If you are looking for a fast and fun last-minute appetizer, this Pull-Apart Pumpkin Cheese Bread is the ticket. Made from store-bought pizza dough and cheese, it takes only minutes to prepare, and then the bake time is 20 minutes. There is so much stress around cooking for the holidays. However, I believe one should still enjoy it. Advance menu planning is key. The menu should contain a good mix of fast and easy recipes and showstoppers. These ones take a bit of time but have the wow factor, which makes your holiday table special.
I love this recipe for its simplicity. It is also a great project to do with children. Firstly, roll balls of store-bought, or even quicker, homemade pizza dough. Secondly, stuff each ball with pieces of string cheese. I also recommend using mini mozzarella balls, which result in a more gooey texture. Thirdly, brush the entire thing with egg yolk, bake, and you’re done.
Again, how fun is this Pull-Apart Pumpkin Cheese Bread to do with kids? As a matter of fact, it’s a great way not only to get kids involved with meal preparation, but it is also a great way to keep them occupied and not underfoot while the adults are preparing the menu. Kids playing with dough is always a fail-safe option. Add a cheesy bread result like this Pull-Apart Pumpkin Cheese Bread, and you have a great way to not only add deliciousness to the table but also encourage them to be creative in the kitchen.
Easy Peasy
For the stem on the pumpkin, use a double portion of what you use to create the dough balls. Stuff with two pieces of cheese, attach and bend it to the side. After egg-washing the stem of this Pull-Apart Pumpkin Cheese Bread, I covered it in pistachio nut dust. However, it’s just as easy to use chopped pumpkin seeds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds. When you first turn out store-bought dough, it can be extremely sticky. Consequently, knead in a few tablespoons of all-purpose flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is more workable.
Pull-Apart Pumpkin Cheese Bread
Ingredients
- 1 lb Pizza crust dough
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 8 sticks string cheese or 1 package mini mozzarella balls
- 2 tablespoons crushes raw pistachios
Instructions
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Knead the pizza dough on a lightly floured work surface.
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Work the flour into the dough until it is less sticky.
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Cut the string cheese into bite-sized pieces.
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Pull off small portions of the dough. Wrapping each potion around a piece of cheese.
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Place the dough covered cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet, creating a pumpkin shape as you go.
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Use a double portion of the dough balls and cheese to create the "stem".
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Beat the egg yolk and brush it over the finished pumpkin shape.
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Sprinkle the pistachio dust on the "stem.
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Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
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Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
So, do you like this Pull-Apart Pumpkin Cheese Bread? Then also check out some of these other delicious recipes:
PUMPKIN APPLE GINGER SOUP
CHEESY RAMP PULL-APART BREAD
CHOCOLATE-DIPPED GLITTER STRAWBERRIES
