Name: Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 roll refrigerated pizza dough; 20 cubes mozzarella cheese; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (fresh or dried); 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional); 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is everything you want in a festive appetizer: soft, golden dough, stuffed with gooey melted cheese, and topped with a savory garlic butter drizzle. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also shaped like a Christmas tree, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday table.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, attending a potluck, or cozying up with family for movie night, this pull-apart bread brings comfort and cheer. It looks impressive, but it’s surprisingly simple to put together—and impossible to resist once you take that first bite.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the most of your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, having the right tools will make your kitchen experience much smoother:

Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone: A sturdy base for shaping and baking the tree. A pizza stone helps in even heat distribution, but a baking sheet works perfectly too.
Sharp Knife or Kitchen Scissors: For precise cuts in the dough when shaping your tree.
Pastry Brush: Essential for evenly spreading the garlic butter mixture over the top.

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need these to combine your butter, garlic, and herbs.
Parchment Paper: Makes transferring and cleanup easier while keeping the bottom of the bread from burning.
Oven Mitts and Cooling Rack: Always helpful to safely remove the bread and let it rest before serving.

With these tools at your fingertips, you’re all set to bake this cheesy masterpiece to perfection.

Ingredients for the Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in delivering flavor, texture, and festive fun:

Refrigerated Pizza Dough: A convenient shortcut that bakes up golden and fluffy. You can also use homemade dough if you prefer.

Mozzarella Cheese (cubed): The star of the show. Melts beautifully inside the dough balls for a gooey, stretchy bite.
Butter: Used in the garlic butter topping. Adds richness and helps give the bread that irresistible golden finish.
Minced Garlic: Infuses the butter with savory flavor. Fresh garlic gives the most robust taste.

Parsley (fresh or dried): Adds a festive green touch and herby brightness to balance the richness.
Parmesan Cheese: Optional but highly recommended for an extra punch of umami and a slightly crispy topping.
Egg (for egg wash): Helps the dough brown beautifully and gives it that bakery-style sheen.

How To Make the Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This ensures the bread doesn’t stick and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Shape the Dough Balls

Unroll your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into small squares, around 1.5 inches each. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center of each square, pinch the edges together, and roll gently to form a ball.

Step 3: Arrange the Tree

Place the filled dough balls seam-side down onto your prepared baking sheet. Start forming your tree shape: a triangle base that narrows to a single dough ball at the top. Add a small dough ball for the tree trunk.

Step 4: Egg Wash & Bake

Brush the dough balls with a beaten egg. This will give them a glossy finish. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.

Step 5: Garlic Butter Glaze

While the bread bakes, melt butter and stir in minced garlic and parsley. Once the bread is out of the oven, brush this garlic butter over the warm rolls. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese while still hot.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Let the bread sit for a couple of minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Pull apart and dip in marinara sauce or enjoy as is!

How to Serve and Store Your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

This bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still warm and melty. Serve it on a festive platter as the centerpiece of your holiday spread. Pair it with a side of warm marinara or garlic dip for extra flavor.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop the bread in the oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the dough soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated pizza dough?

Yes! Homemade dough works wonderfully and can elevate the flavor even more. Just be sure it’s soft and pliable enough to shape.

What cheese works best for the filling?

Mozzarella is ideal for that stretchy, melty effect, but you can experiment with cheddar, provolone, or even a herbed cream cheese for variety.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can assemble the dough balls a few hours in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Wait to add the egg wash and bake just before serving.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free pizza dough alternative. Make sure to follow the brand’s baking guidelines for best results.

What’s the best dipping sauce to serve with it?

Marinara sauce is a classic pairing, but garlic butter sauce or ranch dip are also great choices for a flavor twist.

How do I make this tree shape perfectly?

Start with the bottom row and build upward in decreasing width. Use a small bowl or circle template to help line things up evenly if needed.

Want More Bread & Appetizer Ideas?

If you loved this festive Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, there’s more where that came from! Try these delicious ideas next:

Soft and Fluffy Homemade Naan Bread for versatile meals and dipping.
Taco Ranch Bites when you’re craving bold flavor in snackable form.
Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes for fun, cheesy bites with a pizza twist.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a warm, savory main dish packed with comfort.
Longhorn Parmesan Chicken when you’re ready to turn up the wow factor at dinner.

For even more festive recipes like this one, check out my Pinterest board where I post new holiday ideas daily!

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can find it again when you’re prepping for your next celebration.

I’d love to know how your Christmas tree bread turned out. Did you go all mozzarella or mix in other cheeses? Did you add a fun dip or extra herbs?

Feel free to drop a comment below—sharing helps everyone make holiday magic in their own way!

Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 20 pieces

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This festive pull-apart Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is made with fluffy dough, filled with melty mozzarella, and brushed with garlic herb butter. It’s the perfect show-stopping appetizer for your holiday gatherings, ready in under 30 minutes and loved by all ages.