Christmas Tree Bread Recipe: A Festive Holiday Centerpiece
This Christmas Tree Bread Recipe makes a perfect addition to any holiday table. It combines the charm of a centerpiece with the deliciousness of warm, pull-apart bread.
Shaped like a Christmas tree with a star on top, this bread can even use leftovers for a unique twist, adding layers of flavor and reducing waste during the holiday season. It’s a simple recipe, ideal for gatherings, and pairs well with spreads and dips on a Christmas charcuterie board.
How to Make This Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Making this festive holiday bread is easier than it seems and starts with basic ingredients, many of which may already be in your kitchen. The dough forms the base, while various toppings can be used for added flavor and decoration, like mozzarella sticks, garlic butter, or Parmesan cheese.
Want the printable recipe card? It’s down at the bottom of this post.
Ingredients
This recipe is so easy and a good choice for beginner bread bakers. Gather these simple ingredients before you start.
- 3/4 cup milk (room temperature)
- 1 tsp dry yeast
- 1 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/3 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups flour
Directions
Ready to get started? Follow these straightforward steps to create a golden brown, Christmas tree-shaped bread.
- Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine salt, sugar, and yeast. Pour in room-temperature milk, stirring gently until the yeast forms a foamy cap. This foam indicates that the yeast is active. Add olive oil, then gradually mix in flour, using a spatula to create a soft, sticky dough. - First Rise
Shape the dough into a ball and transfer it to a large bowl greased with olive oil. Cover with a tea towel and let it rise for 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size. - Shape the Bread
Once risen, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to form a large teardrop shape, laying it on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover again and allow to rise for 20 minutes. - Create the Christmas Tree Shape
Remove a few pieces of dough from the bottom corner to form the trunk. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to make diagonal, horizontal slices along the sides, creating branches without fully cutting through the dough. Small scissors work well for detailed cuts. Shape any excess dough into a star to place at the top of the bread. - Bake
Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Bake at 356°F for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown. Let it cool on a wire rack before serving.
Serving Ideas for Christmas Tree Bread
This Christmas tree pull-apart bread is a versatile dish for holiday gatherings. Serve it warm as part of a Christmas charcuterie board with your favorite marinara sauce, cream cheese, or garlic butter for dipping.
You could even serve it with a basic soup or stew or a side dish with leftover turkey pot pie.
It’s also a great option on a holiday table next to appetizers or with spreads like pizza sauce or maple bourbon jam, making it a festive holiday appetizer that is perfect for any Christmas party.
Did you love our homemade artisan cheese bread recipe? You can turn this into a cheesy Christmas bread in a snap. For a cheesy version, add mozzarella pearls or small pieces of mozzarella cheese inside the bread dough before baking. It creates a delightful pull-apart effect that guests will love.
FAQs
If you have questions about making this Christmas tree bread recipe, you’ll find the answers here. For other queries, please leave a comment below.
Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough or crescent roll dough is a great option if you’re short on time. This substitution makes it a quick and simple appetizer that still looks festive on your holiday table.
How can I make the bread extra cheesy?
To make a cheesy bread version, tuck small pieces of mozzarella or mozzarella sticks into each piece of dough before shaping. As the bread bakes, the cheese will melt, creating a gooey pull-apart Christmas tree bread that’s perfect for dipping in marinara or garlic butter.
How should I store any leftovers?
If you have leftover bread, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze the bread in a plastic wrap for longer storage; simply reheat it in a 300°F oven until warm before serving again.
This Christmas Tree Bread Recipe combines the joy of a homemade treat with festive holiday presentation. Use it as a centerpiece for a holiday gathering or enjoy it with your family as part of a cozy Christmas meal. The leftovers make it even better, adding another layer of flavor and giving you one less dish to prepare.
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Homemade Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Small Kitchen Scissors
Instructions
- Place the salt, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Add room temperature milk and stir. Make sure it forms a foamy cap, a sign that the yeast is working. Pour in the olive oil. Add flour in parts and knead with a spatula to form a soft, sticky dough.
- Round the dough and place it in a bowl greased with olive oil to rise. Cover with a towel and leave to rise for 1 hour. The dough should double in size.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment, lay out the dough and shape it into a teardrop shape. Cover with a towel and leave to rise for 20 minutes. Brush the dough with water and dust with flour.
- Remove the pieces of dough at the bottom to form a trunk. Use a thick knife to make diagonal stripes without cutting the dough. Use small scissors to make cuts along these stripes. Use a blade to make strokes all over the bread. Form a loaf from the remaining dough, brush it with water and attach it to the top of the bread. Bake the bread in the oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown in a 360-degree F oven.
- Cool the pastry on a wire rack and serve. Every bite of this Christmas bread is soft, warm and full of flavor, making it irresistible to family and friends.
