Cheesy pull apart bread
Cheesy pull apart bread is a easy Italian‑American recipe that serves 8. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Feelgoodfoodie on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 16 min | Total: 56 min
Cost: $8.25 total, $1.03 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 sticks Mozzarella Sticks (cut into 1‑inch cubes (about 32 cubes total))
- 1 pound Pizza Dough (rolled out and cut into 32 equal pieces)
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning (sprinkled over mozzarella cubes)
- 1 Large Egg (beaten with 1 tbsp water for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish after baking)
- 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated, for garnish)
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce (optional dipping sauce)
Instructions
Cut Mozzarella Sticks
Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and cut each stick into four equal 1‑inch cubes, giving you about 32 cheese cubes.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Pizza Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about ¼‑inch thickness and cut into 32 equal pieces using a knife or pizza cutter.
Time: PT5M
Assemble Cheese Balls
Place one mozzarella cube in the center of each dough piece, sprinkle with a pinch of Italian seasoning, then gently pull the edges together and roll into a smooth ball, sealing the seam.
Time: PT10M
Arrange on Baking Sheet
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the dough balls seam‑side down on the sheet, arranging them in a triangular “Christmas tree” shape.
Time: PT5M
Apply Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush the tops of all dough balls with the egg wash.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Bake in a pre‑heated oven at 400°F for 16 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese inside starts to ooze.
Time: PT16M
Temperature: 400°F
Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dip.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 6g
- Carbohydrates
- 12g
- Fat
- 6g
- Fiber
- 0.5g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Mozzarella Sticks: Block mozzarella cut into cubes, String cheese cut into cubes
- Instead of Pizza Dough: Homemade pizza dough, Pre‑made biscuit dough
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Dried oregano and basil blend
- Instead of Large Egg: Milk wash (1 tbsp milk), Plant‑based milk wash
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Dried parsley
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Marinara Sauce: Tomato basil sauce, Ranch dressing
Equipment Needed
- Rolling Pin
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Small Bowl
- Pastry Brush
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cutting mozzarella into uniform cubes to ensure even melting.
- Sealing the dough tightly around the cheese to prevent leaks.
- Baking until the cheese is molten but the dough is fully cooked.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use cold pizza dough straight from the fridge; it handles better and yields a flakier crust.
- For extra flavor, mix a pinch of garlic powder into the Italian seasoning.
- Serve with a side of spicy arrabbiata sauce for a kick.
Troubleshooting
Cheese leaks out during baking.
Make sure the dough is sealed tightly around each cube and pinch the seam well. Chill the assembled balls for 10 minutes before baking to firm the dough.
Bites are pale and not golden.
Brush with a generous layer of egg wash and bake at the full 400°F temperature. Rotate the pan halfway through baking.
Dough sticks to the baking sheet.
Line the sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, and lightly flour the parchment if needed.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat at 350°F for 5‑7 minutes.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked balls on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2‑3 extra minutes.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the cheese balls and freeze them on a tray before baking. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen.
- Egg wash can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cheesy holiday appetizers like Mozzarella Tree Bites in Italian‑American cuisine?
Cheesy bite‑size appetizers have become a staple at Italian‑American holiday gatherings, blending the comfort of mozzarella with the festive spirit of shaped foods. The Christmas‑tree presentation adds a visual celebration that reflects the holiday tradition of decorative, shareable snacks.
What traditional regional variations exist for cheese‑filled dough appetizers in Italian cuisine?
In Italy, similar treats include arancini (rice balls) and supplì, which are rice‑based, and frittelle di formaggio, cheese‑filled fried dough. The Mozzarella Tree Bites are an American adaptation using pizza dough and a holiday shape.
How is a Christmas‑tree shaped appetizer traditionally served in Italian‑American holiday meals?
It is usually presented on a platter as a centerpiece, allowing guests to pick off individual bites. The tree shape adds a decorative element that complements other holiday dishes like roasted meats and salads.
What occasions or celebrations are Mozzarella Tree Bites typically associated with in the United States?
These bites are popular at Christmas parties, holiday potlucks, and family gatherings because they are easy to eat, visually festive, and appeal to both kids and adults.
What authentic Italian ingredients are used in this recipe versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include mozzarella cheese, pizza dough, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan. Acceptable substitutes are block mozzarella instead of sticks, homemade dough, or Pecorino Romano for the garnish.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Mozzarella Tree Bites?
Serve them alongside a classic Caesar salad, antipasto platter, or a warm bowl of minestrone soup. A side of marinara or arrabbiata sauce complements the cheesy bites perfectly.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Mozzarella Tree Bites?
Common errors include not sealing the dough tightly, which causes cheese to leak, and under‑baking, which leaves the dough doughy. Also, skipping the egg wash can result in a pale, flat appearance.
Why does this recipe use pizza dough instead of puff pastry for the cheese balls?
Pizza dough provides a chewier, more rustic texture that pairs well with melted mozzarella, while puff pastry would create a flaky, buttery bite that changes the traditional flavor profile of an Italian‑American snack.
Can I make Mozzarella Tree Bites ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can assemble the balls and freeze them before baking. Store them in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2‑3 minutes to the cooking time.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Mozzarella Tree Bites are done?
The tops should be golden‑brown and glossy from the egg wash, and the cheese inside should be visibly oozing when you cut into a bite. The dough should be fully cooked, not doughy.
What does the YouTube channel Feelgoodfoodie specialize in?
Feelgoodfoodie focuses on easy, crowd‑pleasing comfort food recipes that are perfect for holidays, parties, and everyday meals, often featuring simple twists on classic dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Feelgoodfoodie’s approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Feelgoodfoodie emphasizes quick, accessible recipes with minimal equipment, using store‑bought shortcuts like pre‑made dough while still delivering flavorful, festive results, unlike channels that focus on elaborate techniques.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
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