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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Sprinkle yeast over warm milk, letting it bloom for 3 minutes until frothy and fragrant.
- Dry Ingredient Blend: Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a stand mixer bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
- 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.
- Butter Integration: Fold softened butter into the dough, continuing to knead until completely absorbed and achieving a silky consistency.
- First Proofing: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm space for 45-60 minutes until volume doubles.
- 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.
- Tree Shaping: Arrange cheese-filled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a Christmas tree configuration, with seam sides down.
- Second Proofing: Cover shaped dough and allow to rise for 45 minutes, creating a puffy, interconnected tree design.
- Garlic Herb Butter Coating: Melt butter and blend with minced garlic, fresh parsley, and dried oregano, then generously brush over proofed dough balls.
- 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.
- 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