Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Save this recipe on:

Golden, fluffy, and oozing with gooey melted cheese, this Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is the holiday appetizer dreams are made of. Each pull-apart bite is buttery, soft, and seasoned just right, delivering comfort and joy in every mouthful. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or simply enjoying cozy bites with family, this centerpiece-worthy bread not only delights the taste buds but also brings an extra sparkle to your holiday table.

Shaped like a Christmas tree, it’s as visually charming as it is delicious. Perfectly baked to a deep golden brown and brushed with garlic butter, then sprinkled with fresh herbs and parmesan, this bread is paired with warm marinara sauce for dipping. It’s a fun, interactive, and festive way to kick off your holiday gathering. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make—even beginner bakers can master it!

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

• It’s festive and fun, doubling as both a dish and decoration.
• Cheesy, garlicky, and buttery—flavor-packed in every bite.
• Easy to make with store-bought dough or your favorite homemade recipe.
• Great for sharing and perfect for dipping.
• A family-friendly hit that gets everyone excited for the holidays.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring this Christmas tree bread to life, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Baking Sheet: A large, rimmed baking sheet is key to give the tree its shape and enough room to expand.
• Parchment Paper: Keeps the dough from sticking and makes clean-up simple.
• Pastry Brush: For evenly spreading that luscious garlic butter over the bread.
• Sharp Knife or Kitchen Scissors: If you’re using homemade dough or need to adjust sizes, these are helpful.
• Mixing Bowl: If making your own dough or combining cheeses and seasonings.
• Oven Mitts: For safe handling when removing the hot tray.
  These tools make the process smoother, more efficient, and ensure a beautiful final presentation.

---

Preparation Tips

Start by letting your dough come to room temperature—this makes it easier to handle and shape into smooth balls. If using refrigerated or store-bought dough, give it 30 minutes on the counter before working with it. Don’t overstuff the dough balls with cheese, or they may burst while baking. Space them just enough so they bake into one another and hold the tree shape. Finally, don’t skip the garlic butter glaze—this adds flavor, color, and that bakery-style finish. Sprinkle herbs and grated parmesan after baking for a vibrant, festive touch.

---

Ingredients for this Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

• 1 lb (450g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 20–24 cubes of mozzarella cheese (about ¾” in size)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• All-purpose flour, for dusting
• Marinara or pizza sauce, for dipping

---

Step 1: Prep the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle. Use a knife or pizza cutter to divide the dough into 20 to 24 equal pieces. Each piece should be big enough to wrap around a cube of cheese. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes if it’s too elastic.

Step 2: Stuff and Seal

Place one cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough piece. Pinch the edges tightly to seal and roll between your hands to form a smooth ball. Ensuring a tight seal is key to preventing the cheese from leaking out during baking.

Step 3: Shape the Tree

On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the balls seam-side down in the shape of a Christmas tree. Start with one ball at the top, then build layers beneath it: 2 balls on the next row, then 3, and so on, ending with a trunk of 2 balls at the bottom. Keep slight gaps between the dough balls to allow for expansion.

Step 4: Rest and Preheat

Cover the shaped tree loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes to rise slightly. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 5: Garlic Butter Glaze

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning. Brush the garlic butter generously over the top and sides of each dough ball.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the tops are lightly crisp. If needed, rotate the tray halfway through to ensure even browning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the tree from the oven and immediately brush with any remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle with grated parmesan and extra chopped parsley for a festive finish. Serve warm with a bowl of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.

---

Notes

This bread is very forgiving and can be customized to your liking. You can swap the mozzarella for other melty cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a twist. For a richer flavor, consider mixing herbs into the dough or adding a touch of chili flakes to the garlic butter. If making the dough from scratch, allow ample rising time to keep the bread light and fluffy. This recipe is a fun project to do with kids, especially shaping and stuffing the dough balls.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overfilling the dough balls: This often leads to cheese leaking out during baking. Stick to a ¾” cube of cheese or smaller.
• Not sealing properly: If the edges of the dough aren’t pinched tight, the cheese will ooze out.
• Crowding the balls too much: Leave a little space for the dough to expand without losing the tree shape.
• Skipping the garlic butter glaze: It enhances both flavor and appearance.
• Baking at too high a temperature: That can brown the tops too quickly before the inside cooks.

---

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, allow the bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place on a baking sheet and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 8–10 minutes. For a quick fix, microwave individual pieces for 15–20 seconds, though they’ll lose a bit of that oven-fresh texture.

---

Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 1 of 20 servings)

• Calories: ~130 kcal
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Sugar: <1g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Cholesterol: 15mg

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?

Yes! Crescent roll dough works well and adds a slightly sweet, buttery flavor. Just handle it gently as it’s softer.

How do I make this ahead of time?

You can shape and stuff the dough balls a few hours in advance. Store them covered in the fridge and let come to room temp before baking.

Can I freeze this?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the shaped, unbaked dough. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella is the classic choice for meltability, but fontina, provolone, or Monterey Jack are also delicious options.

How do I keep the bread from sticking to the pan?

Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. They prevent sticking and help maintain the tree shape.

Can I add toppings?

Absolutely! Try sprinkling sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or red pepper flakes on top before baking.

Is this kid-friendly?

Very! Kids love pulling apart the cheesy bites. You can even make mini versions for little hands.

Can I make it vegan?

Use vegan pizza dough, plant-based butter, and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Results may vary slightly in texture.

---

Conclusion

The Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is more than just a holiday recipe—it’s an experience. With its golden crust, gooey cheesy center, and festive presentation, it’s sure to become a seasonal tradition. Simple enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough to wow a crowd, this pull-apart bread hits all the right notes: comfort, flavor, and fun. Serve it at your next gathering and watch it disappear in minutes!

---

Print

Save this recipe on: