Name: Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough; 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks; Parchment paper for lining baking sheet; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon water; 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 sauce; 1 jar pesto sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 6 reviews

If you’re looking for a festive, fun twist on bread that will wow your guests, this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try! I fell in love with this recipe the first time I made it because it’s not only stunning on the table but also melts hearts (and cheese) with every bite. Whether it’s for a holiday party or a cozy family night, this pull-apart bread decorated like a Christmas tree is equal parts delicious and delightful. Grab your apron and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen together!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday staples like refrigerated dough and mozzarella sticks that make prep easy and quick.
Visual Impact: The bread arranged in a Christmas tree shape brings instant holiday cheer and makes for a fun centerpiece.
Flavorful Herb Butter: The mixture of fresh herbs, garlic, and parmesan melted into butter adds an irresistible savory touch.
Easy to Share: Pull-apart format encourages guests to munch and mingle, perfect for gatherings.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, festive bread ideas, holiday pull-apart bread, Christmas party snacks, cheesy holiday bread - The image shows a Christmas tree-shaped pull-apart bread made of small golden brown dough balls. Each dough ball is topped with melted cheese and chopped green herbs, giving a mix of light yellow, white, and green colors on the surface. The dough balls are tightly packed to form the triangular tree shape with a small stem at the bottom. A few grated cheese pieces are scattered over the bread and some green herbs are sprinkled on the white marbled surface underneath. To the top right, there is a white bowl filled with thick red tomato sauce and a spoon nearby with sauce on it. A sprig of fresh rosemary lies to the left of the bread. Part of a white cloth with red stripes is visible in the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe has a purpose that complements the others, making the perfect balance between a soft, cheesy center and an aromatic, golden crust. Picking fresh herbs and good-quality mozzarella really elevates the flavors, so be sure to scout out the best you can find.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, festive bread ideas, holiday pull-apart bread, Christmas party snacks, cheesy holiday bread - Flat lay of fresh unrolled pizza dough ball, several mozzarella cheese sticks, one large whole brown egg, small white bowl of water, small white bowl with melted butter, small white bowl with grated parmesan cheese, small white bowl with finely chopped fresh parsley, small white bowl with finely chopped fresh rosemary, small white bowl with finely chopped fresh basil, small white bowl with grated garlic, small white bowl of bright red marinara sauce, and small white bowl of green pesto sauce, all arranged symmetrically with perfect balance, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Refrigerator Pizza Dough: Pre-made dough saves time and ensures a tender yet sturdy bread base perfect for shaping.
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: These melt beautifully inside the dough balls, creating gooey pockets of cheesy goodness.
Egg and Water (Egg Wash): Adds a gorgeous golden shine and helps the herbs and parmesan stick.
Butter: Melts over the fresh-out-of-the-oven bread for richness and moisture.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick both inside the herb butter and sprinkled on top.
Fresh Parsley, Rosemary, and Basil: These herbs bring fragrant, festive notes that take the flavor beyond ordinary.
Garlic: Provides a punch of savory warmth that pairs perfectly with the cheese and herbs.
Marinara and Pesto: These dips add vibrant, tangy contrasts for dunking the cheesy bread balls.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I always encourage you to make this recipe your own! Over time, I’ve played around with different cheeses and herbs to match what I have on hand or my mood. The great thing about this cheesy Christmas tree bread recipe is how flexible it can be.

Cheese Variations: I once swapped mozzarella for a combo of mozzarella and sharp cheddar – it gave a sharper bite, which some guests really loved.
Herb Swaps: If you don’t have fresh rosemary or basil, dried works fine – just reduce the amount because dried herbs are more potent.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb butter is my secret for a little heat without overpowering the cheesy flavor.
Gluten-Free Dough: Have tried gluten-free dough once,and while the texture changes, it still works well for a festive pull-apart bread.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dough

First things first: preheat your oven to a nice toasty 400°F (that’s about 200°C if you’re metric). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper – trust me, this ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup a breeze. Then, grab your refrigerated pizza dough and cut it into about 30 equal squares. I find using a bench scraper or pizza cutter helps keep those cuts clean and even, which makes the bread balls uniform and bake evenly.

Step 2: Cheese Inside Every Bite

Take mozzarella sticks and cut them into roughly 1-inch pieces—bite-sized pockets of melty cheese heaven. Place one piece of mozzarella in the center of each square. Then gently bring the dough edges up and around the cheese, pinching to seal. Rolling each sealed ball lightly in your hands helps smooth seams and keeps that magic cheese from oozing out during baking. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; rustic is charming here.

Step 3: Form the Christmas Tree

Now for the fun part—lay your dough balls on your parchment-lined sheet, seam side down, arranging them carefully so they touch and form a Christmas tree shape. Start with one ball at the top as the tree’s tip and gradually widen the rows below. I usually place about 6 balls on the bottom row and taper up to one at the peak. It looks impressive and festive, perfect for your holiday table.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

Whisk together one large egg with a tablespoon of water to create your egg wash. Lightly brush this over each dough ball – this step gives your bread that beautiful shiny, golden finish that looks so inviting. Pop the whole tray in the oven and bake for 16-18 minutes, or until your bread turns golden brown and smells like the holidays.

Step 5: Herb Butter Finish

While baking, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese, freshly grated garlic, and all those fragrant chopped parsley, rosemary, and basil. As soon as the bread is out of the oven, brush this luscious herb butter all over the warm balls. Then sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top. It’s this step that transforms the bread from great to “I need the recipe!” level.

Step 6: Serve With Dips

Finally, place your freshly made Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread on the table with a couple of dipping options—marinara and pesto are my go-tos for their fresh, zesty contrast to the rich bread. Watching friends pull apart those cheesy balls, dipping and savoring, is pure joy every time.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Seal Those Edges Well: Ensuring dough is pinched tightly will keep that melty cheese inside without leaking.
Even Dough Pieces: Cut the dough into equal pieces for uniform balls that cook at the same rate—no burnt bottoms or doughy centers!
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh is best for both aroma and flavor; if you’re short on time, finely chop and give a quick toast in the butter for extra depth.
Serve Warm: This bread warms up beautifully, but nothing beats enjoying it right after baking when it’s fresh and gooey.

How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, festive bread ideas, holiday pull-apart bread, Christmas party snacks, cheesy holiday bread - A close-up image shows a white marbled surface with a white bowl filled with thick red sauce that has a chunky texture and glossy finish. Above the bowl, a woman's hand with red painted nails is dipping a small round light golden brown fried item into the sauce. The fried item looks soft with a slightly crisp surface and a few green spots inside. The background is softly blurred to focus on the dip action. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra fresh parsley or basil on top after baking because it adds that pop of color that makes the “Christmas tree” even more festive. A light dusting of extra parmesan cheese also amps up the savory appeal. And for a holiday sparkle, sometimes I add tiny bits of chopped sun-dried tomato or red pepper flakes—like edible ornaments!

Side Dishes

This cheesy bread pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through all that richness. On colder days, I serve it alongside a bowl of homemade tomato soup or roasted butternut squash soup for a cozy, comforting meal. It also makes a fantastic appetizer next to a charcuterie board full of olives, cured meats, and fresh fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

One favorite way I’ve dressed this up is by placing the bread on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary tucked around the edges, giving it a “fresh from the forest” vibe. For kids’ parties, adding small edible star-shaped tortilla chips at the top as the “star” on the Christmas tree is always a hit. You can also layer multi-colored herbs or sprinkle a dusting of paprika for a pop of holiday red.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread keeps surprisingly well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I usually cover it with foil to keep the cheese from drying out, but if it looks like it might get too soft, the fridge is also fine for short-term storage.

Freezing

To freeze, I recommend shaping and assembling the dough balls but baking them fresh. However, you can freeze the fully baked tree wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat – more on that next!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the bread in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the bread chewy rather than crispy. Re-brushing with a little melted herb butter freshens up the flavor and moisture on reheating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated pizza dough?

Absolutely! Homemade pizza or bread dough works perfectly here. Just be sure the dough is soft and pliable enough to stretch around the cheese without tearing, and let it rest if necessary before shaping.
What other cheeses can I use in this recipe?

Mozzarella is classic for its meltiness, but feel free to mix in provolone, fontina, or even a bit of sharp cheddar for extra flavor complexity. Just keep the pieces about the same size for even melting.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love pulling apart the cheesy balls and dipping them. To make it even more kid-friendly, use mild mozzarella and offer fun dips like ranch or a simple marinara sauce.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out during baking?

The key is sealing the dough edges very well around the cheese and gently rolling into tight balls. If the dough is too dry or cold, it could crack, so make sure it’s nicely pliable.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the dough balls and shape them into the tree a few hours ahead, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just bring them close to room temperature before baking for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe holds a special place in my holiday cooking lineup because it’s festive, interactive, and downright delicious. I love how it encourages everyone to gather around the table, pull apart the bread, and share that warm, cheesy joy. If you try it, I promise it’ll become one of those holiday classics you look forward to year after year. So, invite your friends, prep your ingredients, and get ready for some delicious memories to be made!