These Christmas Tree Cheesy Bites are the perfect festive appetizer or snack, and they’re so easy to make. They’re fun to put together, especially with kids, and the end result is a cheesy, herby treat everyone will love! Perfect for holiday parties, gatherings, or just a fun way to celebrate the season with family.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. refrigerated pizza dough – You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience or homemade dough if you prefer.
- Egg wash – 1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon of water (this will help give the dough a golden finish when baked).
- 7 mozzarella sticks – These will be cut into smaller pieces and tucked into the dough for cheesy pockets inside the bites.
- 1/4 cup melted butter – For brushing on the dough to give it extra flavor and a rich, golden color.
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the mozzarella.
- 1 tablespoon thinly sliced basil – Fresh basil adds a fragrant herbaceous note.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley – Another fresh herb that adds color and brightness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary – A fragrant herb that brings a bit of holiday warmth to the dish.
- Marinara sauce (warmed) – For dipping! This adds a nice tangy contrast to the rich cheesy bites.
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the pizza dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a floured surface. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into strips, about 1 inch wide. You’ll need enough strips to form the shape of a tree, so make sure you have plenty of dough to work with.
- Form the Christmas Tree shape:
- Lay the strips of dough on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Start with a base and work upwards, arranging the dough strips in slightly overlapping rows to create the tree’s triangular shape.
- Leave some space at the top for the “star” (which will be the mozzarella sticks!).
- Insert the mozzarella: Cut the mozzarella sticks into smaller pieces (about 2-3 pieces per stick). Place a piece of mozzarella inside the dough on the bottom of the tree and gently fold the dough over to seal the cheese inside. Make sure there’s still room for more cheese and dough to shape the tree.
- Add the egg wash: Brush the entire tree shape with the egg wash (egg whisked with water). This will give the dough a shiny golden color as it bakes.
- Top with melted butter, Parmesan, and herbs:
- Drizzle the melted butter over the dough. This will add flavor and help the cheese melt beautifully.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the top for an extra cheesy kick.
- Sprinkle the sliced basil, chopped parsley, and rosemary evenly over the dough for a fresh herb-infused touch.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly inside. You may want to check on it halfway through to ensure it’s cooking evenly.
- Serve with marinara: Once the cheesy tree is done, let it cool slightly before serving. Warm up some marinara sauce in a small bowl for dipping.
Benefits:
- Kid-Friendly: This recipe is a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen! They can help shape the dough into the tree and brush the egg wash or sprinkle the herbs on top.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the dough with your favorite herbs, and even swap the mozzarella for other cheeses like cheddar or provolone.
- Quick and Easy: Since you’re using refrigerated pizza dough, this is a simple recipe that doesn’t require hours of prep. It’s perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This is a cheesy, savory snack that will surely be a hit at any holiday party. The gooey mozzarella, combined with the buttery dough and fresh herbs, is a winning combination.
- Handheld and Fun: These cheesy bites are easy to eat without utensils, making them perfect for serving at parties or gatherings where people are mingling and snacking.
Q&A:
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the dough tree and keep it covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just make sure to brush the egg wash and butter right before baking so it has that golden finish.
Q: Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella? A: Absolutely! You can use any cheese that melts well. Cheddar, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious options. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts nicely.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to get them warm and melty again.
Q: Is there a way to make this dairy-free? A: Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese and butter alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free. There are many great options for dairy-free mozzarella and butter on the market now.
Q: Can I make this without the herbs? A: Definitely! If you or your guests aren’t fans of herbs, you can skip them. The cheesy bites will still be delicious with just the mozzarella, pizza dough, and egg wash.
Enjoy your festive, cheesy snack!
These Christmas Tree Cheesy Bites are sure to bring some holiday cheer to your kitchen, and they’ll be the perfect addition to your holiday party spread!