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Cozy Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread Recipe with 5 Cheesy Layers

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A festive pull apart bread shaped like a Christmas tree, layered with five different cheeses for a gooey, savory holiday treat that’s perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (120 ml) warm whole milk
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (110 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup (55 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup (55 g) shredded fontina cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing between layers)
  • Coarse sea salt (optional, for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup (240 ml) warm water, 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Add the yeast mixture, ½ cup (120 ml) warm milk, and 3 tablespoons softened unsalted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 6–7 minutes. The dough should be tacky but not sticky.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the cheesy layers: While the dough rises, shred all the cheeses and mix the garlic powder and dried Italian herbs into the melted butter. Set aside.
  6. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle about 14×10 inches (35×25 cm) and about ¼ inch thick.
  7. Assemble the layers: Brush the dough evenly with the melted butter herb mixture. Sprinkle one-fifth of the cheese mixture evenly over the dough. Fold the dough accordion-style or cut into strips and stack, repeating the butter and cheese until all five cheesy layers are used.
  8. Create the tree shape: Cut the layered dough into triangles resembling tree branches or use a simple tree template to cut out a Christmas tree shape. Place the tree on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  9. Final rise: Cover the shaped dough loosely and let it rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
  10. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
  11. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch of coarse sea salt. Let cool slightly before pulling apart.

Notes

Let the bread rest for 10 minutes after baking to make the cheesy layers easier to pull apart. Use an oven thermometer for accurate baking temperature. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly. Cover dough during rises to prevent drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas bread, pull apart bread, cheesy bread, holiday bread, festive bread, Christmas tree bread, five cheese bread

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/cozy-christmas-tree-pull-apart-bread-recipe-with-5-cheesy-layers/