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When these Cheese Filled Pull Apart Rolls bake in my oven, they fill the house with an amazing smell. Made in a fun Christmas tree shape and packed with gooey melted cheese, they always bring smiles around the table. I first made them for our family Christmas get-together and now everyone asks for them at every party. You should see people's faces when they pull off that first warm, cheesy piece—it's just wonderful.
Festive Holiday Delight
Warm bread and melty cheese just have this way of pulling folks together. These rolls look fancy but they're actually super easy because we start with frozen dough. I love watching everyone's reaction when I bring this cheesy tree to the table. And that herb butter on top? It makes everything taste so much better.
Tree-Shaped Ingredient List
- Frozen Bread Dough: 1 pound left in fridge overnight to thaw, wrapped up good.
- Cheese Cubes: 24 chunks cut from a block of fresh mozzarella for that perfect melt.
- Real Butter: 4 tablespoons warmed till golden but not burned.
- Fresh Garlic: 2 fat cloves chopped really tiny.
- Garden Parsley: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh and vibrant.
- Italian Herbs: 1 teaspoon rubbed between your fingers to wake up the flavors.
- Salt Pepper: Just a bit to brighten everything up.
- Sweet Tomatoes: Little ones for decoration, still attached to stems if you can find them.
- Fresh Herbs: Some extra sprigs to make it look nice.
- Marinara: Heated up and ready for dipping.
Festive Tree Assembly
- Hiding Cheese Treasures
- Divide dough into 24 pieces and fold each around a cheese cube, making sure to seal edges really well.
- Rising Magic
- Arrange your tree pattern on parchment paper and let those little dough balls puff up for about 30 minutes somewhere warm.
- Tasty Coating
- Stir melted butter with garlic and all those good herbs, then brush it all over your puffy rolls.
- Baking Bliss
- Pop into a 350°F oven until everything turns nice and golden, around 18 minutes, and your kitchen starts smelling wonderful.
- Finishing Touches
- Add fresh herbs and tiny tomatoes before serving while the cheese is still hot and stretchy.
Stunning Party Centerpiece
This beautiful tree deserves to be the star of your holiday spread. I like to put it next to cheese boards and little skewers of antipasto goodies. We sometimes enjoy it on quiet family nights with a bowl of hot soup—it's the coziest winter meal.
Tips For Perfect Results
Your dough needs to be totally soft before you start working with it. Make sure to wrap those cheese cubes up tight so you get that awesome cheese pull. Those bright tomatoes and fresh herbs don't just look pretty—they add tons of flavor too.
Custom Variations
Some days I switch up the cheeses and try sharp cheddar or spicy pepper jack instead. While a tree works great for Christmas, you can shape it as a wreath for New Year's too. Adding some red pepper flakes to the butter gives a nice kick, and nobody ever complains about extra parmesan.
Fast Facts
- Do-Ahead Trick: Get everything ready the night before, store in fridge, bake fresh when needed.
- Different Looks: Try making wreaths, squares or just simple lines of rolls.
- Sauce Options: Go with warm marinara, ranch, pesto or whatever you fancy.
- Leftovers: Stays good for 2 days if wrapped well, just warm gently before eating.
Unforgettable Festive Touch
These cheesy tree-shaped rolls really add something special to holiday gatherings. Just basic ingredients, a bit of care, and plenty of love make memories that last way beyond dinner. Seeing everyone happy makes all the work totally worth it.
Final Thoughts
Learn to craft a holiday showpiece: tree-shaped bread stuffed with melty cheese and finished with garlic butter. Impress your crowd this season.Common Questions About This Recipe
- → Can I prep them in advance?
- Shape them before the final rise, then refrigerate overnight. Let them warm up and rise before baking.
- → How should I defrost frozen dough?
- Let dough thaw in the fridge overnight in a covered bowl. Rest it at room temperature for 30 minutes before using.
- → Can I swap out the cheese?
- Sure! Use any good melting cheese like fontina or cheddar. Just cut it into small cubes that fit the dough.
- → Why aren't my rolls puffing up?
- The room might be too chilly. Give them more time in a warm space, around 75-80°F. Make sure the dough is thawed first.
- → How do I save leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container for up to two days. Warm them a little before eating—they're tastiest when heated.