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- 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt - ½ cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F - ¼ cup warm water (approximately 110°F) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 large egg (for egg wash) Using fresh ingredients is key to great flavor. Fresh herbs bring bright taste. Fresh cheese melts better and adds creaminess. Fresh flour helps dough rise well. Always check the dates on your ingredients. This small step can make a big difference in taste. You can easily swap some ingredients to fit different diets. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour blend. If you want dairy-free, try vegan cheese. For a lower-carb version, use cauliflower dough. These swaps keep the festive spirit while meeting your needs. To make the dough, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine warm milk, warm water, granulated sugar, and instant yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about five minutes. You want it to get frothy on top. This shows the yeast is active and ready. Next, add all-purpose flour, sea salt, and olive oil to the yeast mix. Mix until the dough starts to come together. Now, transfer it to a floured surface. Knead the dough for eight to ten minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Once done, lightly coat a clean bowl with olive oil. Place your kneaded dough inside and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour or until it doubles in size. This step is key for fluffy bread. After the dough rises, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Roll it out into a rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the dough, leaving a one-inch border. Next, add the chopped parsley and garlic powder on top of the cheese. This adds flavor and a nice color. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the rectangle into twelve equal squares. You should create a 3x3 grid. Carefully stack the squares on top of each other. This will create the layered shape of your "tree." Now, transfer the stacked dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape it into a Christmas tree silhouette. Feel free to trim the base of the stack to create a trunk effect. It should look festive and fun! Cover the shaped dough with a cloth. Let it rise again for another 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, beat the egg until mixed well. Brush it generously over the top of the dough. This will give it a beautiful golden color when baked. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the bread to be golden brown, with cheese bubbling and melted. Once it's done, let it cool slightly on the baking sheet. Now, you can pull apart the cheesy pieces from the bottom. Enjoy your delightful creation! Baking can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch for: - Not measuring flour properly: Use a kitchen scale for best results. - Skipping the yeast proofing: Always let the yeast foam before mixing it in. - Over-kneading the dough: Knead just until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. - Not letting the dough rise enough: Give it time to double in size for fluffiness. - Baking the bread too long: Keep an eye on the oven; every oven is different. A golden crust makes your bread look and taste amazing. Here’s how to get that perfect finish: - Use an egg wash: Beat one egg and brush it on before baking. - Bake at the right temperature: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for even cooking. - Check for doneness: The bread should be golden brown and cheese bubbly. - Let it cool slightly: This helps the crust stay crisp when you serve it. Serving your Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is just as fun as making it. Here are some ideas: - Garnish with parsley: Place fresh chopped parsley around the base for a festive touch. - Serve with dips: Offer warm marinara sauce or herbed olive oil for extra flavor. - Create a centerpiece: Shape the bread into a tree and place it on a nice platter. - Add festive decorations: Use edible decorations like star-shaped cheese on top. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese in this recipe. I love using different types for unique flavors. Try using sharp cheddar for a tangy kick. Creamy gouda adds richness. A blend of cheeses gives a special touch. Mix mozzarella with feta for a Mediterranean twist. Just keep the same amounts for the best result. Add seasonal ingredients to make this bread even better. In winter, include some chopped spinach or roasted red peppers. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary boost the flavor. For a sweet touch, try adding cranberries or walnuts. These additions can make your bread special for any holiday gathering. If you need a gluten-free version, it’s easy to adapt. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure the blend has xanthan gum for structure. Follow the same steps for mixing and rising the dough. This way, everyone can enjoy cheesy pull-apart bread during the holidays. To keep your cheesy pull-apart bread fresh, store it in an airtight container. If you have a lot left, wrap it in plastic wrap first. This helps to keep moisture in and air out. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within a few days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. This helps to keep the bread soft while it warms. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes, or until it's warm inside. You could also use a microwave, but the oven gives a better texture. If you want to make the dough ahead of time, you can freeze it. First, shape it into a ball and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. It can freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, let it rise before baking. This method saves time and adds convenience to your holiday baking. Making Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This time includes prep and baking. You spend 15 minutes prepping the dough. Then, let it rise for about an hour. Finally, it bakes for 25 to 30 minutes. Yes, you can use other cheeses. Cheddar, gouda, or fontina work well. Each cheese brings a unique flavor. Just ensure the cheese melts nicely. Mixing different cheeses can add more taste. Absolutely! This recipe is great for beginners. The steps are simple and clear. You don’t need advanced skills to make this bread. The dough is easy to handle. Plus, the results are delicious and fun to share. You learned how to make a fun, cheesy pull-apart Christmas tree bread. We covered key ingredients, the importance of fresh choices, and how to adjust for diets. The step-by-step guide helps you create a beautiful tree. I shared tips to avoid common baking mistakes and offered variations for extra flavor. Storing and reheating this dish was also discussed. Enjoy making this bread. It’s perfect for sharing during the holidays. Happy baking!

Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

Get into the holiday spirit with this Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread! This fun and festive recipe is perfect for gatherings, featuring layers of gooey mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh parsley. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a stunning centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Click through to discover the full recipe and make this delightful treat for your next celebration!
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Ingredients
  

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

½ cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F

¼ cup warm water (approximately 110°F)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 large egg (for egg wash)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, granulated sugar, and instant yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy on top.

    Once frothy, add the all-purpose flour, sea salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough begins to come together, then transfer it to a floured surface. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.

      Lightly coat a clean bowl with olive oil, place the kneaded dough inside, and cover it with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm location for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

        After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles, then roll it out into a rectangle measuring roughly 12x18 inches.

          Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Add the chopped parsley and garlic powder on top of the cheese layer.

            Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the rectangle into 12 equal squares (3x3 grid). Carefully stack the squares on top of each other to create a layered “tree” shape.

              Transfer the stacked dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping it into a Christmas tree silhouette. Feel free to trim the base of the stack to create a trunk effect if desired.

                Cover the shaped dough with a cloth and allow it to rise again for an additional 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

                  In a small bowl, beat the egg until well combined, then brush it generously over the top of the dough for a beautiful golden finish when baking.

                    Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.

                      Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly on the baking sheet.

                        To serve, gently pull apart the individual cheesy pieces from the bottom to create delightful pull-apart servings.

                          Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins | Servings: 8-10

                            - Presentation Tips: Elevate the festive spirit by garnishing with additional parsley around the base of the tree. Serve warm alongside a homemade marinara sauce or a drizzle of herbed olive oil for dipping, enhancing the overall flavor experience.