Warm, buttery, garlicky pull-apart bread filled with melty mozzarella cheese! This easy and festive Christmas Tree Bread is a show-stopping appetizer or side dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, side dish, or even a snack!
- Easy to Make: Uses pre-made pizza dough and simple ingredients.
- Festive: The Christmas tree shape adds holiday charm to your table.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Cheesy, garlicky bread appeals to all ages.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare Dough Balls: Roll the cheese-filled dough balls as directed, but skip the egg wash.
- Freeze: Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours. Transfer to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer.
- Bake Later: Thaw on the counter for 45 minutes, assemble the tree, brush with egg wash, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
Enjoy the warmth and cheesy goodness of this delightful pull-apart Christmas Tree Bread with your loved ones this holiday season! 🎄🧄🧀
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Warm, buttery pull-apart bread filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, topped with herby garlic butter, and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. This festive appetizer or side dish is quick and easy to make using refrigerated pizza dough!
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 13 oz can of refrigerated pizza dough
- 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks cut into 30 bite-sized pieces (about 1 inch each)
- 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic grated
For Serving:
- 1 jar marinara sauce or pesto for dipping
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cut the pizza dough into 30 evenly sized squares.
Assemble the Dough Balls
- Place a piece of mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough square.
- Wrap the dough around the cheese, pinching the edges to seal, and roll into a smooth ball.
Shape the Christmas Tree
- Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Ensure the balls are lightly touching to form a cohesive structure.
Apply the Egg Wash
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the egg wash lightly over each dough ball to help them bake to a golden brown.
Bake the Bread
- Bake the dough balls in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Garlic Butter
- While the bread bakes, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese, along with the grated garlic, parsley, rosemary, and basil.
Add the Finishing Touches
- Once the bread is out of the oven, immediately brush the garlic butter mixture over the rolls. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread warm with marinara sauce or pesto for dipping.
