The Festive Christmas Tree Pesto Bread Recipe is a delightful holiday treat that brings everyone together with its irresistible combination of fragrant pesto, gooey mozzarella, and golden, fluffy bread arranged in a charming Christmas tree shape. This fun and festive pull-apart bread is not only a feast for the eyes but also a perfect appetizer that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re looking to wow guests or enjoy a cozy night in, this recipe feels like a warm hug wrapped in cheesy, herby goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Festive Christmas Tree Pesto Bread Recipe are simple pantry and fridge staples, yet each one plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of taste, texture, and holiday cheer. From the soft but sturdy dough that forms the base to the vibrant pesto that infuses every bite, these essentials come together to make magic happen.
- 2 cans refrigerated pizza dough or homemade dough: Provides a soft, airy base that’s easy to shape and pull apart.
- 1/2 cup pesto: Adds incredible herbaceous flavor and a beautiful green glow.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella: Gives melty, gooey cheesiness that’s utterly satisfying.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve a golden, crisp crust for that perfect bite.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings subtle savory depth to the bread’s exterior.
- Optional parmesan: Adds a sharp, nutty finish if you want an extra flavor kick.
- Optional basil for garnish: Provides a fresh, festive touch on top before serving.
How to Make Festive Christmas Tree Pesto Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your dough is shaped and stuffed. Roll out your pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface, keeping it in a rough rectangle that will be easier to cut into small, manageable pieces—this is the foundation of your pull-apart bread tree.
Step 2: Cut and Fill
Slice the dough into small squares or circles, around two inches each. Spread a thin layer of pesto on each piece, then sprinkle a generous pinch of shredded mozzarella on top. This is where the heart of the Festive Christmas Tree Pesto Bread Recipe happens—each piece is packed with layers of flavor.
Step 3: Shape into Balls
Carefully fold each pesto-and-cheese square into a small ball, sealing the filling inside. The goal here is to keep the pesto and mozzarella from leaking out during baking while ensuring every bite delivers that delicious combination of soft bread and melty cheese.
Step 4: Arrange the Tree
On a greased baking sheet, start arranging the dough balls into the iconic Christmas tree shape—wide at the bottom, tapering to a point at the top. This visual presentation is what makes this recipe so fun and festive, instantly becoming a centerpiece for your holiday table.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Brush the entire bread tree generously with olive oil mixed with garlic powder, adding a lovely shine and extra flavor to the crust. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the bread is beautifully golden and the mozzarella is melted inside. Your kitchen will soon be filled with an irresistible aroma that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.
How to Serve Festive Christmas Tree Pesto Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of grated parmesan over the top as soon as the bread comes out of the oven adds a luscious layer of nutty flavor and a little salty sparkle. Fresh basil leaves scattered around or placed on the tree are not only visually appealing but also enhance the herbal notes from the pesto, making every bite fresh and brighter.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a warm bowl of marinara sauce or extra pesto for dipping—perfect for those who love an extra burst of flavor. It also works beautifully as part of a holiday appetizer spread alongside olives, cured meats, and fresh veggies, turning your table into a festive feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing the bread tree on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of dipping sauces around it for a cozy, inviting look. You can even add little edible “ornaments” like cherry tomatoes or tiny mozzarella balls skewered on toothpicks to enhance the Christmas tree theme and make it even more playful for kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, simply cover the bread tightly with aluminum foil or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The bread stays soft and the flavors remain delicious, perfect for snacking the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked bread tree by arranging the dough balls on a lined baking sheet and placing it in the freezer until firm. Then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with brushing and baking as usual for a convenient festive treat anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy the bread fresh from leftovers, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, just until warmed through and the crust regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pesto brings a wonderful fresh flavor, and since it’s your own blend, you can customize it to taste. Just be sure your pesto isn’t too watery to avoid soggy dough.
What if I don’t have refrigerated pizza dough?
You can definitely make your own pizza dough or even use bread dough—just ensure it’s pliable and able to rise well in the oven. Fresh dough helps keep the bread light and airy, which is key for pull-apart bread.
Can I add other fillings besides pesto and mozzarella?
Of course! Feel free to experiment by adding sun-dried tomatoes, cooked spinach, or different cheese blends inside the dough balls for extra layers of flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Festive Christmas Tree Pesto Bread Recipe is perfect for vegetarians. Just make sure your pesto and cheese do not contain animal-derived rennet if you want to be strict about it.
How do I keep the tree shape from falling apart while baking?
Arrange the dough balls closely together so they support each other as they bake and expand. This helps the bread hold its festive shape, making it both beautiful and functional for serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful and satisfying about pulling apart cheesy, pesto-filled bread in the shape of a Christmas tree. The Festive Christmas Tree Pesto Bread Recipe captures the warmth and magic of the holidays in every bite, with bright flavors and a fun presentation that makes sharing with friends and family extra special. I can’t wait for you to try this at your next celebration and watch it quickly become a beloved tradition on your holiday table.
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Festive Christmas Tree Pesto Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun and festive pull-apart bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with flavorful pesto and gooey mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make appetizer is perfect for holiday gatherings and party celebrations, offering a delicious combination of herbaceous pesto and melty cheese enveloped in soft pizza dough.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cans refrigerated pizza dough or homemade dough
Filling
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature while you prepare the bread.
- Prepare the dough pieces: Roll out the refrigerated or homemade pizza dough into a large flat sheet. Cut the dough into small, equally sized pieces, perfect for forming into balls.
- Fill and shape the dough balls: Spread a spoonful of pesto and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella on each piece of dough. Fold the dough around the filling to form neat balls, sealing the pesto and cheese inside.
- Arrange the bread tree: On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arrange the pesto-stuffed dough balls into the shape of a Christmas tree, starting with a wider base and tapering towards the top for a festive look.
- Add toppings: Mix olive oil and garlic powder, then brush this mixture generously over the arranged dough balls to enhance flavor and help them brown evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle grated parmesan and fresh basil over the baked bread tree for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation. Serve warm with marinara sauce or extra pesto as a dipping accompaniment.
Notes
- Serve with marinara sauce or additional pesto for dipping to enhance the flavors.
- Can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking to save time on the day of the event.
- Ensure the balls are sealed properly to prevent pesto and cheese from leaking during baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian Inspired, Holiday
