Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic-Butter Christmas Tree Bread is a festive treat that’s just perfect for the holiday season. With its delightful shape and aromatic flavors, this bread not only serves as an eye-catching centerpiece on your dining table but also warms the heart with every cheesy pull apart. Imagine gathering friends and family around during your holiday gatherings, sharing laughter, and indulging in this delicious creation. It’s easy to make and even easier to love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This festive bread is a crowd-pleaser, combining the rich flavors of garlic and butter with the gooey delight of melted cheese. It’s simple enough for even novice bakers to whip up, yet impressive enough to wow your guests! It also makes a cozy addition to any holiday meal, perfect for chilly evenings spent at home.
"This cheesy pull-apart bread was the highlight of our Christmas dinner! Everyone loved how fun it was to share and dip!" – Happy Home Cook
How to Make Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic-Butter Christmas Tree Bread
Creating this whimsical tree shape of warm, buttery bread is a delightful process that’s both simple and rewarding. You’ll mix gooey cheese with aromatic garlic butter and fresh herbs, layering it all together to form a beautiful bread that’s perfect for sharing at holiday parties. Gather your ingredients before you dive into the steps to ensure a smooth preparation!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious bread:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or Italian seasoning)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Marinara or pesto for serving (optional)
Substitution Tips: Feel free to swap out the cheese for your favorite blend or use refrigerated biscuit dough for a different texture!
Directions
Follow these easy steps to create your festive masterpiece:
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, adding a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into squares (about 2×2 inches works well).
- Dip each square into the garlic butter, then layer them in the shape of a Christmas tree on a baking sheet.
- Between layers of dough, sprinkle shredded cheese and fresh herbs abundantly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve warm with a side of marinara or pesto for dipping!
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy delight pairs beautifully with a fresh arugula salad or a warm bowl of soup for a more hearty meal. Consider serving it with a side of sun-dried tomato tapenade or balsamic glaze for an extra flavor punch. It’s also fantastic as a part of a holiday appetizer platter alongside festive cheeses and charcuterie!
Storage & Reheating
To keep your leftovers fresh, store any uneaten bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep it longer, you can freeze the bread for up to a month. For reheating, simply pop the pieces in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until they’re warmed through and the cheese is melty again.
Pro Tips
- Let the butter cool slightly before mixing it with garlic to avoid burning the garlic.
- For added flavor, try infusing your butter with herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, add a layer of cooked spinach or sun-dried tomatoes between the dough layers for an extra twist!
Variations
Feel free to get creative! Swap the cheese for a vegan alternative or use a mix of spicy pepper jack for a kick. You can even add cooked sausage or diced pepperoni between the layers for a more savory option. For a sweet twist, try including some dried fruit like cranberries.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade pizza dough recipe, it will work just as well.
What if I don’t have any fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can be used in a pinch; just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use about one-third of the amount that you would use if fresh.
Can I prepare this bread in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the bread a few hours ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and then bake it just before serving.
Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
Easy Christmas Appetizers
Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic-Butter Christmas Tree Bread
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive cheesy pull-apart bread that combines garlic, butter, and herbs, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or Italian seasoning)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Marinara or pesto for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, adding a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into squares (about 2×2 inches works well).
- Dip each square into the garlic butter and layer them in the shape of a Christmas tree on a baking sheet.
- Between layers of dough, sprinkle shredded cheese and fresh herbs abundantly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve warm with a side of marinara or pesto for dipping!
Notes
For added flavor, try infusing your butter with herbs like rosemary or thyme. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg