Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and delicious pull-apart bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with gooey cheese and brushed with garlic butter. This easy holiday appetizer is perfect for Christmas gatherings, parties, or a cozy family night!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive & fun – A beautiful centerpiece for holiday tables.
- Quick & easy – Uses refrigerated dough for a simple prep.
- Gooey & cheesy – Every bite is filled with melted cheese.
- Perfect party appetizer – A great snack for sharing!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent roll dough)
- Mozzarella cheese (cubed)
- Butter (melted)
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Directions
- Preheat oven – Set to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut & fill dough – Roll out pizza dough and cut into 1-inch squares. Place a cube of mozzarella in each square and roll into balls.
- Assemble the tree – Arrange dough balls in a Christmas tree shape on the baking sheet.
- Bake – Brush with melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Add finishing touches – Brush with more butter, sprinkle with Parmesan, and garnish with parsley.
- Serve – Enjoy warm with marinara sauce for dipping!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version – Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- Extra cheesy – Use different cheeses like cheddar or gouda.
- Herb lover’s twist – Add fresh rosemary or thyme.
- Sweet version – Fill with Nutella and sprinkle with powdered sugar!
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze before baking and cook fresh when needed.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough?
Yes! Homemade pizza dough works great.
What dipping sauces go well with this?
Marinara, ranch, or garlic butter are all delicious options.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dough balls and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How do I make the top extra golden?
Brush with egg wash before baking for a shiny, golden crust.
Can I use crescent dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes, but it will be softer and flakier.
Can I add meats like pepperoni?
Absolutely! Wrap small pepperoni slices inside each dough ball.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking?
Seal the dough well around the cheese cubes before baking.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of cubes?
Cubed cheese melts better, but shredded cheese can work too.
How do I make this tree even more festive?
Decorate with cherry tomatoes and basil for a “garland” effect.
Can I make mini versions?
Yes! Make bite-sized versions by using smaller dough pieces.
Conclusion
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is the ultimate festive appetizer, combining soft dough, gooey cheese, and flavorful garlic butter. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this pull-apart bread is fun, delicious, and easy to make. Try it today and bring holiday cheer to your table!
PrintCheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and delicious pull-apart bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with gooey cheese and brushed with garlic butter. This easy holiday appetizer is perfect for Christmas gatherings, parties, or a cozy family night!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 pieces 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 (13.8 oz) can refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent roll dough)
- 14 mozzarella cheese cubes (about ½-inch each)
- 1 tbsp flour (for dusting)
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish (Optional):
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare Dough:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut & Fill Dough Balls:
- Lightly flour a work surface and roll out pizza dough.
- Cut dough into 14 equal pieces.
- Place one mozzarella cube in the center of each piece and roll into a tight ball, sealing the edges.
3. Arrange Into a Christmas Tree Shape:
- Arrange dough balls in a tree shape (start with 5 at the base, then 4, 3, 2, and 1 at the top).
- Place an extra dough ball at the bottom as the “tree trunk.”
4. Bake Until Golden:
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Brush with Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and Parmesan.
- Brush over the hot bread.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping!
Notes
✔ Make It Extra Cheesy: Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella on top before baking.
✔ Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough.
✔ Storage: Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated.