There’s something magical about gathering around the table during the holidays, isn’t there? The laughter, the twinkling lights, and of course, the food that brings everyone together. That’s exactly how my Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread became a family tradition. I’ll never forget the first time I made it—I was hosting a small Christmas Eve get-together and wanted something festive, fun, and most importantly, cheesy. As soon as I pulled that golden, bubbling bread tree out of the oven, my guests couldn’t resist tearing into it. The way the mozzarella stretched with each pull, the herby butter glistening on top… it was love at first bite. Now, my nieces and nephews beg me to make it every year, and I happily oblige because nothing says “holiday joy” like watching people come together over warm, cheesy bread shaped like a Christmas tree.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Oh my goodness, where do I even start with why this bread is absolutely magical? First off, just look at it – it’s a Christmas tree made of bread and cheese! The festive presentation alone will have your guests oohing and aahing before they even take a bite. But let me tell you, the real magic happens when you pull apart those warm, buttery rolls to reveal gooey melted mozzarella inside. It’s like edible holiday cheer!
Here’s why this recipe has become my go-to for every holiday gathering:
- It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser – who can resist warm, cheesy bread?
- Perfect for sharing (though fair warning, people might fight over the cheesiest pieces!)
- Surprisingly easy to make with store-bought dough (my little secret)
- Makes any party feel festive – it’s basically Christmas on a baking sheet
If you loved our Chocolate Peppermint Bread, you’ll adore this savory twist on holiday baking. Trust me, once you make this once, it’ll become as much a part of your traditions as hanging stockings by the fireplace!
Ingredients for Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Okay, let’s gather our cheesy, herby goodness! Here’s everything you’ll need to create this festive masterpiece. I promise, most of these are pantry staples or easy grocery store finds. The key is using room temperature dough – it makes all the difference when shaping those perfect little cheese pockets!
- 1 lb. store-bought or homemade pizza dough (left at room temp for 30 minutes – trust me, cold dough fights back!)
- 7 mozzarella sticks (each cut into 5 pieces – about 1-inch chunks)
- All-purpose flour (just for dusting your work surface)
- 1 large egg (for that gorgeous golden shine)
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted (because everything’s better with butter)
- 1 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1/2 cup, plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1 Tbsp. each fresh parsley, rosemary, and basil, finely chopped (fresh herbs make it sing!)
- Crushed red pepper flakes and warmed marinara (for serving – optional but highly recommended)
See? Nothing too fancy, just simple ingredients that transform into something magical. Now let’s get our hands doughy!
How to Make Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making this cheesy Christmas miracle! I promise it’s easier than it looks, and the payoff is so worth it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have everyone at your holiday gathering fighting over the last cheesy piece (it happens every time at my house!).
Step 1: Prepare the Dough and Cheese
First, preheat your oven to 450°F – we want it nice and hot for that perfect golden crust. Now, take your room-temperature dough (this is crucial – cold dough is way harder to work with!) and divide it in half on a lightly floured surface. Roll each piece into an 18″ x 4″ rectangle, then cut into 2″ squares – you’ll need about 33 total. Wrap each square around a mozzarella piece, pinching the seams tightly to seal in all that cheesy goodness. Pro tip: If your dough sticks, just dust your fingers with a bit more flour.
Step 2: Shape the Christmas Tree
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (trust me, you’ll thank me later when cleanup is a breeze). Now comes the creative part! Arrange your dough balls seam-side down in a Christmas tree pattern – start with a single ball at the top for the tree topper, then make rows underneath that get progressively wider. Keep them touching so they’ll bake together into one glorious pull-apart masterpiece. Don’t stress about perfection – rustic trees have more character!
Step 3: Bake and Finish the Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Whisk together an egg with 1 Tbsp water and brush it all over your tree – this gives it that beautiful golden shine. Bake for 15-20 minutes until it’s puffed and golden brown. While it bakes, mix your melted butter with Parmesan and all those fresh herbs. As soon as the tree comes out of the oven, brush this heavenly mixture all over it. The smell will have everyone crowding into your kitchen! Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping – if you can resist eating it straight off the pan, that is.
Want more bread-making tips? Check out our perfect sourdough bread recipe for more dough-handling tricks!
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
After making this cheesy masterpiece more times than I can count (my family won’t let me stop!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to make it perfect every time. First, that room-temperature dough isn’t just a suggestion – cold dough tears easily when you’re wrapping those cheese pieces, and we want smooth, sealed balls to keep all that melty goodness inside. Speaking of sealing, really pinch those seams tight! I use my fingertips to roll each ball gently after sealing – this extra step prevents cheese leaks that can burn on the pan (learned that the hard way!).
My absolute favorite tip? Serve it piping hot! The cheese pull is most dramatic when it’s fresh from the oven, and that herby butter topping soaks in beautifully. Speaking of herbs, my personal favorite combo is extra rosemary with a touch of thyme – it gives that classic holiday aroma that makes everyone gather ’round the kitchen. Just don’t skip the final Parmesan sprinkle – it adds the perfect salty crunch to each bite!
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Oh, the possibilities with this cheesy masterpiece! Of course, warm marinara sauce is my go-to for dipping – that classic combo never fails. But here’s how I like to turn it into a full holiday spread: pair it with a festive charcuterie board (think cured meats, olives, and roasted nuts) for the ultimate party starter. For something lighter, a crisp winter salad with pomegranate seeds balances the richness perfectly. And if you really want to impress? Serve it alongside our creamy spinach artichoke dip – because at Christmas, more cheese is always the answer!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Okay, let’s be real – leftovers are rare with this cheesy wonder, but if you somehow have some, here’s how to keep it delicious! Store any remaining bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds (quick fix!) or warm the whole tree in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic. The cheese won’t be quite as stretchy, but it’ll still taste amazing – promise!
Nutritional Information for Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Now, let’s be honest – this isn’t exactly health food, but everything in moderation, right? The nutritional values below are estimates (your exact amounts may vary depending on ingredients). Each serving (about 5-6 pieces) contains roughly:
- 250 calories
- 12g fat (6g saturated)
- 25g carbs
- 10g protein
Remember, holiday treats are meant to be enjoyed! The real nutrition here is the joy of sharing something delicious with loved ones – and that’s calorie-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade dough for this Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread?
Absolutely! While store-bought dough is my go-to for convenience (especially during the busy holidays), homemade pizza dough works beautifully too. Just make sure it’s risen properly and at room temperature before shaping – cold dough is way harder to work with. My favorite homemade version uses a touch of honey in the dough for extra flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while baking?
Oh, I’ve had my share of cheese explosions – not pretty! The trick is to really pinch those seams tight when wrapping the dough around the mozzarella. I like to roll each ball gently between my palms after sealing to smooth out any weak spots. And don’t overstuff – about 1-inch cheese pieces are perfect. If some does leak? No worries! It just adds to that rustic, homemade charm.
Can I make this ahead for a Christmas party?
You can prep the dough balls and arrange them on the baking sheet up to 4 hours ahead – just cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temp for 20 minutes, then brush with egg wash and bake as directed. But honestly? It’s best fresh from the oven when the cheese is at its gooiest!
What other cheeses work besides mozzarella?
While mozzarella gives that classic stretch, feel free to mix it up! I’ve used cheddar for extra sharpness, or even brie for a fancy twist. Just avoid super soft cheeses that might melt too quickly. My holiday favorite? Half mozzarella, half pepper jack for a little spicy kick!
Can I freeze leftovers of this Christmas tree bread?
Technically yes, but I’ll be honest – it’s never quite the same. The texture changes when frozen and reheated. If you must, wrap individual pieces tightly in foil, then reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. But really, this is one holiday appetizer that’s meant to be enjoyed fresh with friends and family gathered around!
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Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and shareable bread filled with mozzarella and herbs, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 7 mozzarella sticks
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- 1 lb. store-bought or homemade pizza dough, room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 1 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 Tbsp. thinly sliced fresh basil
- Crushed red pepper flakes and warmed marinara, for serving
Instructions
- Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 450°.
- Cut each cheese stick into 5 pieces.
- On a lightly floured surface, divide dough in half. Roll each piece to an 18″ x 4″ rectangle. Cut into 2″ squares (you’ll need 33). Wrap each square around a piece of mozzarella and form a tightly sealed ball.
- Arrange balls, seam side down and touching, on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a Christmas-tree pattern.
- In a small bowl, beat egg with 1 Tbsp. water. Brush egg wash on dough balls.
- Bake tree until golden, 15 to 20 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk butter, Parmesan, parsley, rosemary, and basil; brush on tree. Sprinkle with Parmesan, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Serve with marinara alongside.
Notes
- Use room-temperature dough for easier handling.
- Serve warm for the best cheesy pull-apart experience.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Christmas Finger Foods, Holiday Party Appetizers, Christmas Meals, Holiday Appetizers Easy, Christmas Party Food Ideas, Christmas Eve Appetizers, Christmas Dinner Recipes, Christmas Buffet Ideas Food, Christmas Brunch, Christmas Food Recipes