This festive garlic bread tree is a fun and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with fluffy bread, garlic butter, and cheese, it’s sure to impress your guests.
The recipe is simple and allows for creativity in shaping the tree and adding toppings. It’s an excellent way to bring a festive touch to your table.
Creating the Festive Garlic Bread Tree
This garlic bread tree is a delightful centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Its unique shape and inviting aroma make it a standout dish that will catch the eye of your guests.
To begin, prepare your dough by rolling it out to the perfect thickness. This step is essential for achieving that golden-brown finish. The dough should be pliable yet firm enough to hold its shape when cut into festive forms.
Garlic Butter Mixture
The key to a flavorful garlic bread tree lies in the garlic butter. Combining softened butter with minced garlic and fresh parsley creates a rich spread that enhances the taste of the bread.
Mix in salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. This mixture will not only add flavor but also help achieve a beautiful golden color as it bakes.
Shaping the Tree
Using cookie cutters or a knife, cut the dough into star and triangle shapes. This is where creativity shines; you can vary the sizes to create a visually appealing tree structure.
Once cut, brush each piece generously with the garlic butter mixture. Stack the shapes in a tree formation on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are snug but not overcrowded.
Adding Cheese and Baking
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the stacked dough pieces. The cheese will melt beautifully, adding a gooey texture that complements the crispy bread.
Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven and watch as the tree transforms. In just 15-20 minutes, the bread will turn golden, and the cheese will bubble, creating an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.
Serving and Enjoying
Once baked, allow the garlic bread tree to cool slightly before serving. This dish is perfect for pulling apart, making it a fun and interactive appetizer for your guests.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve warm. This festive treat not only tastes delicious but also adds a cheerful touch to your holiday table.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy family gathering, this garlic bread tree is sure to impress. Its combination of flavors and festive presentation makes it a memorable addition to any meal.
Prepare to receive compliments as guests enjoy pulling off pieces of this delightful bread. It’s a simple yet impressive way to celebrate the season with loved ones.
Festive Garlic Bread Tree Recipe
This garlic bread tree is made by stacking pieces of dough shaped like stars or triangles, brushed with garlic butter, and topped with cheese. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and bake, serving around 8 people.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough or bread dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Flour for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pizza or bread dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Shape the Tree: Cut the dough into star or triangle shapes using a cookie cutter or knife. Brush each piece with garlic butter and stack them in a tree shape on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the stacked dough pieces.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm, pulling off pieces of the garlic bread tree as you enjoy.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8 pieces
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 16g