This fun and festive Pesto Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread is a delightful treat for the holiday season. It’s made with fluffy dough swirled with rich pesto, making each pull a yummy surprise!
Trust me, serving this bread will make your guests smile. Who doesn’t love tearing off warm, cheesy pieces? I even like to serve it with extra pesto for dipping—it’s a big hit! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Soft Sandwich Bread: I love using Italian or French bread for a fluffy texture. If you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free bread that can hold its shape. Just make sure it’s soft, so it still pulls apart easily.
Pesto: Fresh basil pesto is fantastic, but store-bought works too. In a pinch, you can use sun-dried tomato pesto or even a spinach and walnut version if you’re looking for something different.
Cheeses: Mozzarella is stretchy and gooey, perfect for this recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some provolone or even cheddar for a sharper flavor. Just make sure it’s shredded for easy melting.
Olive Oil: Adds a rich flavor and helps the bread crisp up nicely. If you prefer, you can use melted butter instead. It will offer a wonderful buttery taste!
How Do I Cut the Bread Properly for Pull-Apart Style?
To create the pull-apart effect, you need to cut the loaves carefully. It’s not just about chopping them up! Here’s how:
- Start by trimming off the crust for a uniform look. This also helps in getting a softer texture.
- Cut each loaf into 1.5-inch cubes, but don’t cut all the way through. Keep the loaf base intact to allow the cubes to stay connected. Think of cutting a checkerboard, but stop before reaching the bottom.
- Ensure the cubes are evenly sized for uniform baking. This way, they cook perfectly and look great!
With these steps, you’ll have perfectly cut bread ready to be filled with pesto and cheese. Enjoy making this festive treat! 🎄
Pesto Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large loaves of soft sandwich bread (such as Italian or French bread), crust removed
- 1 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: extra pesto for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pull-apart bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. You’ll want to allow a few minutes for it to cool before digging in. In total, expect around 40-45 minutes for everything!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important because you want to bake the bread at the right temperature for that perfectly crispy exterior and gooey cheese inside.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Next, take your loaves of bread and carefully cut them into 1.5-inch cubes. Remember to keep the base intact so it holds its shape! You’re aiming for a checkerboard pattern, so try to make each cube roughly the same size to ensure even baking later.
3. Spread the Pesto:
Using a spoon or a small brush, gently spread pesto over each of the cubes. Make sure you get the pesto into the cracks between the cubes as well. This will ensure that every bite is packed with flavor!
4. Stuff with Cheese:
Now it’s time for the cheesy goodness! Take the shredded mozzarella cheese and stuff it between the cubes. Don’t be shy—push some cheese down into those gaps for amazing pull-apart bites.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Carefully place the prepared loaves on your greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over the top and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly to add a bit of tangy flavor.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t over-brown!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the cheese set slightly, making it easier to pull apart. You can serve it warm with extra pesto on the side for dipping.
8. Enjoy the Festivities!
Now, all that’s left to do is gather your friends and family around to enjoy this beautiful Christmas tree-shaped bread. Pull apart those cheesy, pesto-flavored chunks and let the festivities begin!
This festive bread is not just delicious, but it also adds a fun touch to your holiday table. Enjoy every cheesy bite! 🎄✨
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While Italian or French bread works best for that soft texture, you can try sourdough or even whole wheat bread for a different flavor profile. Just ensure it’s a soft sandwich-style bread to maintain that pull-apart texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread up to the point of baking—just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven for the same baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore some of that crispy texture.
Can I Freeze Pesto Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread?
Yes! You can freeze the baked bread. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat before serving for the best results.
