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Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

A festive and interactive bread that's perfect for holiday gatherings, allowing guests to tear off their own pieces while enjoying delicious flavors of herbs and cheese.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 3/4 cup warm milk about 110°F
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 egg
Flavor Enhancements
  • to taste fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme)
  • to taste garlic powder (optional)
  • to taste cheese (optional, for stuffing)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
  3. Combine both mixtures to form a dough, then knead until smooth.
  4. Allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough and divide it into small balls, approximately 1-2 inches in diameter.
  6. Shape the balls into tree branches by stacking them vertically to form your Christmas tree shape.
  7. If you're feeling indulgent, fill each ball with cheese and sprinkle fresh herbs or garlic powder for added flavor.
  8. Place the shaped tree on a baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Baking
  1. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Serving
  1. Serve warm and enjoy your festive bread.

Notes

To store, allow to cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Can last at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for about a week. Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.