Name: Cheesy Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread (Easy Recipe)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Dough:; 1 pound (450 g) refrigerated pizza or bread dough; All-purpose flour, for dusting; For the Filling:; 16–18 mozzarella cheese cubes (¾ inch / 2 cm each) – about 8 oz (225 g); ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional); For the Garlic Butter Glaze:; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley); ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); For Decoration (Optional):; 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese; 1–2 tbsp fresh rosemary or parsley leaves; 1 small cherry tomato or roasted red pepper (tree topper); Marinara sauce, for dipping

The holiday season brings people together, and nothing captures that spirit quite like sharing warm, cheesy bread fresh from the oven. This Cheesy Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread isn’t just delicious — it’s a centerpiece that combines festive charm with gooey, irresistible flavor. Picture buttery golden dough balls stuffed with melted cheese, brushed with garlic herb butter, and baked into the shape of a Christmas tree. It’s simple, quick, and guaranteed to wow your guests.

Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack, this recipe delivers comfort and creativity in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a family gathering, or a cozy movie night, this cheesy pull-apart bread turns any table into a celebration. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect combination of festive fun and cheesy indulgence.

Ingredients

This recipe serves 6–8 people as an appetizer or side.

For the Dough (Shortcut Option):

1 pound (450 g) refrigerated pizza dough or bread dough
All-purpose flour, for dusting

For the Filling:

16–18 mozzarella cheese cubes (about ¾ inch / 2 cm each) — about 8 oz (225 g) total
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)

For the Garlic Butter Glaze:

3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For Decoration (Optional but Recommended):

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1–2 tbsp fresh rosemary or parsley leaves (for garnish)
1 small cherry tomato or piece of roasted red pepper (as the “star”)
Marinara sauce, for dipping

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

If using refrigerated pizza dough, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before shaping. This helps the dough relax, making it easier to roll. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a rectangle about 10 x 14 inches (25 x 35 cm).

Step 2: Cut and Fill

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide the dough into 16–18 equal squares. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each square. Pull the corners of each square toward the center, pinch to seal, and roll into a smooth ball. Repeat until all dough pieces are filled.

Tip: Ensure each ball is sealed tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.

Step 3: Shape the Christmas Tree

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the dough balls on the sheet in a Christmas tree shape — one at the top, then two below, three on the next row, and so on, forming a triangle. Add one or two balls at the bottom for the “tree trunk.”

Step 4: Brush with Butter and Season

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Brush half of this mixture evenly over the dough balls. Reserve the remaining butter for later.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up. The cheese inside will be melted and gooey, while the exterior turns crisp and fragrant.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Remove from the oven and immediately brush with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and a few rosemary leaves for a festive look. Place a cherry tomato or roasted red pepper at the top to serve as your “tree topper.”

Step 7: Serve Warm

Serve the pull-apart bread warm with a side of marinara, pizza sauce, or ranch dressing for dipping.

Conservation and Storage

This bread tastes best fresh out of the oven, but you can still store and reheat leftovers with great results.

Refrigeration:

Allow the bread to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

You can freeze the baked bread (without decoration) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Reheating:

Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as it can make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.

Variations

This recipe is endlessly customizable. Here are a few creative ways to make it your own:

1. Cheesy Herb Explosion

Mix your favorite shredded cheeses — mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack — and use a blend instead of cubes for varied texture and flavor.

2. Garlic Parmesan Tree

Add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan to the butter mixture before brushing. This gives your bread a rich, salty, and crispy crust.

3. Pesto-Filled Version

Replace mozzarella with a mix of cheese and a small spoon of basil pesto before sealing the dough. The aroma is divine.

4. Spicy Jalapeño Twist

Add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes inside each dough ball for a little holiday heat.

5. Ham and Cheese Delight

Place a small piece of diced ham or pepperoni with the cheese before sealing. It’s like a bite-sized stuffed calzone.

6. Gluten-Free Option

Use a pre-made gluten-free pizza dough and follow the same process. Brush generously with butter to keep it moist.

7. Vegan Version

Substitute dairy cheese with vegan mozzarella, use vegan butter, and brush with olive oil instead of butter for a plant-based alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread is a showstopper on any holiday spread. Here’s how to serve it for maximum impact:

1. As an Appetizer

Place it in the center of your party table surrounded by dipping bowls of marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or spicy aioli.

2. On a Grazing Board

Pair it with cured meats, olives, fresh grapes, and nuts for a festive charcuterie-style presentation.

3. As a Side Dish

Serve alongside roasted turkey, baked ham, pasta, or lasagna to balance hearty holiday mains with cheesy comfort.

4. As a Snack for Movie Nights

Bake smaller trees using mini dough balls — perfect for snacking during family movie marathons.

5. For Breakfast or Brunch

Add scrambled eggs, bacon bits, or spinach inside the dough for a savory breakfast pull-apart loaf.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Seal Tightly: Make sure every dough ball is sealed well to prevent cheese from leaking out while baking.
Use Fresh Dough: Fresh pizza dough rises better and bakes fluffier than pre-frozen dough.
Avoid Overbaking: Once golden brown, remove from the oven immediately to keep the bread soft.
Add Herbs at the End: Adding herbs after baking keeps them vibrant and fresh in flavor.
Serve Immediately: The cheese inside hardens as it cools, so enjoy it warm for the best texture.
Shape Carefully: If the tree shape is important for presentation, assemble directly on your lined baking sheet so you don’t have to move it.
Brush Generously: Garlic butter adds both flavor and shine—don’t skimp.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread is festive, fun, and foolproof — the perfect addition to your holiday menu. Each bite delivers warm, buttery dough filled with melty cheese and topped with garlic-herb butter. It’s a dish that looks impressive but takes minimal effort, making it ideal for both beginner and seasoned cooks.

You can customize it endlessly — fill it with your favorite cheeses, add herbs or bacon, or make a sweet version with Nutella or cinnamon sugar. Whether it’s the centerpiece of your Christmas table or a quick comfort food for cozy nights, this pull-apart bread will always bring people together.

Golden, gooey, and shaped like joy itself — this Christmas tree bread is holiday magic you can ea.

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Cheesy Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread (Easy Recipe)

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread combines soft, golden dough with gooey melted cheese and buttery garlic herb flavor — shaped into a festive Christmas tree! Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in, it’s an easy, show-stopping appetizer that brings everyone together around the table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

1 pound (450 g) refrigerated pizza or bread dough

All-purpose flour, for dusting

For the Filling:

16–18 mozzarella cheese cubes (¾ inch / 2 cm each) – about 8 oz (225 g)

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)

For the Garlic Butter Glaze:

3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For Decoration (Optional):

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

1–2 tbsp fresh rosemary or parsley leaves

1 small cherry tomato or roasted red pepper (tree topper)

Marinara sauce, for dipping

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Let refrigerated pizza dough sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to relax. Lightly flour your surface and roll into a 10×14-inch rectangle (25×35 cm).

Step 2: Cut and Fill
Cut into 16–18 equal squares. Place a mozzarella cube in the center of each, pinch corners together to seal, and roll into balls.

Step 3: Shape the Tree
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the balls in a Christmas tree shape — one on top, two below, then three, and so on, finishing with one or two for the trunk.

Step 4: Season and Brush
Combine melted butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes. Brush half over the dough balls.

Step 5: Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.

Step 6: Finish
Brush with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle Parmesan and garnish with rosemary. Add a cherry tomato at the top.

Step 7: Serve
Serve warm with marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping.