Dinner Roll Christmas Tree
This festive Dinner Roll Christmas Tree appetizer is eye-catching and easy to make using frozen dinner rolls, or pizza dough. Great for holiday parties, birthdays, or game day. This cheesy bread tree appetizer will wow your guests.
Servings: 12 (2 per serving)
Equipment
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Sheet
- Knife
Ingredients
- 24 Frozen Dinner Roll Dough Balls (such as Rhodes)
Optional for Stuffing
- 6 Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (cut in 1-inch pieces. Amount may vary by size)
Garlic Butter
- ¼ cup Unsalted Butter
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Minced Fresh Rosemary Leaves
- 2 cloves Garlic, pressed
Parmesan Cheese Topping
- ⅓ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Tablespoon Minced Fresh Rosemary Leaves
For Dipping
- Marinara sauce (or Ranch, etc.)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
- Cherry Tomatoes or Small Mozzarella Balls, for "ornaments"
Instructions
Thaw the Dough
- Place frozen dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet in shape of a tree. Start with 1 ball at the top, then 2 in the next row, 3 in the next, and so on. Use extra dough balls at the base to make a trunk if desired.
- Lightly spray with nonstick spray and cover with plastic wrap.
- Let thaw and rise until about doubled in size, 3–4 hours at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
- Leave a little space between each ball for rising and expansion during baking.
Prep the Topping
- It's good to get the other prep done while the dough is thawing and rising. Put the Garlic Butter ingredients in a small bowl, then put the Parmesan topping ingredients in another small bowl and set both aside.
- Also, cut the cheese sticks into 1-inch pieces (if using), and put in the fridge.
Stuff the Rolls (optional)
- Once the rolls have thawed and risen, you can stuff them with the cheese pieces (if using). Gently flatten each roll a little and place a piece of cheese in the middle and pinch the dough closed around it.
- Place the stuffed roll seam-side down back in place. Re-cover with plastic wrap.
- They will need to rise again. It can take an hour or longer.
Preheat Oven
- When the rolls have risen, preheat oven to 350°F.
Brush and Season
- Place the small bowl with butter, garlic, salt and Italian seasoning in the microwave for about 20 seconds to melt. Stir well.
- Brush or spoon butter mixture over the dough balls generously. Use it all.
- Then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese mixture over the top. Use it all.
Bake
- Bake the dinner roll tree for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown.
Garnish and Serve
- Once baked, let cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs (as “pine needles”) and cherry tomatoes or mozzarella balls for “ornaments.”
- Serve warm or at room temperature with marinara sauce or ranch for dipping.
Notes
Total Recipe Time
Please note that this recipe will take longer if you stuff the rolls with cheese as they will need to rise a second time. This is a great make-ahead appetizer, so plan accordingly.Nutrition
Calories: 383kcal
