Looking to decorate more than just a standard Christmas tree this year? Add this mozzarella-filled tear-and-share bread to the list, and your holiday table will be filled with all sorts of seasonal spirit.
Cheese-Stuffed Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Rolls
Makes about 25
Ingredients
- 2 (16-ounce) bags refrigerated deli pizza dough
- 1 (12-ounce) package mozzarella string cheese sticks
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Marinara sauce, to serve
- Garnish: grated Parmesan cheese, fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°. Line a 15-inch round cast-iron baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of pizza dough to a 15-inch circle, about ¼ inch thick. Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut circles from each portion of dough.
- Cut mozzarella sticks into 25 (¾-inch-long) pieces and 15 (½-inch-long) pieces. Place a ¾-inch piece of mozzarella in center of each dough circle. Wrap dough around cheese, pinching seam to seal; roll into a ball. Place balls, seam side down, on prepared pan, in the shape of a Christmas tree. Place ½-inch pieces of mozzarella between rolls on pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Sprinkle Parmesan onto rolls; bake until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes more.
- In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, rosemary, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt; brush onto rolls. Serve with marinara sauce. Garnish with Parmesan and rosemary, if desired.
