Pull-Apart Christmas Tree

Yeasted dough is stuffed with mortadella, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese and arranged as a Christmas tree. A great appetizer during the Christmas holidays.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 113 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 egg
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup plain yogurt
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons lukewarm milk
• 5 slices mortadella
• 1 (7 ounce) container fresh ricotta cheese, well drained

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 2

Dissolve yeast in warm milk in a bowl. Let stand until yeast softens and forms a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Combine yeast mixture with flour and Parmesan cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment; mix well. Add yogurt and egg and slowly mix together. Add salt and pepper; mix until dough has pulled together. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky, about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Place dough in a large, lightly-oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 2 hours.

Step 5

Punch dough down and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out into a 20x4-inch rectangle. Mix ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese together in a bowl and spread onto the dough. Cover with mortadella slices. Roll dough tightly lengthwise and press edges of log tightly together.

Step 6

Slice dough log into 3/4-inch slices so you have at least 16 rounds.

Step 7

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay dough rounds in the shape of a Christmas tree, leaving a a bit of room in between since they will rise. The bottom row should consist of 5 rounds, the second row 4 rounds, etc. Place the last round on the bottom as the trunk. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 1 hour.

Step 8

Beat egg yolk with 1 tablespoon milk in a small bowl and brush onto dough rounds.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven until puffed up and golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool before serving.