The holidays are a magical time, and nothing brings joy quite like a delicious, festive dish you can share. This year, I’m absolutely thrilled to share my recipe for Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread! It’s an incredibly easy and fun pull-apart bread that looks as good as it tastes, perfect for any gathering.
From start to finish, you can have this delightful appetizer ready in about 30-35 minutes, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday spread. I know you will love how simple and impressive this recipe is!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
I just know this festive bread will become a new holiday tradition in your kitchen! Here are a few reasons why I think you’ll adore it:
- Effortlessly Easy: Using store-bought pizza dough makes this recipe incredibly simple to assemble, even for beginner bakers.
- Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Who can resist warm, gooey cheese wrapped in soft, herb-garlic bread? It’s a guaranteed hit with guests of all ages.
- Stunning Festive Presentation: The Christmas tree shape is so charming and adds a wonderful holiday touch to your appetizer table.
- Quick & Convenient: It comes together so fast, leaving you more time to enjoy your celebrations and less time in the kitchen.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this festive treat. I always make sure I have everything on hand before I start!
- 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
- parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)
- 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 large egg (+ 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
- 3 tablespoons 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)
- 1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)
Essential Equipment for Making Your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Having the right tools makes all the difference when I’m cooking. For this recipe, I recommend having these items ready:
- A sturdy baking sheet
- Parchment paper for a non-stick surface
- A pastry brush for applying the egg wash and herb butter
- A pizza cutter or a sharp knife for cutting the dough
- Small bowls for the egg wash and herb butter mixture
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
I’ll walk you through each step to ensure your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread turns out perfectly every time.
- Preheat the oven to 400° then line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the dough into 30 approximately equal squares then cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite size (1 inch) pieces.
- Add a piece of mozzarella to each square of dough then form a ball, rolling with your hands to smooth and seal the edges. I always make sure to pinch the seams really tight here; this is the key to preventing any cheesy leaks during baking!
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet seam side down in the shape of a tree (see photos) – so the balls are touching. For a truly stunning tree, I like to start with one ball at the top, then two below it, then three, and so on, making sure each ball is just touching its neighbors. This ensures a beautiful pull-apart effect. Blend the egg and water in a small bowl and lightly brush each ball with the egg wash.
- Bake 16-18 minutes or until golden brown. While the bread is baking, microwave the butter until melted then stir in half of the parmesan cheese and all of the grated garlic and herbs. Brush onto the rolls, then sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese over the top then serve right away with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.
Achieving the Perfect Christmas Tree Shape
Creating that iconic Christmas tree shape is easier than you think! I usually start by placing a single dough ball at the very top of my parchment-lined baking sheet. Then, just below it, I place two dough balls, ensuring they touch both each other and the top ball. I continue this pattern, adding one more ball to each subsequent row (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 balls) to form a triangular tree.
Don’t forget to add a “trunk” at the bottom with one or two balls! Making sure all the balls are touching is crucial for that wonderful pull-apart experience.
If you’re looking for other festive treats, consider trying this recipe for Ultimate Pincone Truffles Recipe: Easy to Make!.
Dough Decisions: Choosing the Best Base for Your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
While I love using canned refrigerator pizza dough for its convenience, I know some of you might be curious about other options. I’ve experimented a bit, and here’s what I’ve found:
| Dough Type | Pros | Cons | Recipe Notes (for Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pizza Dough | Chewy texture, great flavor | Can be stickier, might need more flour | Ideal for a classic bread texture. May require light flouring when handling. |
| Biscuit Dough | Light & flaky, very easy to work with | Less chew, might dry out quicker | Produces a softer, tenderer bread. Cook time might be slightly adjusted. |
| Crescent Rolls | Buttery, soft, very quick & easy | Flakier, less “bread-like” | Creates a rich, delicate result. Cheese filling needs to be securely sealed to prevent leakage. |
Creative Customization & Flavor Variations for Your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
I love finding ways to make recipes my own, and this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is perfect for a little creative flair!
- Different Cheese Fillings: Feel free to swap out the mozzarella! I’ve had great success with cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone for a different flavor profile. A tiny dollop of cream cheese inside each ball can also create an incredibly rich, gooey interior.
- Savory Add-ins: Get adventurous with what you tuck inside! Mini pepperoni, diced jalapeños for a little kick, or sun-dried tomatoes can all add wonderful layers of flavor. Just make sure your add-ins are small enough to fit.
- Herb Butter Variations: The herb butter is already divine, but you can certainly play with it. A pinch of onion powder, a different blend of fresh herbs like thyme or oregano, or even a dash of red pepper flakes can customize the aroma and taste beautifully.
- Decorating Your Baked Tree: After baking, you can make your tree even more festive! I sometimes place small cherry tomato halves as “ornaments” or cut a star from a slice of provolone or cheddar cheese to crown the top of the tree. For more ideas, check out our Treats & Drinks category for festive drinks and desserts!
Serving Suggestions & Dipping Delights
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is so versatile! I love serving it as a show-stopping festive appetizer at holiday parties; it always gets rave reviews. It also makes a super fun side dish for a casual family meal or even a delightful, kid-friendly snack.
For dipping, the possibilities are endless! I always serve it with marinara or pesto, but I also love to offer:
- Ranch dressing
- Creamy garlic aioli
- A sweet and savory honey mustard sauce
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
To make your holiday cooking even easier, I have some handy make-ahead and storage tips for you!
- Make-Ahead (Unbaked Dough Balls): You can assemble the dough balls with the cheese filling up to 24 hours in advance. Just place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while your oven preheats. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
- Storage (Baked Bread): If you happen to have any leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), store the baked Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating (Baked Bread): To bring back that glorious gooeyness, I recommend reheating the bread in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. An air fryer also works wonderfully for a quick reheat, giving it a nice crispiness in about 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The microwave can work for speed, but I find it can sometimes make the dough a bit chewier.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even seasoned cooks run into little snags sometimes, and I’m always here to help you navigate them!
- Dough too sticky/dry: If your dough feels too sticky, I recommend lightly dusting your hands and work surface with a little flour. If it seems too dry or stiff, a tiny bit of water kneaded in can help, but with canned dough, this is less common.
- Preventing cheese from leaking: This is often due to not sealing the dough balls securely enough. I always take an extra moment to firmly pinch the seams closed after forming each ball. Think of it as creating a little cheese pocket!
- Bread browning too quickly: If your bread is getting too dark on top before the cheese is fully melted and the dough is cooked through, I suggest gently placing a piece of aluminum foil over the top of the Christmas tree for the remainder of the baking time. You can also try lowering the oven temperature by 25 degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I often get questions about recipe variations and tips, so I’ve compiled some common ones for you!
Can I use gluten-free dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! I find that many store-bought gluten-free pizza doughs work wonderfully here. Just follow the package directions for any specific handling tips, as some can be a bit more delicate.
How can I make the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread extra crispy?
For a crispier exterior, I recommend baking the bread for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning. You can also brush it with a little olive oil before the egg wash for a slightly crispier crust.
What if I don’t have cheese sticks? Can I use block mozzarella?
Yes, you absolutely can! I would recommend cutting a block of low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella into 1-inch cubes, similar in size to the cheese stick pieces.
Can I make smaller or larger Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread creations?
You certainly can! For a smaller tree, use fewer dough balls per row. For a larger one, you might need two cans of dough and a bigger baking sheet, extending your rows. Just be mindful of ensuring all the balls cook evenly.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones in the garlic butter? What’s the conversion?
Yes, you can use dried herbs. As a general rule, I use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. So, for this recipe, I’d suggest 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil.
What’s the best way to transport this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread to a party?
I typically bake it at home, let it cool slightly, then transfer it gently to a large, flat serving platter or a sturdy baking sheet covered with foil. Reheat it at the party location if possible, or serve it at room temperature, as it’s delicious either way!
If you want a drink pairing, try this Amazing Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Recipe.
I truly hope you and your loved ones enjoy this delightful Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread as much as I do. It’s such a festive and delicious way to bring people together during the holidays. I’m confident you’ll love the ease and charm of this recipe!
I’d be absolutely thrilled to hear how your Christmas tree bread turns out. Please leave a comment below with any questions, or better yet, share your beautiful creations on social media and tag Delish Map! Happy cooking, my friends!
Love cozy, festive recipes like this? Follow us on Pinterest for more holiday favorites, easy appetizers, and joyful kitchen inspiration!
The Ultimate Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400° then line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the dough into 30 approximately equal squares then cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite size (1 inch) pieces.
- Add a piece of mozzarella to each square of dough then form a ball, rolling with your hands to smooth and seal the edges. I always make sure to pinch the seams really tight here; this is the key to preventing any cheesy leaks during baking!
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet seam side down in the shape of a tree (see photos) – so the balls are touching. For a truly stunning tree, I like to start with one ball at the top, then two below it, then three, and so on, making sure each ball is just touching its neighbors. This ensures a beautiful pull-apart effect. Blend the egg and water in a small bowl and lightly brush each ball with the egg wash.
- Bake 16-18 minutes or until golden brown. While the bread is baking, microwave the butter until melted then stir in half of the parmesan cheese and all of the grated garlic and herbs. Brush onto the rolls, then sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese over the top then serve right away with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.
Notes
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