Cheesy Pull-Apart special occasion Tree Bread
Cheesy Pull-Apart special occasion Tree Bread is the perfect festive treat to brighten your holiday gatherings. This visually stunning centerpiece not only captures the spirit of the season with its delightful special occasion tree shape but also features a warm, gooey cheese filling that will have everyone reaching for more. Each fluffy piece is brushed with a fragrant blend of herbs and melted butter, making this bread an irresistibly tasty shareable delight. Ideal for family dinners, holiday parties, or as an enticing appetizer, this recipe invites everyone to get involved in the baking process. With versatile serving options, you can pair it with marinara sauce or serve it alongside your favorite festive dishes. Bring joy to your table this season with this easy-to-make and delicious Cheesy Pull-Apart special occasion Tree Bread.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 tsp instant dry yeast
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup milk or water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 8½ oz mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- red pepper flakes (optional)
- marinara (for dipping)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine bread flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and milk/water. Mix until combined.
- Cover and let rest for 10 minutes before adding room temperature butter. Knead until smooth.
- Let the dough rise for 1–1½ hours until doubled in size.
- Cut mozzarella into small cubes while dough rises.
- Divide the risen dough into small balls and insert cheese into each; arrange in a special occasion tree shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Let proof for another hour before applying an egg wash (egg mixed with water).
- Bake at 425°F (218°C) for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with herb-infused melted butter and serve warm with marinara sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pull-apart piece (approximately 50g)
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg