Delicious Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Gooey stretchy cheese tucked inside warm herby bread forms a fun holiday tree that's perfect for pulling apart. I've made this festive finger food countless times, and it always gets snatched up by both little ones and grown-ups who love its tasty flavor and playful design.

I first threw this fun bread together during a December snowstorm when I needed something quick but holiday-worthy. Now my nieces don't let a Christmas Eve go by without making it.

Round Up Your Ingredients

• Canned refrigerator pizza dough: saves time and gives consistent results. Pick one that feels bouncy and elastic when you touch it.
• Mozzarella cheese sticks: deliver that wonderful stretch when pulled apart. Get recently packaged ones for the best melt.
• Large egg: creates that beautiful shiny crust when brushed on top before baking.
• Butter: holds the toppings together and adds richness. Stick with unsalted to manage the saltiness yourself.
• Grated parmesan cheese: brings a nutty, tangy kick. Try to find authentic Parmigiano Reggiano if you can swing it.
• Fresh parsley: adds brightness and pretty green flecks. Look for bunches with vibrant color.
• Fresh rosemary: gives that wonderful pine-like smell and flavor. Grab stems with pliable, not woody, needles.
• Fresh basil: contributes a sweet pepper-like taste. Pick only bright, soft leaves.
• Garlic: finely grated to spread its warm, spicy flavor throughout.
• Marinara or pesto dipping sauce: makes serving easy and adds festive colors. Use store-bought or homemade—whatever you prefer.

How to Make It

Get Your Oven and Tray Ready:

Turn your oven to four hundred degrees so it gets nice and hot for even cooking. Put parchment on your baking sheet to make cleanup a breeze and stop the dough from sticking.

Cut the Dough Into Balls:

Divide pizza dough into around thirty similar-sized pieces. They should be roughly the same size so they cook at the same rate. Cut mozzarella sticks into one-inch chunks so you have about the same number as dough pieces.

Hide the Cheese Inside:

Take each dough square and put a cheese chunk in the middle. Pull the edges up and around, then roll between your palms until the cheese is totally wrapped up. Make sure there aren't any cracks or the cheese will ooze out during baking.

Create Your Tree Pattern:

Place the sealed balls seam-side down on your parchment. Put them close together in a tree shape, with branches and a trunk at the bottom. Most folks make a triangle for the main tree part and use three balls in a row for the trunk.

Brush With Egg Mixture:

Mix your egg with a tablespoon of water and brush this all over each dough ball. This egg wash will help your bread turn beautifully brown and shiny as it bakes.

Cook Until Brown:

Put the pan in the middle of your oven for sixteen to eighteen minutes. Keep an eye on it toward the end. You'll know it's done when the balls are deep golden and sound hollow if you tap them lightly.

Top With Tasty Herb Butter:

Melt your butter in the microwave just until liquid. Mix in half the parmesan, all your chopped herbs, and the grated garlic. Brush this mixture all over the hot bread as soon as it comes out. Sprinkle the rest of the parmesan on top for extra flavor.

Pair With Dipping Sauce:

Move your tree to a serving plate if you want. Enjoy it right away while it's hot and puffy, with small bowls of marinara or pesto for dipping.

I always fight for the buttery pointed top of the tree. At our Christmas morning gatherings, we all race to grab those super melty middle pieces first.

Delicious Upgrades

Try swapping Monterey Jack or provolone for the mozzarella. If you want some heat, mix a bit of crushed red pepper into your herb butter. Store-bought pizza crust works in a rush, but freshly made dough gives you a softer, fluffier result.

Serving Suggestions

Offer this as a starter with different colored dips. For bigger get-togethers, put it next to a basic green salad and holiday ham. Or make tiny individual tree breads for each person at your fancy Christmas dinner.

Creative Twists

Holiday breads shaped like trees and wreaths go way back to old European traditions. Adding pizza dough and cheese gives this one an Italian feel. During winter holidays, our house always smells amazing from baking bread and herbs. For springtime, try using chives and dill instead, or add some lemon zest to brighten things up.

If you somehow have leftovers, they make awesome grilled cheese sandwiches or crunchy croutons for winter soup. You'll definitely want to save a few chunks for tomorrow.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of canned?

Absolutely, homemade dough works great. Just make sure it's fully risen before you start shaping your tree for the best puffy texture.

→ What type of cheese works best for the filling?

Stick with mozzarella cheese sticks for best results. The low-moisture kind keeps your bread from turning mushy inside.

→ How do I prevent the dough balls from opening during baking?

Pinch those edges really tight when wrapping the cheese. Then place each ball with the sealed side facing down on your baking sheet so they don't pop open.

→ Can I make this bread ahead of time?

You can prep the cheese-filled dough balls and arrange them earlier in the day and keep them in the fridge. But wait to bake until right before serving for that warm gooey goodness.

→ What sauces pair well for dipping?

Try classic marinara for a tangy kick or basil pesto for something fresh and herby. Both taste amazing with the cheesy bread.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Pop any extras in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge. When you want more, warm them up in the oven to get that nice texture back.