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Garlic Bread Christmas Tree

A delightful festive appetizer shaped like a Christmas tree, featuring cheesy, garlicky goodness that's perfect for sharing during the holiday season.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough and Coating
  • 1.5 pounds pizza dough (store-bought for convenience) Store-bought works perfectly for a quick fix.
  • 1 tablespoon oil (olive oil works best)
  • sprinkle flour (for dusting)
  • 1 egg for egg wash
  • 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Cheese Filling
  • 23 cubes mozzarella or any cheese you love (cheddar, gouda, or a blend are great alternatives) I usually go for mozzarella for its melting quality.
  • 3 tablespoons softened butter Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
  • 1/4 cup Parmigiano, grated Freshly grated offers the best flavor.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced The more, the merrier!
  • Fresh or dry parsley, to taste For a pop of color and freshness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the dough.
  2. Prepare the Dough: Add a little oil to your clean counter and sprinkle flour on top. Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape, about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into 23 equal pieces.
  3. Form the Cheese Balls: Take each piece of dough, place a cheese cube in the center, and wrap the dough around it, rolling it into a ball. Make sure the cheese is fully enclosed.
  4. Assemble the Tree: On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, shape the dough balls into a tree: start with six on the top layer, followed by five, four, three, two, and finally one at the base. Add two more to create a sturdy support as the trunk.
  5. Let it Rise: Cover the assembled tree with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This helps the dough rise for a softer texture.
Baking
  1. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. With a pastry brush or spoon, gently coat the surface of the assembled tree.
  2. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. If the tops aren’t golden yet, switch to the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes but keep a close eye!
  3. Garlic Butter: While your tree cools slightly, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Brush this heavenly mixture atop the warm bread, allowing it to soak in.
  4. Serve Hot: Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still ooey-gooey!

Notes

Make sure the cheese is fully sealed; otherwise, it may ooze out during baking. Do not skip the resting step! This allows the dough to puff up and enhances the texture. If your dough is too sticky, keep dusting with flour.