Description
A pull-apart, showstopping savory centerpiece stuffed with melty cheeses, herbs, and garlic, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour (or 3 cups AP + 1/2 cup bread flour)
- 2 tsp instant yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast)
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (105–115°F) + 1/4 cup (60ml) water, or 1 1/4 cup water for dairy-free
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus 2 tbsp softened for filling)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash; optional)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 3 cloves garlic, grated or very finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella (200g)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or gouda (100g)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (50g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Add warm milk and melted butter. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (45–60 minutes) or refrigerate overnight.
- Mix softened butter, garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl while the dough rises.
- Once dough has risen, punch it down and divide into three equal balls. Roll each ball into circles, brush with garlic-herb butter, and sprinkle cheese between layers.
- Create a trunk hole and make radial cuts for branches. Twist each branch to create the pine-branch look.
- Cover loosely and let proof for 20–30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush with egg wash, scatter cheese, and bake for 20–30 minutes until golden. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish and enjoy warm.
Notes
Make ahead by assembling and refrigerating the shaped tree up to 8–12 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 90 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, holiday bread, pull-apart bread, savory bread