16 ounces refrigerated pizza dough, at room temperature
7 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into 1 inch pieces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the bread does not stick and allows for easy cleanup later. Take your pizza dough out of the refrigerator and let it sit for about 15 minutes to make it easier to stretch and handle.
Divide the pizza dough into 33 equal pieces, which should be roughly the size of a golf ball or slightly smaller. Take one piece of dough, flatten it into a small disc in your palm, and place a piece of the mozzarella cheese stick in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the cheese and pinch the edges tightly to seal it into a ball.
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 below it, then three, four, five, and finally six balls for the base. Use the remaining dough balls to create a small trunk at the bottom and perhaps a few extra layers to make the tree look full. Ensure the balls are touching slightly so they bake together into one cohesive piece.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You are looking for a beautiful golden brown color on the surface of the dough. While the bread is baking, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped parsley, and rosemary in a small bowl.
Once you remove the bread from the oven, immediately brush the warm rolls with the herb and garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top while the butter is still wet so it sticks well. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
