16 ounces refrigerated pizza dough, at room temperature
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1 inch cubes
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the bread does not stick and to make cleanup much easier. If your pizza dough is cold from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes so it is easier to stretch and shape.
Divide your pizza dough into approximately 30 small pieces of equal size. Take one piece of dough and flatten it into a small circle in the palm of your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then wrap the dough around the cheese and pinch the seams tightly to seal it into a ball. Repeat this process until all dough pieces are stuffed with cheese.
Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Start with one ball at the top, then two balls below it, then three, and continue until you have a wide base. Use the remaining 2 or 3 balls to create a small trunk at the bottom center of the tree. Make sure the balls are touching slightly so they bake together into one cohesive unit.
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and salt. Use a pastry brush to coat the top and sides of each dough ball generously with the butter mixture. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the entire tree. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before moving it to a serving platter. For a festive touch, tuck small sprigs of fresh rosemary between the dough balls to mimic the look of evergreen needles. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
