Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread: The Festive Pull-Apart Recipe Everyone Will Love
I still remember the first time I made cheesy Christmas tree bread for a holiday gathering. The kitchen smelled like buttery garlic knots baking, and when I pulled the tray from the oven, the golden, bubbling bread shaped like a Christmas tree made everyone stop and smile. Guests couldn’t resist tearing off a piece, gooey mozzarella stretching with every bite, dipped into warm marinara sauce.
This recipe is festive enough to steal the spotlight on your holiday table, yet so easy that even beginner bakers can nail it. With just a few pantry staples and store-bought pizza dough, you’ll have a cheesy, garlicky pull-apart bread that doubles as a centerpiece and an appetizer.
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to ¼ inch thick. Cut into 22 squares (about 2 inches each).
- In a bowl, mix mozzarella, parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Place 1 tsp filling in each dough square.
- Pinch the edges of the dough to seal and roll into balls.
- Arrange balls on the baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape (about 11 for tree, 2 for trunk).
- Beat the egg and brush over the dough balls.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden and puffed.
- Mix melted butter, parmesan, and parsley. Brush over hot bread after baking.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
Notes
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Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this cheesy Christmas tree bread
Cheesy Christmas tree bread isn’t just about looks it’s a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing recipe.
- Festive and fun – The tree shape makes it perfect for Christmas parties and family gatherings.
- Simple ingredients – Pizza dough, mozzarella, parmesan, and herbs you likely already have.
- Interactive serving – Guests can pull off a piece, making it a great appetizer for sharing.
- Customizable – Add pepperoni, pesto, or even jalapeños for a spicy holiday twist.
- Kid-friendly – Kids love helping roll the dough balls and arranging them in the tree shape.
Whether you’re hosting Christmas Eve dinner, a cozy holiday brunch, or just want something fun for movie night, this bread delivers.
Ingredients you’ll need (and easy swaps)
Here’s everything to make this gooey pull-apart bread, plus substitution tips:
| Ingredient | Measurement | Substitution Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza dough | 13.8 oz (store-bought or homemade) | Crescent roll dough or biscuit dough for shortcut version |
| Mozzarella cheese | 4 oz, shredded | Swap with cheddar, provolone, or a cheese blend |
| Parmesan cheese | 2 tbsp | Pecorino Romano for a saltier bite |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Fresh minced garlic for stronger flavor |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | Oregano + basil if you don’t have the blend |
| Egg | 1, for egg wash | Olive oil for a vegan option |
| Butter | 1 tbsp, melted | Garlic butter or herb butter for extra flavor |
| Parsley | ½ tsp | Fresh basil or rosemary for a festive look |
Don’t forget the marinara sauce for dipping it really brings everything together.
How to make cheesy Christmas tree bread step by step
Making this recipe is easier than decorating the tree itself!
- Prep the oven – Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough – On a floured surface, roll pizza dough to about ¼ inch thick. Cut into 22 squares (about 2 inches each).
- Fill the centers – Mix mozzarella, parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Place 1 teaspoon of cheese mixture in the center of each dough square.
- Seal and roll – Pinch edges of dough around the cheese, sealing tightly. Roll into smooth balls.
- Shape the tree – Arrange balls on the baking sheet into a tree shape (11 for the tree, 2 for the trunk).
- Egg wash – Beat the egg and brush over the dough balls for a shiny golden finish.
- Bake – Bake 15–20 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Brush with butter – Mix melted butter, parmesan, and parsley. Brush over hot bread for irresistible flavor.
- Serve – Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Pro tip: If you want extra cheesiness, sprinkle more mozzarella on top before baking.
How to serve your cheesy Christmas tree bread
This pull-apart bread works beautifully as:
- A party appetizer – Set it on the table with a small bowl of marinara sauce in the center for dipping.
- Holiday dinner side dish – Serve alongside lasagna, baked ziti, or roast chicken.
- Christmas brunch centerpiece – Add festive touches like red pepper flakes (for a “red ornament” look) or fresh rosemary sprigs around the tray.
- Seasonal variations – Use green pesto inside the dough for a “green tree” or top with diced red peppers for a Christmas light effect.
This bread is both fun and functional it feeds the crowd while looking picture-perfect on your holiday spread.
How to perfect cheesy Christmas tree bread
Here are secrets for success:
- Keep the seams tight – Otherwise cheese will ooze out. Pinch firmly before baking.
- Don’t skip egg wash – It creates that golden, bakery-style finish.
- Use parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Add fresh herbs – Sprinkle chopped basil, thyme, or rosemary after baking for extra holiday flavor.
- Double the batch – This bread disappears fast, so making two trees is always a smart move.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even simple recipes can go wrong here’s how to avoid mishaps:
- Overstuffing with cheese – Use just 1 teaspoon filling per ball to prevent leakage.
- Uneven balls – Roll evenly so everything bakes at the same rate.
- Skipping the butter topping – It adds flavor and keeps bread moist.
- Crowding the balls too tightly – Leave a little space so they expand without losing their tree shape.
- Undercooking – Check the bottom; it should be golden, not pale.
Storage and reheating instructions
Cheesy Christmas tree bread is best fresh, but leftovers keep well.
| Storage Method | How Long | Reheating Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | 1 day in airtight container | Warm in oven 350°F for 5 minutes |
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Reheat wrapped in foil at 350°F for 10 minutes |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months (unbaked balls freeze best) | Bake from frozen at 375°F for 25 minutes |
If freezing, shape the balls and freeze raw. Bake when needed for fresh, cheesy bread anytime
Frequently asked questions
Can I make cheesy Christmas tree bread ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dough balls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! Add mini pepperoni, cooked sausage, or ham cubes inside the dough.
What dipping sauces work best?
Marinara is classic, but you can serve with ranch, garlic butter, or even spinach-artichoke dip.
Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?
Yes, any pizza dough works. Just keep the thickness at ¼ inch.
Conclusion
Cheesy Christmas tree bread is more than a recipeit’s a holiday tradition waiting to happen. Golden, garlicky, and stuffed with gooey cheese, it looks as festive as it tastes. Whether you’re hosting a big party or just cozying up with family, this pull-apart bread guarantees smiles and empty plates.
Save this recipe for your next holiday gathering, and share it with friends who love easy Christmas appetizers. This tree is too good to keep a secret!
