Festive & Cheesy Pull-Apart Tree Bread Delight Recipe

Festive gatherings call for something special, and this mouthwatering cheesy pull-apart tree bread delight recipe delivers pure holiday magic.

Imagine golden, buttery layers dripping with melted cheese and herbs that beckon everyone to the table.

Each twist and pull reveals a gorgeous landscape of savory goodness waiting to be devoured.

Soft, pillowy dough becomes a canvas for rich, melting cheese that stretches with every delectable bite.

The aroma alone will draw hungry guests from across the room, creating an irresistible centerpiece for any celebration.

Perfectly seasoned and beautifully shaped like a Christmas tree, this bread turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to become the star of the holiday feast.

Tools for Tree-Shaped Bread Success

• Stand mixer: Essential for kneading dough smoothly and efficiently.
• Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper to create the tree-shaped bread.
• Pastry brush: Perfect for evenly spreading garlic herb butter on dough balls.
• Large mixing bowl: Used for proofing and mixing dough ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Knife or dough scraper: Helpful for dividing dough into equal pieces.
• Cooling rack: Optional for letting bread cool after baking.

Bake the Pull-Apart Tree Bread with Ease

• Yeast Awakening

Gently sprinkle yeast over warm milk, letting it bloom and become alive with potential. The liquid will transform into a magical brewing ground for your dough’s future.

• Dough Symphony

Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a mixer bowl. Welcome the activated yeast into this dry landscape, blending everything into a harmonious dance until a cohesive mixture emerges.

• Butter Transformation

Knead the dough until silky smooth, then introduce softened butter. Work the fat into the dough, creating a luxurious texture that promises incredible flavor.

• First Rise

Allow the dough to rest and expand in a cozy spot, watching it double in size and develop deep character.

• Cheese Treasure Creation

Divide the dough into small rounds. Tuck a secret cheese center into each ball, carefully sealing the edges to create delightful pockets of melty goodness.

• Tree Formation

Arrange the dough balls in a festive tree shape on a baking sheet, creating a centerpiece that will wow your guests.

• Herbal Butter Magic

Combine melted butter with fragrant garlic and herbs, preparing a golden glaze that will transform the bread into a flavor explosion.

• Final Baking

Bake until the bread turns a gorgeous golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone near.

Topping and Cheese Swaps for Fun Variations

• Select different cheese varieties like cheddar, provolone, or fontina for unique flavor profiles and melting characteristics.
• Prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight to develop deeper flavors and save morning preparation time. Simply remove from refrigerator 1-2 hours before shaping to allow dough to come to room temperature.
• Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dried chili flakes in the garlic butter for personalized flavor enhancement. Adjust quantities based on your spice preference.
• Replace traditional wheat flour with a gluten-free bread flour blend for those with dietary restrictions. Add xanthan gum to improve dough elasticity and texture.
• Revive cold bread by wrapping in foil and warming in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Leftover bread stays fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Presenting This Festive Bread on a Platter

• Dip into Marinara Magic: Serve the warm bread with a side of rich, tangy marinara sauce that perfectly complements the cheesy interior and adds a burst of Italian flavor.
• Create Party Centerpiece: Arrange the tree-shaped bread on a festive platter as a show-stopping appetizer that will wow guests and become the talk of any holiday gathering.
• Pair with Complementary Sides: Enhance the bread experience by serving alongside a crisp green salad or light antipasto platter to balance the rich, cheesy goodness of the pull-apart bread.
• Customize with Extra Toppings: Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs, grated parmesan, or red pepper flakes on top to add personal flair and extra layers of delicious flavor to the bread.

Keep Pull-Apart Bread Warm and Fresh

• Maximize Freshness and Flavor
• Plan Ahead for Easy Meal Prep: Assemble the bread tree up to 24 hours before baking by preparing dough balls and refrigerating covered. Remove from refrigerator 1 hour before baking to allow natural temperature rise and ensure perfect rising.
• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover bread in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Gently reheat in oven at 300°F for 8-10 minutes to restore original crispy texture and melty cheese interior.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual bread pieces or entire tree in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and warm in oven before serving for restaurant-quality freshness.
• Smart Portioning Technique: Divide bread into individual portions before storing. This allows easy reheating of exactly what you need, preventing unnecessary waste and maintaining optimal taste and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 13

What Goes in Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread

• Bread Flour: Provides sturdy structure with high protein content for perfect elastic texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: Magical rising agent that brings soft, airy texture to bread.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast fermentation.
• Whole Milk: Creates rich, tender crumb with smooth consistency.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds luxurious richness and tender crumb.
• Eggs: Contribute silky smoothness and help bind ingredients.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers irresistible melty, stretchy core.
• Fresh Garlic: Infuses bold, aromatic punch.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, herbaceous freshness.
• Dried Oregano: Contributes earthy, Mediterranean undertones.
• Butter: Creates golden, glossy exterior with herb-infused flavor.

• Marinara Sauce: Optional zesty dipping companion.

Epic Pull-Apart Tree Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade cheesy pull-apart tree bread delight showcases festive holiday magic from Eastern European culinary traditions. Christmas gatherings welcome warm, gooey bread with rich cheese layers that invite guests to share and savor delicious comfort.

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Ingredients

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• 2.33 cups (560 ml) all-purpose flour
• 4 oz (113 g) string mozzarella (cut into 5 pieces each, one piece left over)
• 6 tbsps (85 g) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk (95 to 105°F)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsps (25 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp dried parsley flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
• Grated parmesan
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Kosher salt or other coarse salt
• Chopped parsley
• Marinara sauce for dipping

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Sprinkle yeast over warm milk, letting it bloom for 3 minutes until frothy and fragrant.
2. Dry Ingredient Blend: Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a stand mixer bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
3. Dough Formation: Integrate activated yeast into flour blend, mixing on low speed until a cohesive dough develops, then knead at medium-high speed for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Butter Integration: Fold softened butter into the dough, continuing to knead until completely absorbed and achieving a silky consistency.
5. First Proofing: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm space for 45-60 minutes until volume doubles.
6. Cheese Filling Preparation: Divide dough into 19 equal portions, flatten each ball, and nestle a mozzarella cube in the center, sealing edges completely to encase the cheese.
7. Tree Shaping: Arrange cheese-filled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a Christmas tree configuration, with seam sides down.
8. Second Proofing: Cover shaped dough and allow to rise for 45 minutes, creating a puffy, interconnected tree design.
9. Garlic Herb Butter Coating: Melt butter and blend with minced garlic, fresh parsley, and dried oregano, then generously brush over proofed dough balls.
10. Baking: Roast in a preheated oven at 190 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes until achieving a golden-brown hue and producing a hollow sound when tapped.
11. Serving: Rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping and optional garnishes.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure milk temperature is between 100-110°F (37-43°C) for optimal yeast performance, preventing killing or underactivating the yeast.
• Dough Kneading Technique: Test dough’s elasticity by gently stretching a small piece – it should form a thin, translucent membrane without tearing, indicating proper gluten development.
• Cheese Sealing Trick: Pinch dough edges tightly and roll between palms to create a smooth, sealed ball, preventing cheese from leaking during baking.
• Proofing Environment: Place dough in a warm, draft-free area like inside a turned-off oven with the light on, maintaining consistent temperature for perfect rising.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg