This fun Pesto Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread looks great and tastes even better! Fluffy dough is twisted into a festive tree shape, filled with yummy pesto and cheese.
It’s perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings. Watching everyone pull off a piece (or two!) is half the fun. I love to serve it warm—it’s like a hug in bread form! 🎄🫓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active dry yeast: This ingredient is crucial for the bread’s rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use the same amount without proofing. Just mix it with dry ingredients.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving it structure. Whole wheat flour can be used for a nuttier flavor, but it may result in a denser bread.
Basil pesto: Fresh basil pesto brings a burst of flavor. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, use sunflower seed pesto. Store-bought works well, but homemade is always special!
Cheese: Mozzarella is great for melting. You can swap it with provolone or gouda for a different taste. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese alternatives.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Dough Rise?
Getting the dough to rise perfectly is key to a fluffy texture. Follow these steps for best results:
- Make sure your warm water is at the right temperature (110°F / 43°C). Too hot can kill the yeast!
- Let the yeast sit until foamy; this means it’s active. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be expired.
- After kneading, let the dough rise in a warm spot, covered with a towel. An oven turned off but with the light on works well!
- Don’t rush the rise—allow it to double in size for the best texture!
Pesto Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
For the Pesto Filling:
- ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Topping:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- Optional: sesame seeds or pine nuts for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, 1 hour to let the dough rise, and around 30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 50 minutes before you can pull apart this delicious festive bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s all foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Then, pour in the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir everything together until it begins to form a dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it’s doubled in size.
2. Shape the Bread:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 10 inches in diameter. Place one of the circles on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3. Assemble the Tree:
Spread half of the pesto evenly over the first dough circle. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the pesto. Place the second dough circle on top and repeat this process with the remaining pesto and cheeses, then cover with the last dough circle.
4. Cut and Twist:
To shape the tree, place a small glass or cookie cutter in the center of your stack of dough (around 2 inches in diameter). Using a sharp knife, cut the dough from the edge of the glass to the outer edge into 16 equal strips. Starting with two adjacent strips, twist each strip away from the center twice, then pinch the ends to seal them. Continue twisting all the strips in the same way to form the tree branches.
5. Final Rise and Bake:
Once your tree is twisted, cover it again with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes. While it’s rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, beat the egg with water to create an egg wash, and brush it carefully over the tree. If you want, sprinkle with sesame seeds or pine nuts for a festive touch! Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve:
Let the bread cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. Then, serve it warm, encouraging everyone to pull apart the twisted pieces like they would on a Christmas tree. Enjoy this flavorful, cheesy pull-apart bread—it’s perfect for holiday gatherings!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a great time-saver and still adds wonderful flavor to your bread. Look for a fresh brand for the best taste, or use homemade pesto if you have some on hand.
What If I Don’t Have Active Dry Yeast?
No problem! You can substitute with instant yeast using the same amount; just mix it directly with the flour without proofing. Alternatively, you could use fresh yeast—about 0.6 ounces will do!
Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After the first rise, punch it down, shape it, and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before cutting and twisting it when you’re ready to bake.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pull-apart bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To enjoy it warm again, simply reheat it in the oven for a few minutes.
