Get ready to be the holiday hero with the most Instagram-worthy and deliciously irresistible appetizer that will make your guests' jaws drop! Imagine a festive, golden-brown Christmas tree made entirely of pull-apart garlic bread, oozing with melted mozzarella and bursting with garlic-herb flavor. This isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the comfort of warm, soft bread with the excitement of a show-stopping holiday centerpiece that everyone will be talking about long after the last delicious morsel is gone.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the yeast and salt are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add 3/4 cup of warm water to the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Add 1/4 cup of melted butter to the dough, and knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 15-20 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic butter mixture. In a small bowl, combine the remaining melted butter, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. Mix well and set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and divide it into small equal-sized pieces, about 1 inch each.
- Take each piece of dough and flatten it slightly. Brush a small amount of the garlic butter mixture on each piece, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Shape each piece into a ball and arrange them in a Christmas tree shape on a greased baking sheet. Start with a larger base and gradually decrease the size as you go up to form the tree shape.
- Once the tree shape is formed, brush the remaining garlic butter mixture over the top of the dough balls. This will give them a golden color and enhance the flavor.
- Cover the assembled pull-apart bread with a kitchen towel and let it rise for an additional 10-15 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- After the dough has risen again, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Once baked, remove the garlic bread from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm, pulling apart the pieces easily for a delightful Christmas treat.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is warm (not hot) when activating the yeast to prevent killing the yeast and ensuring perfect rise.
- Kneading Technique: Don't rush the kneading process. A smooth, elastic dough is key to tender bread.
- Rising Environment: Choose a warm, draft-free spot for your dough to rise. A turned-off oven with the light on works perfectly.
- Cheese Distribution: Sprinkle mozzarella evenly to ensure every bite is cheesy and delicious.
- Shaping Trick: Use a pizza cutter or knife to help create uniform dough pieces for a symmetrical tree shape.
- Butter Brush: Don't be shy with the garlic butter - it adds incredible flavor and helps achieve that beautiful golden color.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and maximum cheese pull!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
