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My kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma when these Cheese Filled Pull Apart Rolls are baking. Shaped like a festive Christmas tree and stuffed with gooey melted cheese these rolls make everyone smile. I created them for our family holiday gathering and now they're requested at every party. That moment when guests pull apart the first warm cheesy roll pure magic.
Holiday Happiness Guaranteed
There's something special about warm bread and melted cheese that brings people together. Using frozen dough makes these rolls so simple yet they look totally impressive. I love watching faces light up when I bring out this cheesy Christmas tree to the table. The herb butter brushed on top takes everything to the next level.
Christmas Tree Shopping List
- Frozen Bread Dough: 1 pound thawed overnight in fridge wrapped well.
- Cheese Cubes: 24 pieces cut from fresh mozzarella block for best melting.
- Real Butter: 4 tablespoons melted until golden not brown.
- Fresh Garlic: 2 plump cloves minced super fine.
- Garden Parsley: 1 tablespoon freshly chopped bright green.
- Italian Herbs: 1 teaspoon crushed between fingers to release oils.
- Salt Pepper: Just enough to make flavors pop.
- Sweet Tomatoes: Tiny ones for decorating still on vine if possible.
- Fresh Herbs: Extra sprigs make everything prettier.
- Marinara: Warm and ready for dipping.
Creating Christmas Magic
- Wrapping Little Treasures
- Cut dough into 24 pieces wrap each around cheese cube pinch edges tight sealed with love.
- Growing Time
- Shape your tree on parchment let those rolls rise until puffy and proud about 30 minutes in warm spot.
- Flavor Bath
- Mix melted butter with garlic herbs everything good brush generously over rolls.
- Golden Dreams
- Bake at 350°F until rolls turn perfectly golden about 18 minutes kitchen smells amazing.
- Tree Trimming
- Decorate with fresh herbs tiny tomatoes serve while cheese still stretches.
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Party Perfect
Place this gorgeous tree center stage at your holiday gathering. I love surrounding it with other festive bites like cheese boards and antipasto skewers. Sometimes we enjoy it for cozy family dinners with hot soup perfect winter comfort food.
Baking Success Secrets
Make sure your dough feels completely soft before starting. Seal those cheese cubes tight inside nothing beats that perfect cheese pull. Fresh herbs and bright tomatoes make everything look extra festive and taste even better.
Make It Your Own
Some nights I mix up the cheeses maybe sharp cheddar or spicy pepper jack. The tree shape works beautifully for Christmas but try a wreath for New Year's. A pinch of red pepper flakes in the butter gives wonderful warmth extra parmesan never hurts.
Quick Answers
- Night Before Magic: Prep everything chill overnight bake fresh next day.
- Shape Shifting: Wreaths squares simple rows all work beautifully.
- Dipping Dreams: Try warm marinara ranch pesto endless options.
- Save for Later: Keeps 2 days wrapped tight warm gently to serve.
Holiday Joy Guaranteed
These cheesy pull apart rolls bring such warmth to holiday gatherings. Simple ingredients careful preparation lots of love creating memories one cheesy bite at a time. The happiness on everyone's faces makes all the effort worthwhile.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead?
- Prepare and shape the rolls up to the final rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temperature and rise before baking.
- → What's the best way to thaw frozen dough?
- Thaw dough overnight in the fridge in a covered bowl. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes before using.
- → Can I use different cheese?
- Any good melting cheese works well. Try cheddar or fontina for variety. Make sure to cut into small cubes that fit inside the dough.
- → Why aren't my rolls rising?
- The room may be too cold. Place in a warm spot around 75-80°F and give them more time. Make sure dough was fully thawed.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Keep in airtight container up to 2 days. Warm slightly before serving. The cheese filling tastes best when warm.