
Welcome to my kitchen, where every spill is a story and every golden crust is a victory. This Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread is one of those magical holiday recipes that fills your home with warmth, garlic, and laughter. Shaped like a festive tree, it’s stuffed with gooey cheese, brushed with herbed butter, and baked to a golden glow. Perfect for sharing, this recipe turns simple dough into a centerpiece that brings everyone together around the table.
why make this recipe
If you want a show-stopping appetizer that’s simple yet festive, this one’s for you. This Cheese Pull Apart Christmas Tree combines soft bread, melty mozzarella, and garlic butter in every pull-apart bite. The best part? You only need basic store-bought pizza dough and a few pantry staples. It’s an easy Tree Bread Christmas idea that doubles as both decoration and snack.
how to make Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread
This Garlic Knot Christmas Tree comes together easily. Start with balls of pizza dough filled with mozzarella. Arrange them in a tree shape, brush with egg wash, and bake until golden brown. Once baked, brush with melted butter, garlic, and herbs. Serve it warm for the perfect Tree Cheese Bread experience.
Ingredients :
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 8 mozzarella sticks, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce for serving
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the mozzarella sticks into small pieces. Cut dough into equal squares.
- Wrap each piece of cheese with a square of dough, sealing the edges to form balls.
- Arrange the balls seam-side down on the baking sheet, forming a tree shape with a small trunk at the bottom.
- Whisk egg and water together; brush the dough surfaces with the wash.
- Bake 16–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush the hot bread with melted butter, garlic powder, herbs, and Parmesan.
- Serve the Pull Apart Tree Bread immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
how to serve Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread
This Tree Bread Appetizer is meant for sharing. Serve it straight from the baking sheet with small forks or fingertips ready for dipping. It pairs beautifully with marinara, pesto, or ranch. Perfect for parties, family nights, or as an edible centerpiece for Bread Tree Christmas gatherings.
how to store Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore the melty cheese texture. Avoid microwaving it softens the crust. The flavor and aroma remain just as rich the next day.

tips to make Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread
- Use good-quality mozzarella for the best cheese pull.
- Don’t skip the egg wash; it gives the bread a golden finish.
- Fresh garlic and herbs make a big difference.
- Arrange tightly so the Pizza Tree Pull Apart bakes evenly.
variation
Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or stuffed olives for extra flavor. You can even make a pesto-version Cheese Pull Apart Christmas Tree with green herbs for color. For a sweet twist, replace the cheese with chocolate chunks and brush with sugar butter.
FAQs
Can I use crescent roll dough for Christmas tree bread?
Yes, crescent roll dough works beautifully for Pull Apart Tree Bread. It’s buttery and soft, creating a light texture while still giving that delicious golden crust. Just follow the same stuffing and shaping steps for perfect results.
What cheese works best for the Cheese Pull Apart Christmas Tree?
Mozzarella is the classic choice because it melts perfectly and gives that signature cheese pull. You can also try Monterey Jack or provolone if you prefer a different flavor. These cheeses still create that stretchy, satisfying bite.
Can I make this Tree Bread ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the stuffed dough balls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to eight hours before baking. This saves time when preparing for parties and still gives a fresh, warm, and melty Bread Tree Christmas appetizer.
What dips go well with this bread?
Marinara is a traditional choice, but melted garlic butter, ranch, or basil pesto also complement the flavors. A balsamic glaze drizzle turns this Christmas Tree Dough into a more festive presentation for special dinners.
Conclusion
Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread is more than just food it’s a moment of togetherness baked into soft, buttery layers. Every pull reveals gooey cheese and golden crusts that make hearts happy. It’s a Tree Bread Appetizer that belongs in every holiday kitchen. Try it this season, share it with loved ones, and don’t forget to follow on Pinterest and Medium for more cozy family favorites.
Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Pastry Brush
- Mixing bowl
- Oven
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 1 lb pizza dough store-bought or homemade
- 8 mozzarella sticks cut into bite-size pieces
Seasoning and Topping
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 large egg for egg wash
- 1 tbsp water for egg wash
- 2 tbsp melted butter for brushing after baking
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving
- 1 cup marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut mozzarella sticks into small pieces and divide pizza dough into equal squares.
- Wrap each cheese piece with dough, sealing the edges to form balls.
- Arrange dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree with a small trunk at the bottom.
- Whisk egg and water together; brush over dough balls for a golden crust.
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, until golden brown.
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder, herbs, and Parmesan. Brush over hot bread immediately after baking.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
