There’s something special about pulling a golden, buttery bread straight from the oven on a chilly December night. The smell of garlic, herbs, and warm dough fills the kitchen, and suddenly, everyone gathers around. This Christmas Tree Bread makes that moment happen—soft, cheesy, and joyfully festive.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Bread
This Christmas Tree Bread looks stunning but feels simple to make. It uses store-bought pizza dough, so you skip any kneading or waiting. Each bite melts with mozzarella and garlic butter—perfect for cozy nights, Christmas Eve dinners, or family movie marathons.
Plus, the pull-apart shape makes it a fun appetizer for kids and adults alike. Everyone gets their own cheesy bite without any slicing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need everyday ingredients for this recipe. Most are pantry staples, and fresh herbs take the flavor up a notch. For the best results, use U.S. volume or weight equivalents as listed below.
Main Ingredients
- 13 oz refrigerated pizza dough
- 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks (cut into 30 1-inch pieces)
- 1 large egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- ½ tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, grated
For Serving
- Marinara, pizza sauce, or pesto for dipping
How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Step 1 — Prep the Dough and Cheese
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut your pizza dough into 30 small squares. Then, cut the cheese sticks into 1-inch chunks. Place one cheese piece on each dough square and roll it tightly into a ball.
Step 2 — Shape Into a Christmas Tree
Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Make sure they touch so they bake together beautifully.
Step 3 — Brush and Bake
Mix your egg with water and brush it lightly over the dough. Bake for 16–18 minutes until the bread turns golden and fluffy.
Step 4 — Add Garlic Butter Topping and Serve
While it bakes, melt the butter. Mix in half the parmesan, all the garlic, and herbs.
When the bread comes out, brush it generously with the warm garlic butter. Sprinkle the rest of the parmesan on top. Serve it hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
To get ahead, prepare the cheese-filled dough balls but skip the egg wash. Freeze them on a parchment-lined tray for 2 hours, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
When ready to bake, thaw for about 45 minutes at room temperature. Shape them, brush with egg wash, and bake at 350°F for around 20 minutes until golden.
They’ll taste fresh and buttery as if you made them that same evening.
What to Serve With Christmas Tree Bread
This bread pairs well with almost anything savory from your holiday spread. Try it next to hearty pasta like Baked Mostaccioli or rich sauces like Braised Beef Ragu.
It also complements lighter dishes such as Garlic Butter Scallops or a warm bowl of Lasagna Soup. For a full holiday menu, add some Garlic Herb Roasted Veggies for Holiday Sides.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
- Seal each ball tightly so the cheese stays inside as it bakes.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Brush while hot so the butter seeps into every layer.
- You can swap herbs for what’s on hand. Thyme or dill add great flavor too.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle red pepper flakes or arrange cherry tomatoes as ornaments.
If you love fun, festive dishes, try my Festive Italian Cheese Log for Holiday Gatherings or Classic Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade dough works great. Just make sure it’s soft and elastic. However, store-bought dough keeps this recipe quick and stress-free.
How do I keep the cheese from oozing out?
Seal each dough ball completely and place them seam-side down on the sheet. Chilling the cheese before rolling helps too.
Can I reheat leftovers the next day?
Absolutely. Warm them in the oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes. They’ll be soft and gooey again.
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe Card
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Christmas Tree Bread | Simple & Amazing Holiday Appetizer
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, buttery, garlic pull-apart bread filled with melty mozzarella cheese. Festive and easy to make, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a side dish.
Ingredients
13 oz canned refrigerated pizza dough
6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks (cut into 30 1-inch pieces)
1 large egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
3 tbsp butter, melted
½ cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
½ tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
½ tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, grated
Marinara, pizza sauce, or pesto (for dipping)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut pizza dough into 30 squares.
3. Cut cheese sticks into 30 equal 1-inch pieces.
4. Place cheese chunk on each dough square, roll into a sealed ball.
5. Arrange balls seam-side down in shape of a Christmas tree on the baking sheet, making sure they touch.
6. Mix egg and water; brush dough balls with egg wash.
7. Bake for 16–18 minutes until golden brown.
8. While baking, melt butter and mix in half the parmesan, all garlic, and herbs.
9. Brush baked bread with garlic herb butter, sprinkle remaining parmesan on top.
10. Serve warm with dipping sauces.
Notes
Use pre-made dough for convenience.
Holiday-themed and crowd-pleasing.
Can be frozen ahead of time for easy prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16–18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
More Such Recipes
- Easy Dinner Roll Recipe Without Yeast
- Peppermint Bark Brownies – A Holiday Favorite
- Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars for Festive Tables
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread brings people together. It’s buttery, warm, and filled with melty cheese—everything that makes the holidays feel cozy.
It’s also easy to prepare and guaranteed to disappear fast at your next Christmas party. Try it once, and it might just become your new family tradition.
You can also find more festive ideas and share your version of this recipe on Pinterest or Facebook.