Dinner Roll Christmas Tree Appetizer with Cherry Tomatoes Mozzarella

Serves 12 in about 3 hours. Italian seasoning goes in first, and rosemary sprigs finishes the pot.

Ingredients

• 24 frozen dinner roll dough balls
• 6 mozzarella cheese sticks (cut in 1-inch pieces. amount may vary by size)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
• Marinara sauce (or ranch, etc.)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Cherry tomatoes or small mozzarella balls, for "ornaments"

Method

1. Set frozen dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet in shape of a tree. Start with 1 ball at the top, then 2 in the next row, 3 in the next, and so on. Use extra dough balls at the base to make a trunk if you want it.
2. Lightly spray with nonstick spray and cover with plastic wrap.
3. Leave it to thaw and rise until about doubled in size, 3-4 hours at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
4. Leave a little space between each ball for rising and expansion during baking.
5. It's good to get the other prep done while the dough is thawing and rising. Put the Garlic Butter ingredients in a small bowl, then put the Parmesan topping ingredients in another small bowl and set both aside.
6. Also, cut the cheese sticks into 1-inch pieces (if using), and put in the fridge.
7. Once the rolls have thawed and risen, you can stuff them with the cheese pieces (if using). Gently flatten each roll a little and place a piece of cheese in the middle and pinch the dough closed around it.
8. Set the stuffed roll seam-side down back in place. Re-cover with plastic wrap.
9. They will need to rise again. It can take an hour or longer.
10. When the rolls have risen, preheat oven to 350°F.
11. Set the small bowl with butter, garlic, salt and Italian seasoning in the microwave for about 20 seconds to melt. Mix well.
12. Brush or spoon butter mixture over the dough balls generously. Use it all.
13. Then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese mixture over the top. Use it all.
14. Cook the dinner roll tree for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.
15. Once baked, let cool slightly.
16. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs (as “pine needles”) and cherry tomatoes or mozzarella balls for “ornaments.”
17. Plate warm or at room temperature with marinara sauce or ranch for dipping.

More appetizers ideas are in the appetizers collection.