good gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your yeast is gluten-free as well.

Serving Suggestions

Now that our Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is ready, it’s time to serve it up! Picture this: a cozy gathering, fairy lights twinkling around, and this beautiful tree centerpiece gracing your table. You can serve it hot and cheesy straight from the oven, paired with:

• A hearty bowl of tomato soup for that classic combo.
• A fresh green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Sweet or spicy dipping sauces to elevate those cheesy flavors further.
• Even a warm mug of spiced cider or hot chocolate to truly embrace that holiday spirit!

Each bite is soft, warm, and flavorful, creating those wonderful memories just waiting to be shared around the dinner table this season.

Storage Tips

Worried about leftovers? Let me tell you, this bread is perfect for eating the next day—if they even last that long! Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to refresh that warm, gooey texture.
• Freezing: To freeze, slice the bread, wrap each piece in plastic, and then in foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your bread again, just pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, to maintain that heavenly cheese pull!

FAQs

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead, and after it rises once, keep it in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temperature and shape it in the morning!

What kind of cheese works best?

While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, feel free to experiment! Cheddar, gouda, or even feta can add a delightful twist. Just ensure it melts well!

Can I add other fillings to this bread?

Of course! Think sautéed mushrooms, chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of crumbled bacon for extra flavor layers!

Is this bread suitable for kids?

You bet! Kids adore cheesy things. Plus, they’ll love helping shape the dough into a tree—make it a fun family activity!

How do I achieve a crispy crust?

For a crispy crust, you can place a baking dish with water in the oven while the bread is baking. This creates steam that helps form that perfect golden crust!

Conclusion

And there you have it! A delightful journey into making your own Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread. I hope this warms your heart and fills your kitchen with cozy holiday vibes as it did in mine. I’d love to hear how yours turns out—feel free to drop a comment below and share your own stories and variations! Let’s keep this festive spirit alive together. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!

Mouthwatering Cheesy Xmas Tree Bread Recipe to Wow Guests

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x

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Description

Delight in this cheesy Xmas tree bread perfect for gatherings Impress guests with this tasty and festive recipe for a memorable holiday treat

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet, about 7 grams)

1 cup warm water (110°F or 43°C)

1 tablespoon sugar

3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 ½ cups of flour and salt. Creating a little well in the center, pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil.

Stir until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add in the remaining flour until it's manageable.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

In a bowl, mix the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs.

Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air.

Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Roll out each piece into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread half of the cheese mixture over each rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold over the edges and pinch to seal.

Gently twist each triangle in opposite directions to create the shape of a Christmas tree. Assemble it on a lined baking sheet.

Cover the shaped tree with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the bread with beaten egg for that golden finish.

Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Let it cool for a few minutes, then gently pull apart and enjoy warm.

Notes

A delicious and visually stunning Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread perfect for holidays and gatherings, filled with gooey cheese and herbs.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10 servings
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 gram
• Fat: 8 grams
• Carbohydrates: 36 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Protein: 10 grams

Keywords: Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, Holiday Recipes, Christmas Bread