Transform your holiday table with this show-stopping Christmas Tree Garlic Bread, a truly irresistible centerpiece that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Each golden-brown roll is incredibly soft, wonderfully fluffy, and infused with rich buttery garlic flavor, generously topped with savory garlic salt and grated Parmesan cheese just before baking. But the magic doesn’t stop there – every single pull-apart roll is secretly stuffed with a molten core of gooey mozzarella cheese, creating an explosion of flavor and texture that will have everyone reaching for more. This festive garlic bread is not just a side dish; it’s an experience, perfect for adding a touch of holiday cheer to any meal.
The Ultimate Christmas Tree Garlic Bread for Your Holiday Table
Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home, mingled with the enticing scent of garlic and melting cheese. These easy pull-apart garlic rolls are designed to impress, offering everything you could possibly desire in a dinner roll and so much more. They are exceptionally soft and remarkably fluffy, making them a joy to pull apart. The added bonus of a molten mozzarella center in each roll elevates them from a simple side to a truly decadent treat. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast or simply want to elevate a weeknight dinner, these cheese stuffed garlic rolls are sure to become a beloved favorite.
We’ve included detailed instructions to guide you through creating the charming Christmas tree shape, which adds an undeniable festive flair to your presentation. However, if you prefer a more traditional approach, directions for baking these homemade garlic rolls in standard pans are also provided. While they require a little extra rising time compared to store-bought options, the minimal effort is handsomely rewarded with an utterly delicious and visually stunning alternative to conventional garlic bread. These festive bread rolls are ideal for holiday dinners, special occasions, or even just to make an ordinary weeknight meal feel extraordinary.
Preparing homemade bread can seem daunting, but this recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding. The active dry yeast ensures a beautiful rise, yielding rolls that are consistently light and airy. The combination of garlic salt and Parmesan cheese creates a savory crust that perfectly complements the rich, cheesy interior. This easy garlic bread recipe is a fantastic way to introduce the joy of baking to your kitchen, filling your home with warmth and deliciousness.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pull-Apart Garlic Rolls
Crafting these irresistible Garlic Pull-Apart Rolls starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect soft texture and rich flavor profile:
- Warm Water: Crucial for activating the yeast. Ensure your water is between 95-110 degrees Fahrenheit (35-43 degrees Celsius). Water that’s too hot will kill the yeast, while water that’s too cold won’t activate it sufficiently.
- Active Dry Yeast: This recipe specifically calls for active dry yeast, which requires proofing. If you opt for instant yeast, you’ll only need 2 ½ teaspoons, and you can skip the initial proofing step, adding it directly with the flour.
- Granulated Sugar: Acts as food for the yeast, helping it to activate and contributing to the rolls’ tender texture and slight sweetness. A portion could be substituted with honey for a different flavor profile.
- All-Purpose Flour: The secret to truly super soft and fluffy bread doughs. Its balanced protein content is ideal for achieving a light crumb. For a slightly chewier roll, you can substitute bread flour, which has a higher protein content.
- Oil: A touch of vegetable oil or light olive oil adds moisture and tenderness to the dough, ensuring a rich flavor and soft bite.
- Egg: Contributes to the richness, color, and structure of the rolls, making them more tender and flavorful.
- Salt: Essential for flavor balance in any bread recipe, and it also helps to control yeast activity.
- String Cheese (or Mozzarella Block): The star of the cheesy filling! String cheese sticks are incredibly convenient, cut into four pieces each. Alternatively, a large block of whole milk mozzarella cheese can be diced into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces for the same gooey effect.
- Milk: Brushing the rolls with whole milk before baking helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust and aids in the adherence of the toppings. 2% milk can be substituted if whole milk isn’t available.
- Garlic Salt: A flavorful topping that adds a savory kick. If you don’t have garlic salt on hand, you can easily create your own by mixing equal parts garlic powder and fine sea salt.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers the best flavor and melts beautifully, forming a delicious, savory crust. Pre-grated varieties are convenient but often lack the same depth of flavor.
- Melted Butter: The final touch! Brushing the hot rolls with melted butter just after they come out of the oven adds an incredible richness and a glossy finish, making them even more irresistible.
Gathering these ingredients beforehand will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable, leading to the best possible results for your Garlic Pull-Apart Rolls recipe.
Crafting Your Own Christmas Tree Garlic Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these delightful Christmas Tree Garlic Bread rolls is a rewarding experience. Follow these simple steps for perfectly soft, cheesy, and festive bread:
- Proof the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Give it a gentle mix to ensure everything is incorporated. Let this mixture rest for about 5 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is active and healthy when small bubbles begin to form on the surface, indicating it’s ready to work its magic.
- Mix the Dough: Add the oil, egg, and salt to the proofed yeast mixture and stir until well combined. Next, gradually incorporate 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Using the dough hook attachment on low speed, mix until the ingredients begin to come together. At this stage, the dough will appear quite sticky. Continue adding up to an additional 2/3 cup of flour, a little at a time, until the dough starts to pull away cleanly from the sides of the bowl. Once all the necessary flour is added, increase the mixer speed to low-medium and knead for approximately 2 minutes. This develops the gluten, crucial for soft, pliable rolls.
- First Rise (Bulk Fermentation): Turn off your stand mixer. Lightly cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Place the bowl in a warm, draft-free spot in your kitchen. Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the warmth of your environment. This first rise builds flavor and lightens the dough’s texture.
- Shape the Rolls: Gently transfer the risen dough from the bowl onto a lightly floured work surface. Divide the dough into 21 equal pieces. The easiest way to do this is to weigh the total dough and divide by 21 for precise portions, or simply eyeball it for a rustic charm. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Take a chunk of mozzarella cheese (from your string cheese or block) and place it in the center of each dough ball. Carefully pinch the edges of the dough around the cheese to completely seal it inside, ensuring no cheese leaks out during baking.
- Arrange Your Christmas Tree: Line a large baking pan or baking sheet with parchment paper. To form the Christmas tree shape, begin by placing 6 dough balls in a horizontal line at the bottom, forming the widest part of the tree. Above that, place 5 dough balls, then 4, then 3, then 2, and finally 1 dough ball at the very top to complete the tree shape. For the tree trunk, place 1 additional dough ball directly below the center of the bottom row. Ensure the balls are gently touching, as they will expand during the second rise and baking.
- Second Rise (Proofing) & Prepare for Baking: Gently brush the tops of the arranged dough balls with milk. Then, generously sprinkle them with garlic salt and grated Parmesan cheese. Loosely cover the baking sheet again with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until the rolls have visibly doubled in size. During this time, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking sheet with the risen rolls into your preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and the cheese inside is molten and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
- Finish with Butter and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the Christmas tree garlic bread from the oven. Let it cool on the baking sheet for just 1-2 minutes. While still warm, brush the tops of all the rolls with melted butter. This adds an extra layer of richness and a beautiful sheen. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
These step-by-step instructions ensure a perfect batch of homemade garlic rolls every time, guaranteed to impress your guests with their festive presentation and incredible flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Pull-Apart Rolls
Absolutely! While a stand mixer with a dough hook makes the process quicker and easier, you can certainly make this bread dough by hand. Simply combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl until they come together into a shaggy dough. Once the flour is mostly incorporated, transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough by hand for about 6-8 minutes, or until it becomes smooth, elastic, and less sticky. It will require a bit more effort and time than using a mixer, but the results will be just as delicious and satisfying.
Achieving super light and fluffy pull-apart garlic rolls depends on a few key factors. The most common reasons for dense rolls are either underworking or overworking the dough. You need to mix and knead the dough enough to develop the gluten, which gives bread its structure and elasticity. However, overworking the dough can make it tough. Another crucial factor is allowing sufficient rising time. Yeast needs warmth and time to produce enough carbon dioxide to create those airy pockets. Be patient during both rises; don’t rush the process. A warm, draft-free environment is ideal for optimal rising. Using all-purpose flour, as recommended, also contributes to a tender crumb.
If you’re not going for the festive Christmas tree design, you have several versatile baking options. The most common method is to arrange the dough balls in a buttered 9″ x 13″ baking dish, placing them gently touching each other to create a cohesive pull-apart loaf. Another excellent choice is to divide the dough among 2-3 buttered pie pans or round cake pans; this yields smaller, round pull-apart bread. For individual portions, you can even bake these rolls in a muffin tin. For muffin tins, consider dividing each dough ball into three smaller balls and arranging them in buttered muffin cups for charming mini-rolls. Just remember to adjust baking times slightly for smaller or larger pans.
Yes, these homemade garlic rolls are perfect for making ahead! You can prepare the recipe all the way up to the point where the shaped rolls would normally undergo their second rise. Instead of letting them rise, tightly cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight (up to 24 hours). The next day, remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit in a warm spot for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until the rolls have doubled in size. Once fully risen, bake as directed. This method is fantastic for holiday meal prep, allowing you to have freshly baked bread with minimal last-minute effort.
Absolutely! While garlic salt and Parmesan cheese create a classic flavor profile, feel free to get creative. You can add a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, or a mixed Italian seasoning blend to the topping before baking. A pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat, and a dash of onion powder can complement the garlic beautifully. Freshly chopped parsley or chives can be added after baking along with the melted butter for a fresh, herbaceous touch.
For the dough, a neutral-flavored oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or light olive oil works best. These oils provide moisture and tenderness without imparting a strong flavor that would compete with the garlic and cheese. Avoid extra virgin olive oil for the dough itself, as its strong flavor might be too prominent. However, a good quality extra virgin olive oil can be wonderful for drizzling on the finished rolls instead of butter, if preferred.
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Garlic Rolls
These Garlic Pull-Apart Rolls are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but if you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence!), they can be stored and reheated to maintain their deliciousness:
- Refrigerator: Store baked rolls in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Ensure they are completely cool before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Freezer (Baked): For longer storage, baked rolls can be frozen. Once completely cooled, place them in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible, or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and then plastic wrap. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer them to the fridge overnight or simply place them on the countertop for a few hours.
- Freezer (Unbaked – Make Ahead): For ultimate convenience, you can freeze the unbaked, shaped rolls directly in their baking dish. After arranging them (e.g., in the Christmas tree shape or a 9×13 pan) and brushing with milk, garlic salt, and Parmesan, wrap the entire dish very well with multiple layers of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the freezer a couple of hours before you plan to serve. Let the rolls thaw and rise in a warm place until they have doubled in size (this might take longer than usual). Once fully risen, bake as directed.
- To Reheat:
- Single Servings: For a quick reheat, individual rolls can be warmed in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough.
- Multiple Servings: To reheat an entire pan of rolls, place them back into a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through and soft again. You can loosely cover them with foil to prevent over-browning.
Garlic Pull-Apart Rolls
These pull-apart garlic rolls are incredibly soft, wonderfully fluffy, and generously buttery. Topped with savory garlic salt and rich Parmesan cheese just before baking, each roll is also stuffed with a delicious morsel of gooey mozzarella cheese, making these cheese-stuffed pull-apart rolls absolutely irresistible. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special meal.
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22 Rolls
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup water, warm (about 95-110 degrees F / 35-43 degrees C)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons oil (vegetable or light olive oil)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2⅔ to 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
Finishing
- 6 sticks string cheese, cut into 4 pieces each (or equivalent mozzarella block, diced)
- 2 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Mix gently and let sit for about 5 minutes, or until the yeast mixture begins to form bubbles.
- Add the oil, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture and mix to combine. Next, add 2 cups of flour and mix on low speed using the dough hook attachment. The dough will be very sticky at this point.
- Continue to add up to 2/3 cup of additional flour to the dough, a little at a time, until the dough starts to pull away from the edges of the bowl as you mix. Once all the flour is incorporated, mix on low speed for about 2 minutes to knead. Turn the mixer off, cover the bowl loosely with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, or about 30-45 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Transfer the dough from the bowl onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 21 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten slightly and place a chunk of cheese in the center. Pinch the dough around the cheese to seal completely.
- To make a Christmas Tree shape: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared pan: start with 6 dough balls on the bottom row, then 5 dough balls on the next, then 4, 3, 2, and finally 1 dough ball at the top to form the tree. Place 1 dough ball below the bottom row to form the trunk.
- To bake in a baking dish: Lightly butter a 9″ x 13″ baking dish and place the dough balls inside so that they are gently touching.
- Brush the shaped dough balls with milk and sprinkle generously with garlic salt and grated Parmesan cheese. Cover loosely and let the dough rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until the rolls are doubled in size.
- Bake in the preheated 350 degree F (175 degree C) oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Then, brush the tops with melted butter. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Christmas Tree Garlic Bread!
Notes
Storing instructions: Store baked rolls in an airtight container or freezer bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked rolls in freezer bags for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer to the fridge or countertop overnight.
Make-ahead tips: You can freeze the unbaked, shaped rolls directly in the baking dish, wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil, for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, remove from the freezer a couple of hours before you plan to bake. Let them thaw and rise in a warm place until doubled in size, then bake as directed.
Reheating: For a single serving, reheat in the microwave until warm. For a pan of rolls, add them back into the oven at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
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Explore More Irresistible Homemade Dinner Roll Recipes
If you loved making these Garlic Pull-Apart Rolls, you’ll surely enjoy expanding your bread-baking repertoire. There’s nothing quite like the warmth and aroma of homemade dinner rolls, and we’ve gathered some of our absolute favorites for you to try next. From classic fluffy rolls to unique flavorful variations, these recipes are perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to grand holiday feasts. Dive into the wonderful world of home baking with these tried-and-true selections:
- Potato Rolls: Exceptionally soft and tender, these rolls are a classic comfort food.
- Pull Apart Garlic Bread: A simpler, larger version of the garlic bread concept, perfect for sharing.
- Crescent Rolls: Light, flaky, and buttery, these are a staple for any dinner table.
- Wheat Rolls: A wholesome and hearty option, offering a deeper flavor profile.
- Classic Parker House Rolls: Famous for their distinct folded shape and rich, buttery taste.
- Quick Dinner Rolls: When time is short, but you still crave homemade goodness.
- Einkorn Dinner Rolls: Explore an ancient grain with these unique and flavorful rolls.
- Garlic Knot Dinner Rolls: Another fantastic garlic-infused option, beautifully twisted.
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These Garlic Pull-Apart Rolls are truly a triumph of homemade baking: easy to make, wonderfully soft and fluffy, and each one stuffed with a little piece of mozzarella cheese that melts into gooey perfection. Crowned with savory garlic salt and rich Parmesan cheese, then baked until beautifully golden brown, they are absolutely perfect for serving at holiday gatherings, special occasions, or even to make an ordinary dinner feel extraordinary. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this delicious and festive addition to your table!