Ah, the holidays! A time filled with cheer, laughter, and of course, delicious food that warms the heart as much as it fills the belly. One of my favorite festive treats to whip up is my Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread—an adorable, gooey, and oh-so-delicious centerpiece that will brighten any holiday table and have everyone coming back for seconds.
I remember the first time I made this fun bread; it was Christmas Eve, and house smelled like a bakery. My family walked in, and their faces lit up. The moment they took a bite, it was pure magic—melty cheese, rich flavors, and that charming triangular shape just made it feel like the season. Now, this recipe has become a tradition in my home. I love how customizable it is; whether you’re a mozzarella lover or a cheddar devotee, you can mix and match! So, let’s dive in and make this delightful bread together!
What’s in Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?
All-purpose flour: The backbone of our dough! I usually just grab the generic brand; it works perfectly well for this recipe.
Instant yeast: This little packet is what makes our bread rise and become airy. I swear by the Red Star brand, but any instant yeast will do!
Salt: Essential for flavor; don’t skimp on it if you want your bread to truly shine.
Sugar: Just a pinch to feed the yeast and balance the flavors a bit.
Warm water: It should feel like a cozy bath for our yeast, around 110°F is ideal.
Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to our dough, plus that lovely olive flavor.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The star of the show! I like to use part-skim mozzarella as it melts beautifully without being overly greasy.
Shredded cheddar cheese: A sharp, tangy complement to the mozzarella—this combo is to die for!
Dried rosemary: A fragrant herb that adds a lovely touch of earthy flavor. Fresh rosemary is even better if you have it on hand!
Garlic powder: Because who doesn’t love a little garlicky goodness?
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds extra flavor and a wonderful crust when baked.
Egg (for egg wash): This is what gives our bread that golden sheen—so pretty!
Olive oil for brushing: A simple brush of olive oil post-bake makes everything tastier.
Marinara sauce (for dipping): This is the finishing touch! A warm bowl of marinara gives everyone a reason to gather around.
Is Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Good for You?
Ah, the million-dollar question! While I wouldn’t say this bread is a health food, it does contain some wholesome ingredients that can be moderately good for you.
All-purpose flour: It’s a source of carbohydrates that gives you energy, but if you’re looking for more fiber, feel free to use whole wheat flour!
Cheese: On the plus side, mozzarella and cheddar provide some protein and calcium, but they can be a bit rich, so moderation is key if you’re watching your saturated fat intake.
Olive oil: The unsung hero in many diets, it’s a healthier fat option. A little goes a long way!
Just keep in mind that indulging in this delightful bread every now and then is perfectly fine as part of a balanced diet. Life is about enjoying moments—especially the delicious culinary ones!
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 tbsp sugar
– 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tbsp dried rosemary (or 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped)
– 1 tbsp garlic powder
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– Olive oil for brushing
– Marinara sauce (for dipping)
*Serves about 4-6 people, depending on how hungry everyone is!*
How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?
1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar.
2. Pour in the warm water and olive oil, combining everything until a soft dough forms. Don’t be shy! Knead that dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it’s nice and smooth.
3. Pop the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm, cozy place for about an hour or until it doubles in size. (I like to turn on the oven for a minute or two and then switch it off—creates a perfect warmer!)
4. Once puffed up and beautiful, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Punch down that lovely dough (feels great, doesn’t it?) and pinch off small pieces about the size of a golf ball. Flatten each piece and fill with a small amount of mozzarella, cheddar, and a sprinkle of rosemary. Fold it around the cheese and roll it into a ball.
6. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arrange those dough balls in the shape of a Christmas tree! Start with a big circle at the bottom and taper it all the way to the top.
7. Brush with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with garlic powder and Parmesan cheese—this is where things get fancy!
8. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and your home smells heavenly.
9. When it comes out, brush with a little olive oil for extra flavor and shine.
10. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Watch as everyone makes a beeline for it!
Festive Flourishes
This bread is so versatile! Want to switch it up? You can go for different cheese blends like pepper jack for a kick, or even some sautéed spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a veggie twist. Feel free to play with herbs too—thyme and oregano would also be delightful!
And don’t forget to make it festive by decorating with tiny cherry tomatoes or olives before baking. It’s not only delicious but also super Instagram-worthy!
I hope you give this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread a try! It’s bound to be a hit at your holiday gatherings. As you bake (and sneak bites), remember—it’s all about the joy of cooking and sharing beautiful moments with loved ones. Happy baking!
