Garlic-Parmesan Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic-Parmesan Pull-Apart Christmas Tree is a festive and fun appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft pizza dough pockets filled with melted mozzarella, brushed with garlic butter, and sprinkled with Parmesan make every bite irresistible. Serve warm with marinara sauce for a delightful dipping experience.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough, enough to cut into 24 pieces
• 24 mozzarella pearls
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup warm marinara sauce
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Step 2: Cut the refrigerated pizza dough into 24 equal pieces. Wrap each piece securely around a mozzarella pearl, making sure to seal the dough completely to avoid cheese leakage.
3. Step 3: Arrange the dough-wrapped mozzarella balls on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Start with one piece at the top and add increasing rows below to create a triangular tree pattern.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley until well combined.
5. Step 5: Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the entire dough tree, coating all pieces evenly. Then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top for flavor and a golden finish.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, until the dough is golden brown and cooked through, and the mozzarella inside is melted and gooey.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with the warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping, perfect for sharing.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a subtle kick.
• Substitute mozzarella pearls with small cubes of fresh mozzarella if unavailable.
• Try different herbs like basil or oregano in place of parsley for a different twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to maintain the pull-apart texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dough-wrapped mozzarella balls and arrange them into the tree shape, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just brush with garlic butter and Parmesan before baking.

What can I use if I don’t have refrigerated pizza dough?

You can use store-bought fresh bread dough or even crescent roll dough as a substitute. Just adjust baking times as needed based on the dough type.

Garlic-Parmesan Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Recipe

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4.8 from 92 reviews

This Garlic-Parmesan Pull-Apart Christmas Tree is a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft, cheesy dough balls wrapped around mozzarella pearls, brushed with garlic butter, and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese form a beautiful, shareable tree that’s both visually impressive and irresistibly tasty. Served warm with marinara sauce for dipping, it’s a crowd-pleasing starter that combines gooey cheese with aromatic garlic and herbs.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough Balls

• Refrigerated pizza dough, enough to cut into 24 pieces
• 24 mozzarella pearls

For the Garlic Butter Topping

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Serving

• 1 cup warm marinara sauce
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Dough Pieces: Cut the refrigerated pizza dough into 24 equal pieces. Wrap each piece securely around a mozzarella pearl, sealing the dough completely around the cheese to prevent leakage during baking.
3. Arrange Tree Shape: Arrange the dough-wrapped mozzarella balls on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree: start with a single piece at the top and increase the number of pieces in each row below to form a triangular tree pattern.
4. Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Stir well to blend all the flavors.
5. Brush and Sprinkle: Generously brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the entire arranged dough tree, making sure all pieces are coated. Then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an added burst of flavor and to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish when baked.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through and the mozzarella inside is melted and gooey.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Offer with warm marinara sauce for dipping, perfect for sharing during holiday celebrations.

Notes

• Make sure to seal the dough tightly around the mozzarella pearls to prevent cheese from oozing out during baking.
• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the garlic butter mixture.
• For an extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the tree before baking.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the gooey melted cheese inside each pull-apart piece.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispiness.

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan, Pull-Apart Bread, Christmas Tree Appetizer, Holiday Appetizer, Cheese Bread, Mozzarella Balls, Party Food