Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (Prep: 30 minutes | Bake: 45 minutes)
Skill Level: Intermediate
Yield: Serves 8-10 as an appetizer
A Festive Fusion of Bread and Dip
This show-stopping Christmas Tree Cob Loaf is the ultimate festive party appetizer. A rustic cob loaf is carved and baked into the shape of a Christmas tree, filled with a warm, creamy spinach, cheese, and bacon dip, and decorated with fresh herbs and vegetables. It’s edible art that combines delicious flavors with holiday cheer, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Cob Loaf & Assembly:
1 large round cob loaf or sourdough boule (approx. 20cm/8-inch diameter)
2 tbsp olive oil, for brushing
1 garlic clove, halved
For Decoration:
1 star-shaped cookie cutter
1 red bell pepper, cut into small cubes (for “baubles”)
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Parchment paper
For the Savory Spinach & Cheese Filling:
250g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (250g) sour cream
1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
250g (8 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry
6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled (or 1/2 cup real bacon bits)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried Italian herbs
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Equipment
Large baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Skillet
Star-shaped cookie cutter
Sharp serrated knife
Spoon or ice cream scoop
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tree Shape (15 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the cob loaf on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut the loaf into a Christmas tree shape:
First, slice off the top third of the loaf horizontally—this will be your “star” topper. Set aside.
For the remaining large piece, carve the sides at a slight angle to form a triangle/tree shape. Don’t worry about perfection; a rustic look is charming!
Use your fingers to gently pull out the soft bread from the center of the tree, leaving a 2cm (3/4-inch) border to create a “bowl.” Tear the removed bread into bite-sized pieces.
Place the hollowed-out tree base and the bread pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the inside and outside of the tree generously with olive oil. Rub the cut garlic clove over the interior for extra flavor.
From the reserved top piece of bread, use a star-shaped cutter to cut out a star. Brush it with oil and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling (15 minutes)
While the oven heats, prepare the filling. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
Add the sautéed onion and garlic, shredded mozzarella, half of the shredded cheddar, the dried spinach, crumbled bacon, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake (45 minutes)
Spoon the creamy spinach and cheese filling into the hollowed-out bread tree, packing it in firmly and mounding it slightly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, add the reserved bread pieces and the bread star to the baking sheet around the tree. Return to the oven for a final 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crisp, the cheese on top is bubbly and melted, and the filling is heated through.
Step 4: Decorate and Serve (5 minutes)
Carefully transfer the baked tree to a serving board or platter using a large spatula.
Immediately place the baked bread star at the top of the tree.
Decorate your edible tree! Press the red bell pepper cubes and cherry tomato halves into the dip as “baubles.” Tuck small sprigs of rosemary along the edges as “garland.”
Arrange the baked bread pieces around the base of the tree like “presents” or rustic ornaments.
Serving & Storing
Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Provide small plates and let guests tear off pieces of the crispy bread tree and use the bread chunks to scoop up the delicious warm dip.
Storing Leftovers: Once cooled, carefully remove any remaining dip from the bread shell and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave. The bread shell is best eaten the same day but can be stored in a bag and toasted the next day.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 10 servings)
Please note: This is a festive treat meant for sharing. Nutritional values are approximate.
Calories: ~420 kcal
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 580mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 16g