CHEESY PULL APART CHRISTMAS BREAD IRRESISTIBLE

I still remember the year my little niece, Lily, decided that Christmas trees needed more than just ornaments – they needed edible decorations, specifically cheese. While we gently steered her away from draping cheddar slices on the fir, her cheesy enthusiasm sparked an idea that’s become a beloved tradition: our annual Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread. This year, I’m sharing that festive deliciousness with you, and trust me, it’s easier than wrangling a toddler away from tinsel, and the results are guaranteed to be a cheesy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing success!

Get Ready to Deck the Halls (with Cheese!)

Okay, my friend, let’s dive headfirst into making this showstopper! This isn’t just any bread; it’s an experience. It’s warm, gooey, cheesy goodness, perfectly shaped like a Christmas tree, and designed to be devoured one cheesy piece at a time. It’s interactive, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect centerpiece for your holiday gathering.

What Makes This Bread So Special?

Beyond the obvious (cheese!), this recipe is special for a few reasons:

• The Dough: We’re using a simple, enriched dough that’s easy to work with and yields a soft, flavorful bread. Don’t worry if you’re new to bread-making; I’ll guide you through every step.
• The Cheese: A blend of cheeses creates a complex flavor profile that’s both sharp and melty. We’re not skimping on the good stuff!
• The Shape: The Christmas tree shape is festive and fun, making it a visually appealing centerpiece. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to achieve!
• The Pull-Apart Factor: The individual pieces are perfect for sharing and make it an interactive and engaging dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to gather. Don’t be intimidated by the list; most of these are pantry staples:

For the Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour: 3 ½ – 4 cups (start with 3 ½ and add more as needed)
• Active Dry Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet)
• Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Warm Milk: 1 cup (105-115°F)
• Large Eggs: 2
• Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup (melted and cooled slightly)

For the Filling:

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup
• Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup (melted)
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions: From Dough to Deliciousness

Alright, let’s get baking! I’ve broken down the process into manageable steps to make it as easy as possible.

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm milk. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to get a fresh packet. Trust me, starting with active yeast is crucial for a successful rise.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. This is similar to the first steps when making Cinnamon Swirl Bread, so if you’ve made that, you’re already a pro!

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where patience comes in. Don’t rush the rise; it’s essential for a light and airy bread. A warm oven (turned off!) or a sunny spot in your kitchen works well.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the cheesy filling. In a medium bowl, combine the mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Set aside.

Step 5: Shape the Christmas Tree

Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide the dough into approximately 30-35 equal-sized pieces. I like to use a kitchen scale for this to ensure even baking, but eyeballing it works too! Roll each piece into a small ball. Now, here comes the fun part! On a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arrange the dough balls in the shape of a Christmas tree. Start with a wide base and gradually taper towards the top. Leave a little space between each ball to allow for expansion during baking. Don’t stress too much about perfection; a slightly wonky tree is charming!

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Brush the melted butter over the dough balls. Then, generously sprinkle the cheese mixture over the entire tree, making sure to get cheese in between the balls. Don’t be shy; the more cheese, the better! If you’re a fan of cheesy goodness, you’ll also love these Cheesy Garlic Wraps.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the shaped tree with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. This second rise will help the bread become even lighter and fluffier.

Step 8: Bake!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it; if the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy! Watch as your guests eagerly pull apart the cheesy goodness. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Tips and Tricks for Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread Success

Even though this recipe is pretty straightforward, here are a few tips to ensure your bread turns out perfectly every time:

• Use Warm Milk: The milk should be warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Over-kneading can result in a tough bread. Knead until it’s smooth and elastic, but no longer.
• Proper Rising: Ensure the dough rises in a warm place. This is crucial for a light and airy texture.
• Even Cheese Distribution: Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed over the dough balls for maximum cheesy goodness in every bite.
• Cool Slightly Before Serving: Letting the bread cool slightly before serving allows the cheese to set a bit, making it easier to pull apart.

Variations and Adaptations

Want to customize your Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread? Here are a few ideas:

• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese combinations. Gruyere, provolone, or pepper jack would all be delicious additions.
• Additions: Add chopped cooked bacon, pepperoni, or ham to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
• Herbs: Use different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a unique flavor profile.
• Sweet Version: Craving something sweet? Try a version similar to Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your holiday spread:

• With Marinara Sauce: Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
• As a Side Dish: Serve alongside your favorite holiday meal, like roasted turkey or ham.
• As an Appetizer: Perfect as an appetizer for any gathering.
• Breakfast Treat: It could also be a special festive breakfast or brunch option, similar to Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Dough Not Rising: Make sure your yeast is active and the dough is rising in a warm place. If the dough still doesn’t rise, the yeast might be old, or the liquid might have been too hot.
• Bread Too Dense: This could be due to not enough rising time or over-kneading the dough.
• Cheese Burning: If the cheese is browning too quickly, loosely cover the bread with foil during baking.
• Uneven Baking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even browning.

Make Ahead Instructions

Want to get a head start on your holiday baking? You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just punch it down before shaping and baking. You can also assemble the entire tree and freeze it before baking. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then let it rise for 30-45 minutes before baking.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Why This Recipe is a Holiday Must-Have

This Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tradition in the making. It’s a fun, interactive, and delicious way to celebrate the holidays with your loved ones. The aroma of warm, cheesy bread baking in the oven will fill your home with festive cheer, and the joy of sharing this homemade treat will create lasting memories. Plus, it’s a great alternative when you want something easier than making a full Homemade Pizza but still crave that cheesy, bready goodness.

Let’s Get Baking!

So, grab your ingredients, put on your favorite holiday playlist, and let’s get baking! I know you can do it, and I promise, the result will be a Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread that will impress your friends and family and become a cherished holiday tradition for years to come.

Lady Maria

Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread

This Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread is a festive and interactive holiday treat. Shaped like a Christmas tree, it’s made with a soft, enriched dough and filled with a delicious blend of cheeses. Perfect for sharing and creating lasting memories with loved ones.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk 105-115°F
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Large bowl
• measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoons
• Stand mixer (optional)
• Dough hook (optional)
• Lightly floured surface
• Kitchen scale (optional)
• medium bowl
• baking sheet
• parchment paper
• Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
• Oven

Method

 

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm milk. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
2. Make the Dough: Add the melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook. Add more flour if too sticky.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, combine the mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a medium bowl.
6. Shape the Christmas Tree: Punch down the risen dough. Divide the dough into approximately 30-35 equal-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball. Arrange the dough balls in the shape of a Christmas tree on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Add the Cheese: Brush the melted butter over the dough balls. Then, generously sprinkle the cheese mixture over the entire tree.
8. Second Rise: Cover the shaped tree and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
9. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

Use warm milk to activate the yeast. Don’t overwork the dough. Ensure proper rising in a warm place. Distribute cheese evenly. Cool slightly before serving. Variations: Experiment with different cheeses (Gruyere, provolone, pepper jack), add chopped cooked bacon, pepperoni, or ham, use different herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano). Make ahead: Dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or assembled tree frozen before baking. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.