Cheesy Pull-Apart Tree Bread Delight

Description

The Cheesy Pull-Apart Tree Bread Delight is an exciting and festive dish that combines the warmth of homemade bread with the richness of mozzarella cheese and the aromatic flavors of garlic herb butter. Ideal for holiday gatherings or as a cozy treat during chilly evenings, this dish is sure to be a hit among both adults and children, adding a delightful and decorative element to your dining table.

Ingredients

Ingredients for this recipe are divided into three main categories: the bread itself, the garlic herb butter, and optional toppings.

• For the bread:
  • ¾ cup warm milk (95 to 105°F)
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 2⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 sticks string mozzarella (cut into 5 pieces each, one piece left over)
• For the garlic herb butter:
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• Optional toppings and garnish:
  • Grated parmesan
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Kosher salt or other coarse salt
  • Chopped parsley
  • Marinara sauce for dipping

Step-by-step Directions

1. Preparing the Bread Dough

Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk and stir gently. Let it sit for about 3 minutes to activate the yeast. In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Once yeast has activated, add it to the flour mixture and mix on low until the dough starts to come together. Increase the speed to medium-high and knead until the dough is smooth and passes the windowpane test. Add the softened butter and continue kneading until fully absorbed.

2. Proofing the Dough

Shape the dough into a smooth ball and place it back into the bowl. Cover and let it proof in a warm area until it doubles in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

3. Shaping and Second Proofing

Punch down the dough and reshape it into a ball. Divide the dough into 19 equal pieces, and round each into a ball. Flatten a dough ball, place a piece of mozzarella in the center, seal the edges, and roll gently to form a round shape. Arrange balls seam side down on a lined sheet pan in the shape of a Christmas tree. Cover and let proof for about 45 minutes.

4. Preparing Garlic Herb Butter

Melt the butter and mix in the minced garlic, parsley, and oregano.

5. Baking

Brush the dough balls with garlic herb butter and bake in a preheated oven until golden brown. Serve warm with optional toppings and marinara sauce for dipping.

Servings & Preparation/Cooking Time

This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people. Preparation time is about 30 minutes, proofing takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes, and baking time is 20-25 minutes.

Tips for Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in an oven or microwave until warm throughout.
• For longer storage, freeze the baked bread for up to 1 month and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

The Cheesy Pull-Apart Tree Bread Delight is not just visually appealing but also a testament to the joy of baking and sharing during the festive season. With its gooey mozzarella filling and flavorful garlic herb butter topping, it invites you to pull apart piece by piece of deliciously warm, cheesy bread.

Cheesy Pull-Apart Tree Bread Delight

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 31 minute
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

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Description

The Cheesy Pull-Apart Tree Bread Delight is an exciting and festive dish that combines the warmth of homemade bread with the richness of mozzarella cheese and the aromatic flavors of garlic herb butter. Ideal for holiday gatherings or as a cozy treat during chilly evenings, this dish is sure to be a hit among both adults and children, adding a delightful and decorative element to your dining table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ¾ cup warm milk (95 to 105°F)
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 2⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 4 sticks string mozzarella (cut into 5 pieces each, one piece left over)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• Grated parmesan
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Kosher salt or other coarse salt
• Chopped parsley
• Marinara sauce for dipping

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Instructions

1. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk and stir gently. Let it sit for about 3 minutes to activate the yeast. In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Once yeast has activated, add it to the flour mixture and mix on low until the dough starts to come together. Increase the speed to medium-high and knead until the dough is smooth and passes the windowpane test. Add the softened butter and continue kneading until fully absorbed.
2. Shape the dough into a smooth ball and place it back into the bowl. Cover and let it proof in a warm area until it doubles in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Punch down the dough and reshape it into a ball. Divide the dough into 19 equal pieces, and round each into a ball. Flatten a dough ball, place a piece of mozzarella in the center, seal the edges, and roll gently to form a round shape. Arrange balls seam side down on a lined sheet pan in the shape of a Christmas tree. Cover and let proof for about 45 minutes.
4. Melt the butter and mix in the minced garlic, parsley, and oregano.
5. Brush the dough balls with garlic herb butter and bake in a preheated oven until golden brown. Serve warm with optional toppings and marinara sauce for dipping.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes