Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread (Pull-Apart Holiday Appetizer)

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

This cheesy Christmas tree bread is warm, buttery, garlicky pull-apart bread filled with gooey mozzarella and brushed with herb garlic butter. It looks impressive on the table but is simple enough to throw together with store-bought pizza dough.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16–18 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 15

Ingredients

For the Christmas Tree Bread

• 1 (13 oz) can refrigerated pizza dough
• 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks
• Parchment paper (for lining the baking sheet)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water

For the Garlic Herb Butter

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• ½ tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, finely grated or minced

For Serving

• Marinara sauce, pizza sauce, and/or pesto for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the pan and oven
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Portion the dough
   • Unroll or open the refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface.
   • Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into 30 small, evenly sized squares.
3. Cut the cheese
   • Slice the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch each.
4. Fill and shape the dough balls
   • Place one piece of mozzarella in the center of each dough square.
   • Pull the dough up around the cheese and pinch the seams well to seal completely.
   • Gently roll each piece between your hands to form a smooth ball.
5. Assemble the Christmas tree
   • Place the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
   • Arrange them in the shape of a Christmas tree, with the balls just touching each other so they will bake together into a pull-apart loaf.
6. Egg wash and bake
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
   • Lightly brush each dough ball with the egg wash.
   • Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the bread is puffed and golden brown.
7. Make the garlic herb butter
   • While the bread bakes, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
   • Stir in half of the grated Parmesan, along with the parsley, rosemary, basil, and garlic until well combined.
8. Finish the bread
   • Remove the baked Christmas tree bread from the oven.
   • While still warm, brush the tops generously with the garlic herb butter.
   • Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the bread.
9. Serve
   • Transfer the Christmas tree bread (on the parchment) to a serving board or platter.
   • Serve immediately with bowls of marinara, pizza sauce, and/or pesto for dipping.

Pro Tips

• Seal the dough well: Pinch the seams firmly so the cheese stays inside and doesn’t leak out while baking. Place balls seam-side down on the pan.
• Keep sizes even: Cutting both the dough and cheese into evenly sized pieces helps the tree bake uniformly and look neat.
• Use fresh herbs if possible: Fresh parsley, rosemary, and basil give the garlic butter a bright, festive flavor. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantities (about 1 teaspoon dried total).
• Make-ahead option: Shape the cheese-filled dough balls and freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top bag. Thaw at room temperature for about 45 minutes, assemble the tree, add egg wash, and bake.

Nutrition Information

Approximate values per serving (assuming 15 servings):

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbohydrates	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1/15 of loaf	210	9 g	20 g	10 g	1 g	2 g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. For precise dietary guidance, please consult a qualified nutrition professional.

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