Mozzarella Pull Apart Christmas Tree

 I discovered this recipe while researching items to serve for an Italian Christmas Menu with our Family on Christmas Eve. 

Here's what you'll need:

Preheat the oven to 450 Degrees.

A Sheet Pan lined with Parchment Paper. Large enough to accommodate the Size of your Desired Tree.

Mozzarella Cheese Balls:

Enough to Create whatever size Tree you'd like. 

We bought 2 Containers of these that are 2.5 lbs each.

Flour For Dusting.

1lb. of Store Bought Pizza Dough. We bought ours from our favorite Pizza Restaurant.

1 Egg.

4 TBS. Butter, melted.

1/2 C Grated Parmesan Cheese. (Plus additional for Serving)

1 TBS Finely Chopped Fresh Parsley. (Plus additional for Serving)

1 TBS Finely Chopped Fresh Rosemary.

1 TBS Fresh Basil Leaves, thinly sliced.

Marinara Sauce for Serving.

Instructions:

On a Lightly Floured Surface:

Divide the Dough in Half.

Roll each Piece into a Rectangle, 18" X 4".

Cut each Piece into 2" Squares. Cut as many as you need for the amount of Cheese Balls you are using.

Wrap each Square around the Cheese Balls and Roll in your Hands to Seal Well. (Pinching and Sealing the Seams}

Arrange them Seam Side Down and Touching each other on the Sheet Pan in the Shape of a Christmas Tree.

In a Small Bowl:

The Egg Beaten with 1 TBS of Water to Create an Egg Wash and Brush it on the Dough Balls.

Bake for 15-20 Minutes, until Golden Brown.

Remove to a Rack to Cool for 10 Minutes.

In a Small Bowl:

Melted Butter

Parmesan Cheese

Parsley

Rosemary

Basil Leaves

Whisk Well.

Brush the Top of the Tree.

Sprinkle with the some Additional Parmesan Cheese.

Serve with a Bowl of your Favorite Marinara Sauce.

Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!