Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread – A Festive Pull-Apart Delight
When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like the smell of warm bread wafting through your kitchen. This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread brings together everything we love about festive gatherings—melty cheese, garlicky butter, and soft golden bread that’s perfect for sharing. It’s whimsical, it’s cozy, and it’s a guaranteed showstopper on your Christmas table.
This recipe transforms simple pizza dough into a pull-apart bread masterpiece shaped like a Christmas tree. Each ball is stuffed with gooey mozzarella and brushed with buttery garlic before baking to golden perfection. Once it emerges from the oven, sprinkle it with parmesan and parsley, and serve it alongside warm marinara for dipping. Every bite is a burst of cheesy, garlicky joy that screams holiday comfort.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide and fill: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into approximately 33 small pieces. Place a small pinch of shredded mozzarella in the center of each dough piece. Pinch the edges together to seal and roll into a smooth ball.
- Shape the tree: Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape—starting with one ball at the top, then two underneath, then three, and so on, ending with a trunk made of two dough balls.
- Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Brush generously over the dough balls.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Add the finishing touch: Once baked, brush with any remaining garlic butter, sprinkle with grated parmesan, and scatter chopped parsley on top for a festive, green “tree” look.
- Serve: Transfer the cheesy bread tree to a serving platter. Serve warm with marinara sauce or ranch for dipping.
Tips & Tricks:
- Seal well: Make sure to pinch each dough ball tightly so the cheese doesn’t leak out during baking.
- Cheese options: Try using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a sharper, more flavorful filling.
- Add sparkle: Before baking, sprinkle coarse sea salt or everything bagel seasoning on top for extra texture and shine.
- Make it ahead: Shape the tree, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 6 hours before baking. Brush with butter right before popping it into the oven.
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide pizza dough into 33 small pieces and fill each with mozzarella cheese, sealing well.
- Arrange dough balls in a Christmas tree shape on the baking sheet.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and brush over the dough.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush with remaining garlic butter, sprinkle with parmesan and parsley, and serve warm with marinara.
Notes
Variations:
- Spinach & Artichoke Tree: Mix chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, and cream cheese into the filling for a creamy twist.
- Pepperoni Tree: Add mini pepperoni slices inside each dough ball for a pizza-inspired version.
- Sweet Version: Swap out the cheese for Nutella or cream cheese mixed with cinnamon sugar for a dessert tree.
Serving Suggestions:
This bread looks magical as a centerpiece at Christmas parties or holiday dinners. Place it on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces—marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or even spicy aioli. It also makes a fun appetizer for Christmas movie nights or a festive brunch spread. Pair it with a bowl of soup or a holiday salad for a cozy meal that feels both comforting and special.
Storage Information:
Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place on a baking sheet and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 10 minutes. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls (without butter) for up to a month. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, shape into a tree, brush with butter, and bake fresh.
FAQ:
- Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Absolutely! Store-bought dough saves time and works perfectly. Just let it rest at room temperature before shaping.
- Can I prepare it ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the tree a few hours ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Brush with butter right before baking.
- Can I make this gluten-free? You can use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough—just handle it gently since it can be more fragile.
- Can I air fry it? Yes, you can air fry smaller portions at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes, depending on size.
History / Fun Facts:
Pull-apart breads have been around for generations, but their festive transformation into shapes like Christmas trees or wreaths became popular in the early 2000s. The tradition likely originated from Italian and American home bakers who loved turning simple pizza dough into celebratory treats. The idea of sharing—literally pulling apart pieces—reflects the communal joy of the holidays.
The “cheesy tree” trend now appears across social media every December, with families baking them together on Christmas Eve or gifting them warm to neighbors. It’s not just a recipe—it’s a holiday ritual of warmth, laughter, and togetherness.
