Oh, let me tell you, there’s just something magical about the holidays, and my Christmas Tree Stuffed Bread is the perfect way to celebrate! Imagine walking into a room filled with the warm scent of freshly baked bread, shaped like a beautiful Christmas tree. It’s not just food; it’s a centerpiece for laughter, joy, and delicious memories! Every year, my family and I gather in the kitchen, rolling out that dough and filling it with gooey cheese and vibrant veggies. We laugh, we sing along to holiday tunes, and I can’t help but sneak a bite or two while it’s still warm. This bread adds a fun twist to any holiday gathering, making it a delightful treat that everyone will want to dive into. Trust me, once you bake this, it’ll become a cherished tradition in your home!
Ingredients
To whip up my delightful Christmas Tree Stuffed Bread, you’ll need some simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – this gives the bread its structure!
- 1 packet instant yeast – the magic that makes it rise!
- 1 cup warm milk – not too hot, just warm enough to activate the yeast.
- 1/4 cup sugar – for a touch of sweetness in the dough.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted – adds richness and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – to balance the flavors.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – because who doesn’t love melty cheese?
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped – a pop of color and nutrition!
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – for that burst of tangy flavor.
- 1 egg, for egg wash – to give the bread that beautiful golden finish.
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a festive masterpiece that’ll impress everyone at your holiday table!
How to Prepare Christmas Tree Stuffed Bread
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this stunning bread! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a festive centerpiece in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a bowl and combine the warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets all frothy and bubbly—this is how you know your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
- Next, add in the all-purpose flour, melted butter, and salt. Mix it all together until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a bit rough at this point; that’s perfectly normal!
- Now, it’s time to knead! Flour your countertop lightly and turn the dough out. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You want it to feel soft and a bit springy, almost like a baby’s bottom!
- Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or put on your favorite holiday playlist!
- When the dough has risen, punch it down gently (it’s really satisfying!), and roll it out into a triangle shape. Think of it like making a pizza, but in the shape of a Christmas tree!
- Layer your mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes on one half of the triangle. Then, fold the other half over to seal those delicious fillings inside.
- Now, cut the folded dough into strips to create branches. Twist them gently to form a lovely tree shape. Don’t stress if it’s not perfect; it’s all about the love that goes into it!
- Transfer the tree onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the top with an egg wash for that shiny, golden finish. Bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes until it’s beautifully golden brown and filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas Tree Stuffed Bread turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips:
- Don’t rush the rising: Make sure to let your dough rise until it has doubled in size. This will give you that fluffy texture we all love!
- Watch your baking time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil!
- Experiment with fillings: Feel free to swap out the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for your favorite veggies or even some meats. Just make sure to chop everything small enough to fit in those cute little ‘branches’!
- Serve it warm: This bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. The cheese will be melty, and the flavors will shine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore my Christmas Tree Stuffed Bread! Here’s why it deserves a spot at your holiday table:
- Festive Appearance: Shaped like a Christmas tree, it instantly adds a fun and whimsical touch to your holiday spread!
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you don’t need to be a baking expert to create this stunning centerpiece.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of gooey mozzarella, savory spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love!
- Versatile Fillings: You can customize the stuffing to suit your taste. Add your favorite veggies or even meats for a personal twist!
- Great for Sharing: Perfect for gatherings, this bread encourages sharing and brings people together around the table.
- Impressive Presentation: It looks so beautiful that your guests will think you spent hours crafting it, but it’s really quite simple!
Trust me, once you serve this bread, it’ll quickly become a holiday tradition that everyone will look forward to each year!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my Christmas Tree Stuffed Bread, it’s nice to know what you’re savoring! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per slice:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fiber: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates, and they can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy every delicious bite without worry!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making my Christmas Tree Stuffed Bread? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some common queries that pop up:
Can I use different fillings?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this bread is its versatility. You can swap out the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for other favorites like roasted red peppers, olives, or even cooked sausage. Just remember to chop everything small enough to fit nicely into those adorable branches!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to revive that fresh-baked goodness!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the dough and fill the bread a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate it after shaping. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before brushing with egg wash and popping it in the oven. Easy peasy!
What should I serve with this bread?
This bread is fantastic on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side salad or some warm soup. Consider serving it alongside a rich tomato basil soup for a cozy meal that your guests will rave about!
Can I freeze the bread?
Yes, you can! After baking and cooling, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed. Perfect for unexpected guests or a quick snack!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas Tree Stuffed Bread fresh and delicious, proper storage is key! If you have any leftovers (which is a rare treat), let them cool completely before storing. Place the bread in an airtight container and leave it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay tasty for up to a week.
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, the best way to reheat the bread is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the bread on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. This method helps keep the bread’s crust nice and crisp while reviving that gooey cheese inside. Trust me, it’ll taste fresh out of the oven all over again!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your meal experience with my Christmas Tree Stuffed Bread, consider serving it alongside a warm, comforting bowl of pumpkin lentil soup. The tangy flavors complement the cheesy goodness beautifully! You could also pair it with a fresh green salad drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette—perfect for balancing the richness of the bread. If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, why not serve it with a side of roasted vegetables? They add a lovely color and taste to your festive spread. Trust me, these pairings will make your holiday gathering even more memorable!
Print
Christmas Tree Stuffed Bread: 7 Festive Flavors Await
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 large bread 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with delicious ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 egg, for egg wash
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add flour, melted butter, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a triangle shape.
- Layer mozzarella, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes on one half of the triangle.
- Fold the other half over and cut into strips to form branches.
- Twist the strips to create a tree shape.
- Place on a baking sheet and brush with egg wash.
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Feel free to add other fillings like peppers or olives.
- Serve warm for best taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas Tree Stuffed Bread, festive bread, holiday baking