Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread
The aroma of melted cheese and warm, freshly baked bread has a way of bringing everyone to the kitchen, and this Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread is the ultimate holiday treat to do just that.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Baking Sheet or Pan
- Parchment paper
- Sharp Knife or Kitchen Scissors
- Pastry Brush
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for kneading
- 1 packet 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk about 105–110°F
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
For the Garlic Cheese Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 2 –3 cloves garlic minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a mild kick
For Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tbsp melted butter for brushing after baking
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or rosemary
- Extra shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup warm milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture turns foamy.
- Pro Tip: The milk should be warm, not hot — around 105–110°F — to activate the yeast without killing it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2½ cups all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Add the melted butter (2 tablespoons), 1 egg, and the yeast mixture to the flour.
- Stir with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until a sticky dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for 8–10 minutes, until it becomes smooth, soft, and elastic.
- Pro Tip: If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a little flour at a time — but avoid adding too much or the bread will turn dense.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Divide and Roll Out the Dough
- Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air.
- Divide it into two equal halves.
- On a floured surface, roll out the first half into a large rectangle (about 12x18 inches).
- This will be your bottom layer — transfer it carefully onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roll out the second half into the same size and set it aside, covered with a clean towel to prevent drying.
- Pro Tip: Use a ruler or straight edge to keep both rectangles the same size — this helps them line up perfectly later.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Cheese Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together:
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 2–3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Stir until evenly combined.
- Spread this mixture evenly over the first rolled-out dough layer, covering it from edge to edge.
- Pro Tip: For even coverage, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Add the Top Dough Layer
- Carefully place the second sheet of dough over the cheese-covered base.
- Gently press along the edges and smooth out the surface to remove air pockets.
- Make sure both layers line up neatly.
- Pro Tip: If the edges don’t match, trim them slightly so the layers align before cutting.
Step 6: Shape the Christmas Tree
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut out a large triangle (the tree shape) from the layered dough — wide at the bottom and pointed at the top.
- Remove the extra dough from around the edges (you can bake these scraps separately).
- Lightly score a line down the middle of the triangle — this is your tree trunk and should remain uncut.
- Pro Tip: Keep the center intact — that’s what holds your tree together!
Step 7: Cut and Twist the Branches
- Starting from the center line, cut horizontal strips about 1 inch apart on both sides of the trunk.
- Stop just before reaching the center each time.
- Twist each strip 2–3 times to form spiral “branches.”
- Repeat until all the strips are twisted neatly.
- Pro Tip: If cheese starts oozing out while twisting, press it gently back into the dough — it’ll melt perfectly during baking.
Step 8: Brush and Rest
- Brush the entire tree with melted butter.
- Sprinkle with extra herbs, cheese, or chili flakes for added flavor.
- Let the shaped tree rest for 10–15 minutes before baking.
- Pro Tip: This short rest helps the dough puff slightly, giving the bread a soft, pull-apart texture.
Step 9: Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.
- If it browns too quickly, loosely cover the top with foil during the last few minutes.
- Pro Tip: For a glossy finish, brush the hot bread with more melted butter right after removing it from the oven.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before moving it.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or rosemary for a festive look.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or cheese dip for dipping.
- Pro Tip: Place your dip bowl beside the bread or near the base of the “tree” for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~230
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Calcium: 150mg