This festive pull-apart bread is shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with tasty pesto and gooey cheese. Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings!
It’s so fun to pull apart the soft, warm bread. Plus, who can resist the smell of freshly baked bread in the air? I like to serve it with extra pesto for dipping—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry is a time-saver! If you prefer homemade, use a basic pastry dough. Just keep in mind it won’t have the same light, flaky texture as frozen sheets.
Basil Pesto: I love using homemade pesto for freshness, but it’s totally fine to grab a jar. You can also use sun-dried tomato pesto or a nut-free version if you have allergies.
Shredded Mozzarella: Mozzarella gives that delightful gooey texture. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you could try part-skim mozzarella or even a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Egg Wash: The egg wash gives the tree that beautiful golden color. If you’re vegan, a mix of almond milk and a little oil works well instead.
How Can You Master the Twisting Technique?
Twisting the pastry strips creates a lovely look and texture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- After cutting the strips, ensure you leave the top point intact. This is essential to keep the tree together!
- When twisting, gently hold the base of the strip and twist it away from the center—this helps it keep its shape.
- Work your way up from the bottom to the top, making each twist equal in height for a uniform look.
- Try to twist each branch about two or three times for a beautiful effect.
Practice makes perfect! Don’t stress if they don’t all look identical; each twist adds charm to your festive bread!
Pesto Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 sheets puff pastry (store-bought, thawed)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Flour for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pull-apart bread will take about 15 minutes of preparation and around 20-25 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’re looking at about 40-45 minutes to have this scrumptious bread ready for serving. Perfect for holiday gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Shape the First Layer:
Lightly flour your countertop. Unroll one sheet of the puff pastry and roll it out into a large triangle that looks like a Christmas tree shape. Place this on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Add the Pesto and Cheese:
Spread half of the basil pesto over the pastry triangle using a spatula or spoon, ensuring it covers the pastry evenly. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto.
4. Layer the Second Sheet:
Take the second sheet of puff pastry and roll it out to match the shape of the first triangle. Place it on top of the first layer, covering the pesto and cheese. Spread the remaining pesto over this layer and finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
5. Create the Star:
From leftover puff pastry, cut a small star shape and place it at the top point of the tree to give it a festive touch!
6. Cut and Twist:
Starting from the bottom of your tree, cut the layered pastry into 1-2 inch wide strips. Be sure not to cut all the way through the top. Then, gently twist each strip away from the center; this will form the branches of your Christmas tree!
7. Add the Finishing Touches:
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the entire tree for a beautiful golden glaze when baked. If you like, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top for added flavor.
8. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, allow the bread to cool for a few minutes. Then, pull apart the twisted branches and enjoy it warm! It pairs wonderfully with extra pesto for dipping.
This Pesto Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread is sure to be a hit and add a festive cheer to your holiday table!
Can I Use Homemade Pesto for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pesto adds fresh flavor to your bread. Just ensure it’s well-blended and not too watery, as excess moisture can affect the pastry’s puffiness.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pull-apart bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain its crispy texture.
Can I Freeze This Pull-Apart Bread?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled bread before baking! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before following the baking instructions.
What Can I Serve with This Bread?
This pull-apart bread is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with extra pesto, marinara sauce, or even a light salad for a complete meal!
