Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread
Ah, Christmas. The season of joy, warmth, family, and—let’s be honest—the absolute best food! One of my all-time favorite holiday recipes has to be this **Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread**. It’s like a hug wrapped up in flaky, cheesy goodness, and let me tell you, it never lasts long on my holiday table. The first time I made it, I was hosting a family gathering, and my mom couldn’t stop raving about it. I mean, nothing says “I love you” more than warm, gooey cheese stuffed inside buttery bread, right?
The beauty of this recipe is not just in its deliciousness—it’s in how fun it is to pull apart those cheesy pieces with friends and family. It’s perfect for Christmas gatherings when everyone’s around the table, sharing stories and laughter, and suddenly there’s this delightful aroma wafting from the oven. It’s simply magical.
What’s in Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread?
Let’s break down this cheesy delight, shall we?
– 4 cups all-purpose flour: This will be the base of your bread. I personally prefer King Arthur Flour for its consistent quality.
– 2 teaspoons instant yeast: The unsung hero! This yeast works wonders and gives the bread that lovely lift without needing to bloom.
– 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for flavor. It also helps control yeast activity. Don’t skip it!
– 1 tablespoon sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors and feed the yeast.
– 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C): This creates a cozy environment for the yeast. Make sure it’s not too hot to the touch!
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Because let’s face it, everything is better with butter.
– 1 egg: This adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The star of the show! Use whole milk mozzarella for that ooey-gooey texture.
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of this will elevate the flavor profile.
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: For a pop of color and a fresh taste.
– 2 tablespoons garlic, minced: Because what’s a Christmas gathering without the wonderful aroma of garlic?
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A hint of spice to round out the flavors.
Is Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health benefits of this heavenly bread. While it’s not exactly a salad, there are some redeeming qualities here!
For one, the yeast contributes to gut health. It’s a fermentation powerhouse that can help with digestion. Plus, we have the parsley, which is rich in vitamins A, C, and K—essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, especially during the winter months.
However, let’s be real for a moment; this is comfort food at its best. The combination of flour, cheese, and butter does mean it’s higher in calories and carbs, so moderation is key—after all, we don’t want to end up in a cheese coma. Just enjoy it as a treat amidst the festivities!
Ingredients List
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons instant yeast
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread?
1. Start by combining the warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let this frothy concoction sit for about 5-10 minutes. You want those bubbles to form—trust me, that’s a good sign!
2. Add the melted butter and egg into the yeast mixture. Mix well, as if you’re giving it a good heart-to-heart before starting the dough.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms. It’ll be like magic, I swear!
4. Time to knead! Dust your surface with a little flour and knead that dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. This is an excellent arm workout, too—double win!
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for around 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size. Perfect time to check on holiday decorations!
6. Once it’s risen, give it a gentle punch to release some air, and divide the dough into golf-ball-sized pieces.
7. Flatten each piece slightly, place a small amount of mozzarella cheese inside, and pinch the sides to seal it. Makes sure that cheese doesn’t escape!
8. Now, arrange the cheesy dough balls in a tree shape on a lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them—they’ll puff up!
9. In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic, parsley, and black pepper. Brush this buttery goodness over each bread ball.
10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let the bread rise for another 20-30 minutes, covered.
11. Bake those beauties in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top. The aroma will have you drooling!
12. Once baked, let them cool slightly. Then, serve warm and enjoy pulling apart those cheesy pieces.
Happy Pull Apart Tips!
– For an extra festive touch, use a star-shaped cookie cutter for additional dough pieces to create a tree topper. Get creative!
– Serving this delight with marinara sauce or a garlic herb dip can elevate the flavor experience. I mean, who can resist dipping into marinara?
– Planning to make this ahead of time? You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it—just thaw and follow the baking instructions when you’re ready to enjoy.
I can’t emphasize enough how much joy this **Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread** brings during the holiday season! If you give it a try, I’d love to hear all about your experience. Did your family go crazy over it like mine did? Let’s spread that cheesy love!
