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### **How to Make Spinach & Cheese Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread**
#### Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium skillet, melt a small amount of butter over medium heat. Add the **fresh spinach** and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach to avoid soggy bread.
In a bowl, combine the **spinach**, **mozzarella cheese**, **Parmesan cheese**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, and a pinch of **salt and pepper**. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
#### Step 2: Shape the Christmas Tree
Roll out the **pizza dough** onto a floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 12×15 inches in size.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into a **tree shape**: the bottom of the tree should be wider, with the top tapering to a point. You can make a template by drawing the shape on parchment paper, then cutting the dough to fit.
Once the tree shape is cut, place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
#### Step 3: Assemble the Pull-Apart Layers
Now comes the fun part! Take the dough and **spread the spinach and cheese mixture** evenly on one half of the dough. Once the filling is spread, fold the other half of the dough over the filling, like a sandwich, and press the edges to seal.
Next, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into strips, about 1-inch wide. Stack the strips on top of one another, layering them to form a stack of squares.
Carefully arrange the stacked dough in the shape of a Christmas tree on your prepared baking sheet. Place the stack of dough upright, with the wide end at the bottom, creating a tree shape. It doesn’t need to be perfect — the magic happens when it bakes and the layers puff up.
#### Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush the top of the dough with a light coat of **melted butter** and **egg wash** (beaten egg with a tablespoon of water) for a golden and glossy finish.
If you’d like, you can also sprinkle a little extra **Parmesan cheese** or **garlic powder** on top for added flavor.
#### Step 5: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)** and bake the bread for **20-25 minutes**, or until it’s golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbling.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with a little **chopped parsley** for an extra pop of color and to make it look even more festive.
#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
To serve, simply pull apart the layers of bread and enjoy! The combination of warm, cheesy spinach filling and soft, buttery bread is guaranteed to make this a holiday favorite.
### **Tips for Making the Best Spinach & Cheese Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread**
– **Use Fresh Spinach**: Fresh spinach works best because it has more flavor and texture. Be sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible after cooking it to avoid soggy dough.
– **Experiment with Cheese**: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like **cheddar**, **feta**, or **cream cheese** for different flavor profiles.
– **Add Herbs**: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding **fresh herbs** like thyme, basil, or rosemary to the spinach mixture.
– **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the bread up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
– **Serve with Dipping Sauces**: If you want to take this bread to the next level, serve it with a side of **marinara sauce**, **garlic butter**, or a creamy **ranch dip**.
### **Why This Christmas Tree Bread is a Must-Try**
This **Spinach & Cheese Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread** is more than just a side dish — it’s an experience! Not only does it add a festive touch to your holiday spread, but it also brings a burst of flavor with every bite. The layers of **savory spinach**, **melted cheese**, and **garlic butter** combined with the soft, pull-apart dough make this bread the perfect addition to your holiday meals.
Whether you’re hosting a **Christmas dinner**, a **New Year’s Eve gathering**, or just want to make something special for a cozy night in, this bread will impress your guests and leave them coming back for more. It’s a fun, interactive dish that’s as delicious as it is decorative, and it’s sure to become a holiday tradition in your home.
### **Conclusion**
This **Spinach & Cheese Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread** is a beautiful, savory addition to any holiday meal. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and adds a whimsical, festive touch to your dinner table. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a fun centerpiece, this bread will become a holiday favorite that your family and guests will look forward to each year. Make this holiday season extra special with this gorgeous and delicious pull-apart bread that everyone will love!
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