Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread: A Pull-Apart Holiday Favorite

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Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is everything you want in a festive holiday appetizer warm, gooey cheese inside soft golden dough, brushed with garlicky herb butter. Shaped like a holiday tree and served with marinara or pesto, it’s the ultimate edible centerpiece that invites everyone to grab a bite and gather around.

Why Make This Recipe

  1. Simple ingredients and an eye-catching holiday shape.

  2. Cheesy, buttery, herby – it hits all the right comfort food notes.

  3. Fun to make with kids or friends during a holiday baking night.

  4. Easy to customize with fillings, herbs, or dips.

  5. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

  • 13 oz canned refrigerated pizza dough

  • 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks (cut into 30 pieces)

  • 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

  • ½ tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

  • ½ tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped

  • 1 garlic clove, grated

  • Marinara and/or pesto for dipping

Equipment

  • Baking sheet

  • Parchment paper

  • Mixing bowls

  • Pastry brush

  • Knife or pizza cutter

How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dough

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  3. Cut pizza dough into 30 even squares.

  4. Slice mozzarella sticks into 30 one-inch pieces.

Step 2: Form the Cheese Balls

  1. Place one piece of cheese in the center of each dough square.

  2. Pinch and roll the dough around the cheese to form a sealed ball.

  3. Arrange the balls seam side down on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree (start with 1 ball at the top, then 2, 3, 4, etc.).

Step 3: Egg Wash and Bake

  1. Mix the egg and water to make an egg wash.

  2. Brush each dough ball lightly with the egg wash.

  3. Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 4: Add the Garlic-Herb Butter

  1. While baking, melt the butter and mix in half of the Parmesan, the herbs, and grated garlic.

  2. Once baked, brush the warm bread with the herb butter mixture.

  3. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan over the top.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately with marinara or pesto for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the bread warm on a large platter or wooden board. Add a small bowl of marinara or pesto at the base of the “tree” to resemble a tree trunk and enhance presentation. Pair with festive cocktails or sparkling cider for a full holiday vibe.

Storage Instructions

  1. Let any leftovers cool completely before storing.

  2. Place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  3. Reheat in a 300°F oven until warm and gooey again, about 10 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Tree Bread

  • Seal the dough well to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.

  • Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor.

  • Try different cheeses like cheddar, fontina, or pepper jack.

  • You can make it smaller for individual portions or larger as a full centerpiece.

Variations

  • Add chopped spinach, roasted red pepper, or crumbled cooked sausage with the cheese.

  • Use homemade pizza dough if preferred.

  • Shape into a wreath or star for a fun twist.

  • Add chili flakes to the butter for a spicy kick.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of canned?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works great, just roll it out to the same thickness for easy cutting.

Can I make it in advance?

You can shape the dough balls and refrigerate them, covered, for up to a day. Bake when ready and brush with butter after baking.

Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, freeze the uncooked dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a container. Bake from frozen, adding 4–5 extra minutes to the bake time.

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Calories: Approx. 220 per serving

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

A delightful and festive bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with gooey mozzarella and herbs, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 210
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the bread
  • 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
  • 6-7 pieces mozzarella cheese sticks Cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 large egg Plus 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
  • 3 tablespoons butter Melted
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese Divided
For the herb mixture
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley Finely chopped
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary Finely chopped
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil Finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic Grated
For serving
  • 1 jar marinara and/or pesto For dipping

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cut the dough into 30 approximately equal squares. Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized (1 inch) pieces.
  3. Place a piece of mozzarella in each square of dough. Roll the dough around the cheese to form a ball, smoothing and sealing the edges.
  4. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down, in the shape of a tree so they are touching.
  5. In a small bowl, blend the egg and water. Lightly brush the egg wash over each ball.
Baking
  1. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Final Touch
  1. While the bread is baking, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese, the grated garlic, and the herbs.
  2. Brush the melted mixture onto the rolls after baking, then sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top.
  3. Serve immediately with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.

Notes

Best served warm. Use fresh herbs for better flavor and feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

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