Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
A festive and interactive centerpiece made of fluffy, cheesy bread, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Ramekin
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 At room temperature.
- 8.5 oz Mozzarella Cheese Cubed (or approximately 8 string cheese sticks).
- 1 large Egg
- 1 Tbsp Water
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter Melted.
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Basil Chopped.
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Parsley Chopped.
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Rosemary Chopped.
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan
- Red Pepper Flakes Optional.
- Marinara Sauce For dipping.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant dry yeast, granulated sugar, and kosher salt.
- Add the milk or water and room temperature unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until no dry flour remains.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
- Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the mozzarella cheese by cutting it into about 30-33 pieces.
- Once risen, punch the dough down and divide it into small balls weighing 19-20 grams each.
- Insert a piece of mozzarella cheese into each ball and arrange them in a tree formation on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover and let the dough balls proof for about an hour.
- Preheat your oven to 425ºF (218ºC). Brush the balls with egg wash made from one egg whisked with one tablespoon of water.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Mix chopped herbs with melted butter and brush over the warm bread. Sprinkle with grated parmesan and optional red pepper flakes.
- Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
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Notes
Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.