Make Gooey Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread Easy & Festive
Servings: 8 pieces
Calories: 250kcal
Make Gooey Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread Easy is a delightful centerpiece for the holidays, filled with gooey mozzarella and aromatic herbs.
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Equipment
- large bowl
- Baking sheet
- Kitchen Towel
- Measuring cups
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups Bread Flour All-purpose can be used for a denser texture
- 1 packet Instant Dry Yeast Ensure it's fresh for optimal rising
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar Can substitute honey or agave for sweetness
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Halve the amount if using table salt
- 1 cup Milk or Water Replace with dairy-free milk for a vegan option
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature) Vegan butter works as a substitute
For the Filling
- 30 ounces Mozzarella Cheese (Cubed) Fresh mozzarella gives the best texture
- 1 cup Fresh Basil, Parsley, Rosemary Dried herbs can be a substitute
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan Nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan alternative
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) Omit for a milder flavor
For Finishing
- ¼ cup Unsalted Butter (Melted) Try garlic butter for an extra twist
- 1 egg Egg (for Egg Wash) Use a plant-based milk for a vegan option
Instructions
How to Make Gooey Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
- In a large bowl, combine bread flour, instant dry yeast, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Stir in milk until a dough forms; it should be slightly sticky but workable.
- Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes; this lets the flour absorb the liquid and makes kneading easier.
- Knead the softened unsalted butter into the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, cut the mozzarella into approximately 30 small cubes, around 7g each.
- Once risen, punch down the dough, then divide it into 30 equal pieces, each about 19-20g. Allow them to rest for 10 minutes under a cloth.
- Flatten each dough ball, place a cheese cube inside, pinch it closed, and arrange them on a baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape.
- Cover your dough tree with a cloth again and let it proof for 1 hour, allowing it to rise further.
- Preheat your oven to 425ºF. Brush the bread with egg wash for a glossy finish, then bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Once baked, brush the warm bread with melted herb butter and sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before serving warm.
Notes
Store leftover bread in a breadbox or loosely wrapped in a kitchen towel for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Freeze for up to one month.
Nutrition
Serving: 1piece | Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 500mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 200mg | Iron: 1mg