Ingredients

13 oz canned refrigerator pizza dough

Parchment paper

6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks

1 large egg

1 tablespoon water

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

1/2 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, grated

1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, grated garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, basil, and 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to create the herb butter mixture.

Step 3: Unroll the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into approximately 2-inch circles. Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 1-inch pieces.

Step 4: Take each dough circle and place one piece of mozzarella and a small spoonful of the herb butter mixture in the center. Pinch the edges tightly to seal the dough into a small ball. Roll gently to secure. Repeat until all dough circles are filled.

Step 5: Arrange the sealed dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Leave small gaps between balls for expansion. For the trunk, place 2-3 balls directly below the widest part of the tree.

Step 6: Whisk the egg with the water to make an egg wash. Brush it gently over the entire surface of the dough balls. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and the tablespoon of fresh parsley on top.

Step 7: Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. If the bread browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.

Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm, encouraging guests to pull apart the cheesy balls. Offer marinara and/or pesto for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a different flavor, try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or cooked sausage pieces inside the dough balls.

Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheese for a richer taste.

If fresh herbs are not available, substitute with 1 teaspoon each of dried parsley, rosemary, and basil.

Make smaller dough balls for bite-sized appetizers that are easy to share.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works wonderfully. Just use the same amount and roll it out to about 2-inch circles as described.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh herbs?

You can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs, using about one-third the amount, or skip them—though fresh herbs add bright flavor to the herb butter.