Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

If the holidays make you crave a show stopping appetizer, this Cheesy Christmas Tree bread will steal the spotlight with gooey melted cheese and pillowy soft dough—all ready in under an hour. Shaped just like a tree and baked until golden and fragrant, this easy Christmas pull apart bread transforms simple ingredients into magic for any party, family dinner, or festive brunch. With only 25 minutes of prep and an average bake of 30 to 45 minutes, you get both flavor and fun without spending your whole day in the kitchen searching for the perfect Christmas tree bread recipe.

My family always requests this cheese pull apart Christmas tree for Christmas Eve, and for good reason—the first time I set this bread tree on the table, everyone instantly started snapping photos and could not resist the warm, melty cheese. Over the years, I have experimented with different herb blends and cheeses to create a pull apart Christmas tree bread recipe that is both beautiful and mouthwatering. Serving this Christmas bread appetizer has become a tradition in our house, and it never fails to bring everyone together around the table for a cozy, memorable holiday celebration.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Canned refrigerator pizza dough, best brands: Provides a pillowy, soft base and makes assembly a breeze; choose brands labeled as 'classic' or 'stretchy' for best pull apart texture and let sit at room temperature for easy handling; crescent dough sheets can be substituted in a pinch
• Mozzarella cheese sticks: Essential for the stretchy cheese pull in every bite; use whole milk or low moisture varieties for best melting and flavor; string cheese works too if mozzarella sticks are unavailable
• Large egg: Mixed with a splash of water for a shiny, bakery style egg wash finish; this step is key for a golden and glossy crust, especially for festive presentation
• Melted butter: Infuses richness and keeps the bread surface golden while baking; use unsalted butter to control saltiness, or swap plant based butter for dairy free needs
• Grated parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth and crisps on top; freshly grated parmesan offers the best flavor and texture; finely shredded hard cheese can be used as a substitute
• Fresh parsley, rosemary, and basil: Bring herbaceous, fragrant notes to every bite, elevating classic Christmas bread; fresh herbs deliver maximum aroma, but use one third as much dried herbs if needed
• Garlic clove: Grated into the melted butter for that classic garlicky bread lift; for stronger garlic flavor, add a second clove or opt for roasted garlic for a soft sweetness
• Jarred marinara or pesto: Festive and flavorful for dipping; warming the sauce before serving brings out bold flavors; alternate dips such as ranch or red pepper pesto add variety

How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet:

Set your oven to 400 degrees and let it fully preheat for even baking. While the oven heats, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup—an essential step when making pull apart bread recipes in any shape.

Portion the Dough and Cheese:

Cut your canned refrigerator pizza dough into 30 roughly equal sized squares by patting it into a rectangle first. Slice mozzarella sticks into 30 one inch pieces, ensuring each bread bite is generously filled without overstuffing, for consistent texture and that irresistible cheese pull with every piece.

Fill and Shape Each Dough Ball:

Place a piece of mozzarella in the center of each dough square, then fold up the dough and pinch to seal tightly so the cheese stays inside during baking. Cup your hands to roll into smooth balls with no gaps—well sealed edges stop cheese from escaping and keep the bread moist.

Arrange in a Christmas Tree Shape:

Position each dough ball seam side down on the prepared baking sheet, starting with one ball at the top and working row by row to create a symmetrical tree shape. Arrange so the balls touch, allowing them to bake into a soft, pull apart centerpiece for Christmas bread celebrations.

Brush with Egg Wash for Shine:

Beat the egg with one tablespoon of water, then gently brush each dough ball from top to bottom. This step gives the Christmas tree bread its glossy golden crust and helps prevent the surface from drying out during baking.

Bake Until Golden and Puff:

Bake the bread tree on the oven's middle rack for sixteen to eighteen minutes, watching for the top to turn a deep golden brown and the dough to puff. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil; the bread is ready when the cheese just begins to ooze from the center balls.

Mix Garlic Herb Butter Topping:

While bread bakes, microwave butter until fully melted, then stir in half the grated parmesan, all chopped herbs, and freshly grated garlic for maximum holiday aroma. This compound butter is flecked with green and makes the kitchen smell like a festive bakery.

Brush and Finish with Parmesan:

Immediately brush hot tree bread with the garlic herb butter straight from the oven, coating every surface generously. Sprinkle the rest of the parmesan on top so it adheres and forms a cheesy, golden crust as the bread cools. Serve warm with bowls of heated marinara or pesto for dipping fun at the table.

The first time I experimented with this tree bread recipe, I used smoked mozzarella and the depth it added was so incredible we make it that way every year. My kids love decorating the finished baked tree with extra herbs and festive picks for an edible centerpiece that shines on the holiday table. This is one appetizer that truly brings everyone together with laughter, flavor, and lasting memories, while nourishing with ample cheese and fresh green herbs.

Smart Swaps and Variations

This is one of the best Christmas recipes appetizers because you can easily adapt it to what you have on hand. If you run out of pizza dough, crescent roll dough makes an effortless swap with equally tasty pull apart results. For dairy free guests, use vegan cheese sticks and plant based butter to create a pull apart Christmas tree bread everyone can enjoy. Add spinach and feta as a savory vegetarian option or use sun dried tomatoes in the filling for more festive color and bold flavor. For extra holiday flair, try smoked gouda or cheddar in place of mozzarella to change up the cheese pull and taste.

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Get the most out of cheesy garlic pull apart Christmas tree by storing it properly for fresh taste even days later. Always let bread cool completely before moving to storage to keep the crust from getting soggy. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight glass or plastic container for up to three days. Reheat on a baking sheet at 325 degrees for ten to twelve minutes, or until cheese is melted and bread is warmed through. For longer storage, freeze bread balls or the whole bread tree on a tray until solid, transfer to a freezer safe bag for up to three months, and bake at 350 degrees for fifteen to twenty minutes straight from frozen.

What to Serve with Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

A festive bread tree centerpiece is a party showstopper that pairs beautifully with simple sides and bright sauces. Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese bread. Italian antipasto platters stacked with olives, roasted vegetables, and cured meats create a holiday spread that satisfies every taste. For dips, warm marinara, tangy ranch, or bright red pepper pesto all bring extra color and flavor to each pull apart bite at the table.

Nutritional Benefits

Cheesy garlic pull apart Christmas tree bread is not only visually impressive but also brings satisfying nutrition to your holiday table. Each serving offers around 350 calories and fifteen grams of protein, delivering long lasting energy for festive occasions. Mozzarella and parmesan cheeses provide calcium for strong bones, while pizza dough supplies fiber and fresh herbs offer antioxidants with vibrant, zesty flavor. Vegetarian friends will appreciate the hearty satisfaction in every bite, especially when served fresh from the oven.

Recipe Success Tips

Sometimes even seasoned bakers find Christmas tree bread pull apart recipes need tweaks for perfection. If you see cheese oozing out during baking, double check that each dough ball is tightly sealed before placing on the tray. For evenly golden tops, rotate the tray halfway through baking and watch closely in the final minutes. Using parchment keeps the bread from sticking and simplifies cleanup, which is essential when shaping festive or holiday bread recipes.

If you need a memorable crowd pleasing appetizer, this cheesy Christmas tree bread will win hearts and inspire seconds every time. Share your bread tree creations and favorite holiday fillings in the comments for even more Christmas bread inspiration.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use homemade dough instead of canned pizza dough?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works just as well and can add even more flavor and texture to the finished bread. Allow for extra prep time if using homemade dough.

→ What type of cheese is best for the filling?

Mozzarella cheese sticks are recommended for their meltability and mild flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a different twist.

→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?

You can assemble the dough balls and arrange them on the baking sheet ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate for up to a few hours, then bake fresh before serving.

→ How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Bake until the bread is golden and fully set. Serve shortly after baking to ensure the cheese remains gooey without making the bread soggy.

→ What dips pair well with this bread?

Marinara and pesto are classic options. You can also try garlic butter or ranch dressing for dipping.