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How to Make Spinach & Cheese Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium skillet, melt a small amount of butter over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach to avoid soggy bread.
In a bowl, combine the spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Shape the Christmas Tree
Roll out the pizza dough onto a floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 12×15 inches in size.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into a tree shape: the bottom of the tree should be wider, with the top tapering to a point. You can make a template by drawing the shape on parchment paper, then cutting the dough to fit.
Once the tree shape is cut, place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Assemble the Pull-Apart Layers
Now comes the fun part! Take the dough and spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly on one half of the dough. Once the filling is spread, fold the other half of the dough over the filling, like a sandwich, and press the edges to seal.
Next, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into strips, about 1-inch wide. Stack the strips on top of one another, layering them to form a stack of squares.
Carefully arrange the stacked dough in the shape of a Christmas tree on your prepared baking sheet. Place the stack of dough upright, with the wide end at the bottom, creating a tree shape. It doesn’t need to be perfect — the magic happens when it bakes and the layers puff up.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush the top of the dough with a light coat of melted butter and egg wash (beaten egg with a tablespoon of water) for a golden and glossy finish.
If you’d like, you can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese or garlic powder on top for added flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbling.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with a little chopped parsley for an extra pop of color and to make it look even more festive.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
To serve, simply pull apart the layers of bread and enjoy! The combination of warm, cheesy spinach filling and soft, buttery bread is guaranteed to make this a holiday favorite.
Tips for Making the Best Spinach & Cheese Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach works best because it has more flavor and texture. Be sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible after cooking it to avoid soggy dough.
- Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, feta, or cream cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Add Herbs: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary to the spinach mixture.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the bread up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: If you want to take this bread to the next level, serve it with a side of marinara sauce, garlic butter, or a creamy ranch dip.
Why This Christmas Tree Bread is a Must-Try
This Spinach & Cheese Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is more than just a side dish — it’s an experience! Not only does it add a festive touch to your holiday spread, but it also brings a burst of flavor with every bite. The layers of savory spinach, melted cheese, and garlic butter combined with the soft, pull-apart dough make this bread the perfect addition to your holiday meals.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, a New Year’s Eve gathering, or just want to make something special for a cozy night in, this bread will impress your guests and leave them coming back for more. It’s a fun, interactive dish that’s as delicious as it is decorative, and it’s sure to become a holiday tradition in your home.
Conclusion
This Spinach & Cheese Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is a beautiful, savory addition to any holiday meal. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and adds a whimsical, festive touch to your dinner table. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a fun centerpiece, this bread will become a holiday favorite that your family and guests will look forward to each year. Make this holiday season extra special with this gorgeous and delicious pull-apart bread that everyone will love!b
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