This festive Pesto Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread is a fun and tasty treat for the holidays! Fluffy dough is shaped like a Christmas tree and filled with bright green pesto. Yum!
Making this bread is a great excuse to get everyone involved in the kitchen. I love pulling off the pieces and enjoying them with friends and family while sharing laughs. 🎄
It’s perfect for gatherings because you can just pull it apart and munch on it. Plus, it’s super easy to make, and it looks beautiful on the table. Enjoy every cheesy, herby bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is a versatile choice for the dough, giving it a soft texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, though it may change the texture a bit.
Active Dry Yeast: This helps the dough rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use it without proofing in warm milk – just mix it in with the flour!
Warm Milk: It activates the yeast best. You can substitute it with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free option. Just ensure it’s warm, not hot, to protect the yeast.
Pesto: Homemade is best, but store-bought works too! If you’re short on basil, try using spinach or kale for the filling. Even sun-dried tomatoes can add a nice twist!
Butter: I used unsalted butter, but feel free to use olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option. This will slightly change the flavor but still yield delightful results.
How Do I Make Sure My Dough Rises Perfectly?
The rising of the dough is crucial for fluffy bread. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh; expired yeast might not activate properly.
- Use warm (not hot) milk, around 110°F (43°C) to help the yeast thrive without killing it.
- Place your dough in a warm, draft-free area to rise. If your home is cool, you can turn your oven on low for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth. This prevents it from drying out as it rises.
Following these tips will help you achieve a beautifully risen dough, setting you up for deliciously fluffy pull-apart bread!
Pesto Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ¾ tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Pesto Filling:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Extra grated Parmesan or crushed nuts for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pesto Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread takes about 2 to 2½ hours in total. You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes preparing the dough and pesto, plus about 1 to 1½ hours for the dough to rise. Baking will take 25-30 minutes, and then a brief cooling period before it’s ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm milk. Let it sit until it becomes foamy, about 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk the flour and salt together. Add in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough starts to form.
2. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, you can use a dough hook instead to make this step easier!
3. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or some plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which will take about 1 to 1½ hours.
4. Make the Pesto:
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse a few times to chop everything up, then slowly add olive oil while pulsing until it’s smooth but still has some texture. Season with a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
5. Shape the Tree:
Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a piece of parchment paper into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches. Spread half of the pesto evenly over the dough, then fold it in half lengthwise to create a long, thinner rectangle. Spread the remaining pesto on top of this folded dough.
6. Cut the Dough:
Use a sharp knife to cut the dough crosswise into even strips, about 1 inch wide, making sure to stop about 1 inch from the end on one side, which will become the trunk of the tree.
7. Twist and Shape:
Starting from the cut end opposite the trunk, carefully twist each strip away from the center to highlight the layers of pesto. Once all strips are twisted, shape your dough into a Christmas tree style, keeping the “trunk” part intact.
8. Final Rise and Bake:
Cover the shaped tree loosely and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes. While it’s rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once risen, brush the entire tree with the beaten egg for a lovely golden finish. Sprinkle any extra Parmesan or crushed nuts on top if you like.
9. Baking Time:
Bake the tree for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the bread cool slightly before serving. Pull apart the layers to enjoy this deliciously herby and cheesy bread that’s perfect for any festive gathering!
Enjoy this festive, shareable Pesto Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread as a centerpiece that doubles as a tasty snack! 🎄✨
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a convenient option that saves time. Just ensure you select a quality brand for the best flavor. Feel free to customize further by adding crushed red pepper or extra cheese if desired!
What Can I Substitute for Pine Nuts?
If you don’t have pine nuts on hand, walnuts or pecans are excellent alternatives that will still add a nice crunch to your pesto. You could even use sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pull-apart bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it; simply wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm it in the oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, shape it, and then cover it tightly. Refrigerate the shaped dough overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking.
