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40 Easy Christmas Appetizers

Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread
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This Christmas tree pull apart bread is made of cheese-stuffed dough balls brushed with garlic herb oil and baked until golden. It’s a festive appetizer that brings magic to any holiday gathering!

Ingredients

Scale

For the dough:

  • 490 grams all purpose flour (3 ½ cups)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt 
  • 2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
  • 315 grams warm water (1 ⅓ cups)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the pull apart bread:

  • 8 string cheese mozzarella sticks (8 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • ½ cup grated parmesan
  • Fresh rosemary
  • 32 dough balls

Instructions

  1. Combine the flour, salt, and yeast in a bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir to combine. Add the water and olive oil and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.
  2. Knead the dough by pushing with the base of your palm, then reforming it into a ball. Continue kneading for 8 minutes until the dough feels pillowy and has a smooth, stretchy exterior. If the dough is very sticky, add a small amount of flour while kneading. Alternatively, attach the dough hook to a stand mixer and start the mixer on medium-low speed, then allow the mixer to knead for 8 minutes.
  3. Using floured hands, gently shape the dough into a boule (ball shape) by folding the dough under itself. Return to the bowl and cover with a damp towel and allow them to rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. 
  4. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Divide the bread into 32 equal pieces, using a scale and calculator (weigh the dough in grams, then divide it by 32; the small balls are typically around 26 grams*). Take the first piece of dough and flatten it slightly. Place a piece of cheese in the center, then form a ball with your palms, creating a smooth top and a seam at the bottom. Place the ball into a Christmas tree shape on the baking sheet and repeat with the remaining dough and cheese. Cover with a towel and let rest for 15 minutes.
  6. In a small saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the grated garlic and Italian seasoning and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Brush the garlic herb oil onto the dough balls, then sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Bake for 14 to 17 minutes until golden brown. Top with fresh rosemary. Serve warm.

Notes

*Try to be precise about this for best results. Try not to overwork the dough, but you can cut it multiple times to make even pieces.

Substitutes: You can substitute 1 pound pizza dough for the homemade dough. Use the same dough dividing techniques.

Storage notes: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated up to 4 days. Reheat on a baking sheet at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes.

Make ahead notes: Arrange the dough balls in the tree formation, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, allow to sit at room temperature 20 to 30 minutes, brush with the garlic oil and bake.

Find it online: https://www.acouplecooks.com/christmas-appetizers/