Description
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive, savory bread shaped like a Christmas tree, perfect for holiday gatherings. This homemade bread combines a soft, fluffy dough with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, infused with oregano for a flavorful and aromatic treat that looks as delightful as it tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cheese Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Form Dough: Add all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until a cohesive dough forms.
- Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Roll it out into a rectangular shape on a floured surface.
- Add Cheese Filling and Fold: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and dried oregano over the dough. Fold the dough into a Christmas tree shape by twisting or layering as preferred.
- Second Rise: Transfer the shaped dough onto a baking sheet and let it rise again for another 30 minutes to get puffier.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm (about 105-110°F) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- You can add herbs like rosemary or basil for variation in flavor.
- Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- For extra shine, brush the top with olive oil or an egg wash before baking.
- This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes.
