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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons instant yeast - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) - 1/4 cup high-quality olive oil - 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, or thyme) - Melted butter for brushing You can use other flours if you like. Almond flour or whole wheat flour can work well. For a vegan dish, try vegan cheese. Many brands offer good melt options. If you need gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. It will change the texture a bit but still tastes great. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your dry ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons instant yeast - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon salt In a big bowl, mix these together. Next, add the wet ingredients: - 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) - 1/4 cup olive oil Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. Now, place the dough on a floured surface. Knead it for 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. If it sticks, sprinkle more flour. Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball. Put it in an oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size. When it’s ready, punch it down gently. This helps release the air. For the cheesy filling, grab a small bowl. Mix together: - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 4 cloves minced garlic - 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs Mix well until everything is blended. This filling will give your tree great flavor! Once the dough is ready, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Aim for about 12x18 inches in size. Cut the dough into 2x2 inch squares. Take each square and place a tablespoon of the cheese mixture in the center. Gather the corners and pinch them to seal. Now, arrange these pouches in a tree shape on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to create a trunk at the bottom using 3-4 squares. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). After assembling, cover the tree with a cloth. Let it rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise helps make the dough fluffy. Before baking, brush melted butter over the top for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it! The tree should be golden brown with bubbling cheese inside. To make the dough just right, you'll want a smooth and elastic texture. Start by mixing the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt well. As you add warm water and olive oil, stir carefully. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. If it feels sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour. This helps you avoid a mess and makes it easier to shape later. Adding herbs or spices can really boost the taste. Fresh parsley, garlic, and dried Italian herbs work great. You can even try adding crushed red pepper for some heat. For a tasty garlic butter topping, mix melted butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Brush this mix on the dough before baking. It adds a nice, rich flavor. When it comes to serving, presentation matters! You can garnish your pull-apart tree with fresh herbs or cherry tomatoes around it. This adds color and makes it look festive. Serve it on a beautiful platter at your holiday gathering. It’s fun for guests to pull apart the cheesy pouches and enjoy a warm, cheesy treat together. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and high-quality cheeses. Fresh ingredients will enhance the overall taste of your pull-apart tree. Control the Dough Consistency: If your dough is too sticky, add flour gradually until you achieve a smooth, elastic texture. This will make it easier to shape your tree. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda, for a unique flavor profile. Experimenting with cheese combinations can create exciting variations. Serve with Dipping Sauces: Consider serving your cheesy tree with marinara sauce or a garlic herb dip for added flavor and enjoyment. It makes for a delightful appetizer experience! {{image_4}} You can change the cheese in this recipe to suit your taste. Try using cheddar for a sharper flavor. Gouda adds a nice creaminess. For a tangy kick, use feta or blue cheese. You can also combine different cheeses for a layered taste. Incorporate other fillings too! Add cooked spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a new twist. You could even include cooked bacon or sausage for extra flavor. These options make your pull-apart tree even more special. To make this dish vegan, swap out the cheese for plant-based options. Many vegan cheeses melt well and taste great. Use almond milk or soy milk to replace the warm water for a dairy-free version. For low-carb or keto diets, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the sugar. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious taste while sticking to your diet. You can create holiday-themed trees too! Use red and green ingredients like roasted red peppers or fresh basil. For a winter theme, add some fresh rosemary for a pine-like flavor. Seasonal flavors also work well. In fall, try pumpkin spice or sage. In spring, add fresh herbs like dill or chives. These variations keep your Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Tree exciting for every occasion! To store leftovers, wrap your Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Christmas Tree in plastic wrap. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. For best results, let it cool completely before wrapping. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tree on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the cheese gooey and the bread soft. To freeze the pull-apart tree, let it cool first. Then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, remove it from the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. After thawing, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. In the fridge, your cheesy tree stays fresh for about three days. After that, the bread may become hard. Look for signs of spoilage. If it smells bad or has mold, it’s time to toss it. Fresh cheese should have a pleasant smell, and the bread should feel soft and springy. If your dough feels sticky, add flour slowly. Start with one tablespoon at a time. Knead the dough after each addition. Keep adding until the dough feels smooth. This way, you get the right texture. You can use whole wheat flour, but it changes the texture. Whole wheat is denser and adds fiber. It may make the dough less fluffy. If you mix it with all-purpose flour, you can balance the flavors. This cheesy treat pairs well with many sides. Try fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers. You can also serve a light salad. A warm bowl of marinara sauce for dipping is a great choice too. Look for a golden brown color on the dough. You should see cheese bubbling out from the seams. Tap the bottom; it should sound hollow. These signs tell you that your pull-apart bread is done. You’ve learned how to create a fun, festive cheesy garlic pull-apart Christmas tree. We covered the ingredients, from all-purpose flour to the herbs. You saw how to make the dough and assemble the tree. I shared tips for perfecting your dough, enhancing flavor, and presenting it nicely. Remember, you can customize it for diets and occasions. With a little practice, you’ll impress everyone at the holiday gathering! Enjoy baking and sharing this special treat.

Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Christmas Tree

A festive and delicious pull-apart bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with cheesy goodness and garlic flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
  • 1/4 cup high-quality olive oil
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, or thyme)
  • to taste melted butter for brushing

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a cohesive dough starts to form.
  • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, or until it feels smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
  • Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a bowl lightly oiled with olive oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and dried Italian herbs. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 12x18 inches in size. Cut the dough into 2x2 inch squares.
  • For each square of dough, place a generous tablespoon of the cheese mixture in the center. Gather the corners of the dough square and pull them together to create a pouch, pinching the seams to seal securely. Arrange the stuffed pouches in a festive tree shape on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring to create a trunk at the base using 3-4 squares.
  • Cover the assembled dough tree with a cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes in a warm environment.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once heated, brush the surface of the dough tree with melted butter for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tree is golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbling.
  • Allow the cheesy Christmas tree to cool slightly before serving. Present it on a festive platter so guests can pull apart the delightful cheesy pouches for an enjoyable appetizer experience!

Notes

Serve the pull-apart tree on a decorative platter surrounded by cherry tomatoes or fresh herbs for added color and festive flair.
Keyword appetizer, cheesy, Christmas, garlic, pull-apart