The Swicy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into star or triangle shapes (approximately 3-4 inches wide). The size of the pieces will depend on how large you want your Christmas tree to be, but keep them consistent in size for an even pull-apart effect.
3. Layer the Filling: Brush each triangle of dough lightly with olive oil. Then, sprinkle a small amount of mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and chopped pepperoni on the wider end of each triangle. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to each piece for that subtle spicy kick. Fold the dough triangles into a tree shape by stacking them in rows on the prepared baking sheet, making sure the pointed ends face upwards to form the tree’s shape. Overlap the layers slightly to create the « branches » of the tree.
4. Shape the Tree: Continue stacking and arranging the dough triangles to build the full tree shape. For the base of the tree, arrange a few extra triangles of dough to create a trunk-like appearance. Make sure there’s a bit of space between each triangle for the dough to expand while baking.
5. Season the Tree: Brush the entire tree with a little more olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder and dried Italian herbs over the top for extra flavor. This will give the pull-apart tree a fragrant, savory scent as it bakes.
6. Bake the Tree: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Keep an eye on it toward the end to prevent over-baking, especially around the edges of the dough.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the tree from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of green and a festive look. Serve immediately, allowing guests to pull apart the dough and enjoy the warm, cheesy, and slightly spicy goodness.
   

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