The holiday season calls for something special, and this Cheesy Herb Christmas Tree Bread is exactly that. It’s a truly impressive pull-apart bread that looks like a festive centerpiece, perfect for your holiday gatherings. This savory, cheesy, and aromatic bread will delight everyone. Get ready to bake a fun and delicious treat that will be the star of your table!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Bread
You’re going to adore making and sharing this delightful Christmas Tree Bread for so many reasons.
- It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and perfect for sharing.
- The bread is visually stunning, creating a wonderful festive display for your holiday table.
- Every bite is packed with irresistible cheesy and herby flavor that everyone enjoys.
- The texture is wonderfully soft, fluffy, and incredibly satisfying.
- It’s super customizable, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients for a personal touch.
- This savory tree bread is a guaranteed kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your beautiful Christmas Tree Bread. Weighing your flour offers the most accurate results for perfect dough every time. According to King Arthur Baking, weighing flour is the most accurate way to measure for consistent baking success.
All-Purpose Flour: 3 1/2 cups (420g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
Lukewarm Water: 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (255g), divided
Garlic Oil or Butter: 2 tablespoons (25g) garlic oil or butter, at room temperature
Large Egg: 1
Granulated Sugar: 3 tablespoons (37g)
Table Salt: 1 1/4 teaspoons
Instant Yeast: 1 tablespoon (9g)
Cheese and Herb Blend: 1/4 cup (30g) Formaggio Italiano Cheese and Herb Blend, optional
Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g)
Melted Garlic Oil or Butter: 2 tablespoons (25g) garlic oil or 2 tablespoons (28g) butter, melted
Grated Mozzarella Cheese: 3 ounces (85g), low-moisture preferred, about 3/4 cup
Additional Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g)
Red Pepper Flakes: To taste
Pesto and Pizza Sauce: For serving
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with a few of these ingredients. Feel free to adjust based on what you have.
- Garlic Oil/Butter: Either option works beautifully to infuse a rich garlic flavor into your bread.
- Cheese & Herb Blend: This blend is optional, but it significantly enhances the savory depth of your bread.
- Yeast: Always ensure your instant yeast is fresh for the best rise and fluffiest results.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is recommended for its consistent texture and structure in this recipe.
- Cheese: Experiment with other Italian cheeses like provolone, Asiago, or a sharp white cheddar.
- Shortcut: For a quicker version of this festive pull-apart bread, use a soft white dinner roll mix.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes baking this festive bread a breeze. These items are commonly found in most kitchens.
- Large mixing bowl or stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
- Measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient amounts.
- A kitchen scale ensures accuracy, especially when measuring flour.
- A baking sheet is essential, or a specialty Christmas tree pan for shaping.
- Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- A bench knife or sharp knife helps with portioning the dough neatly.
- A digital thermometer guarantees your bread is perfectly cooked through.
Instructions
Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your showstopping Christmas Tree Bread. We’ll guide you through each part, from making the dough to its festive assembly and baking.
Making the Dough
- Weigh your flour accurately; or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess. This precision helps achieve the ideal dough consistency for this delicious Christmas Tree Bread.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, 1 cup (227g) of the water, room temperature garlic oil or butter, egg, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix and knead the ingredients thoroughly to form a soft, smooth dough. This will take about 5 to 7 minutes by hand or 3 to 5 minutes in a stand mixer.
- Next, add the cheese and herb blend, 1/4 cup of Parmesan, and the remaining 2 tablespoons (28g) water to the dough. Continue to knead for about 1 minute, ensuring everything is fully combined. Scrape down the bowl as needed to incorporate all the cheese.
- Transfer the prepared dough to a lightly greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm spot until it’s nearly doubled in bulk, which typically takes 1 to 2 hours.
Assembling the Bread
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. If you have a Christmas tree-shaped pan, lightly grease it and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- On a lightly greased work surface, gently pat the risen dough into a rough 8-inch square. Use a bench knife or a sharp knife to cut the dough into 5 rows and 6 columns, yielding 30 equal pieces. Each piece should weigh about 26g to 28g.
- Shape each individual piece of dough into a tight, smooth ball. Dip each ball in the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted garlic oil or butter, ensuring it is lightly coated.
- Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheet to form a tree shape. Start with one ball at the top, then two, three, four, five, and six for the main body. Finish the base with five, then two, then two for the trunk of your Christmas Tree Bread.
- Cover the baking sheet or the tree pan with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let the shaped dough rise for an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the balls are noticeably puffy.
Baking and Serving
- Towards the end of the second rise time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position an oven rack in the center.
- Once the dough has fully risen and is puffy, sprinkle the grated mozzarella and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. If you’re using a Christmas tree pan, avoid sprinkling cheese directly to the very edges, as this can cause sticking during baking. Finish by sprinkling with red pepper flakes to taste.
- Bake the Christmas Tree Bread for 20 to 30 minutes. Rolls baked directly on a flat baking sheet will typically cook faster than those in a tree pan. The bread is done when it’s golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C) when measured with a digital thermometer.
- Serve this delightful cheesy tree bread warm from the oven. Offer small bowls of pesto and pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect, fluffy Christmas Tree Bread is easy with these helpful hints.
- Accurate Measuring: Always weigh your flour for the most consistent and best baking results.
- Don’t Over-Knead: Over-kneading can develop too much gluten, which might make your bread tough instead of tender.
- Proper Rise: Ensure your dough has noticeably puffed up and almost doubled in size before baking for a light texture.
- Internal Temperature: Use a digital thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 190°F, guaranteeing doneness.
- Prevent Sticking: If using a tree-shaped mold, avoid sprinkling cheese too close to the edges of the pan to prevent it from sticking.
- Quick Version: For a faster holiday bread tree, consider using a good quality soft white dinner roll mix and just add the cheese and herbs.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Make the most of your delicious Christmas Tree Bread with these ideas.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this impressive bread as a festive appetizer or a savory side dish.
- Provide small, individual bowls of pesto, marinara sauce, or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Garnish the finished bread with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for extra color.
Storage & Reheating
- This cheesy holiday bread is truly best enjoyed fresh and warm, right from the oven.
- Store any cooled leftover bread in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, cover the bread loosely with foil and place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until thoroughly warmed through.
Flavor Variations
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like grated provolone, sharp cheddar, or creamy fontina.
- Herbs: Add finely chopped fresh rosemary, oregano, or basil to the dough for an aromatic twist.
- Spice: Increase the red pepper flakes for more heat, or add a small pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Fillings: Incorporate tiny bits of sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped spinach, or olives into the dough.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of this delicious bread.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 roll (45g) |
| Calories | 100 |
| Carbohydrate | 13g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 240mg |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
Enjoy this festive treat in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
FAQ
Got questions about this festive holiday bread? We’ve got answers!
- Can I prepare the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it after its first rise for up to 24 hours. Let it warm slightly before shaping.
- Can I freeze Christmas tree bread? Absolutely, bake the bread fully, then let it cool completely before freezing. Wrap it tightly and reheat from frozen in the oven.
- Is there a gluten-free option? You can try modifying this recipe with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary in texture and rise.
- Can I make this bread in other shapes? Of course! This dough is versatile; try making a round pull-apart loaf or individual dinner rolls.
- What if my dough isn’t rising? Check the freshness of your yeast and ensure your water temperature was lukewarm, not too hot or cold, to activate it properly.
- Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Yes, fresh herbs add wonderful flavor. Use about three times the quantity of fresh herbs compared to dried.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Herb Christmas Tree Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a delightful holiday experience. It combines impressive presentation with incredible savory flavors, making it a perfect centerpiece for any festive gathering. We encourage you to try this easy-to-follow recipe, customize it with your favorite ingredients, and share the joy of homemade bread with loved ones. Enjoy baking this wonderful holiday showstopper!
Cheesy Herb Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
This festive pull-apart bread features a soft, herb-infused dough filled with mozzarella and Parmesan, shaped like a Christmas tree. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings and serving with pesto and pizza sauce.
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Stand Mixer or Bread Machine
- Greased Bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Christmas Tree Pan (optional)
- Bench Knife or Sharp Knife
- Digital Thermometer
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour 420g
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons water 255g, lukewarm; divided
- 2 tablespoons garlic oil or butter 25g garlic oil or 28g butter, at room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar 37g
- 1 1/4 teaspoons table salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast 9g
- 1/4 cup Formaggio Italiano Cheese and Herb Blend 30g, optional
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese 25g, finely grated
Assembly & Topping
- 2 tablespoons garlic oil or butter 25g garlic oil or 28g butter, melted
- 3 ounces mozzarella cheese 85g, low-moisture preferred, grated (about 3/4 cup)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese 25g, finely grated
- red pepper flakes to taste
For Serving
- pesto and pizza sauce for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Accurately measure the flour by weight or by gently spooning it into a cup and sweeping off the excess.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, 1 cup of water, garlic oil or butter, egg, sugar, salt, and yeast. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes by hand, or 3 to 5 minutes in a stand mixer, until a soft, smooth dough forms.
- Add the cheese and herb blend, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of water. Knead for about 1 minute until all ingredients are fully combined, scraping the bowl as needed.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, turn to coat, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has nearly doubled in bulk.
Assembly
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; optionally, use a greased Christmas tree pan placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- On a lightly greased surface, pat the dough into an 8-inch square. Using a bench knife or sharp knife, cut the dough into 30 pieces (approximately 26g to 28g each).
- Shape each dough piece into a tight ball, then dip it in the melted garlic oil or butter to lightly coat. Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet or in the Christmas tree pan to form a tree shape (e.g., a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 5, 2, 2 formation on a baking sheet).
- Cover the assembled dough and let it rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the dough appears noticeably puffy.
Baking & Serving
- Towards the end of the second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) with a rack in the center.
- Once the dough has risen, sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top. If using a Christmas tree pan, avoid sprinkling cheese directly to the very edges to prevent sticking, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes as desired.
- Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) is reached when measured with a digital thermometer. Note that rolls baked on a baking sheet may finish earlier than those in a pan.
- Serve the Christmas tree bread warm, either dolloped with pesto and tomato sauce or served on the side for dipping.
Notes
This recipe yields approximately 30 pull-apart pieces. The Christmas tree bread is best enjoyed warm from the oven. To reheat leftovers, cover the bread in foil and place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until thoroughly warm.