Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and delicious pull-apart bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with gooey cheese and topped with a buttery garlic glaze. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a fun and shareable appetizer that will impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A visually stunning centerpiece for holiday parties
- Easy to make with store-bought or homemade dough
- Packed with melty, cheesy goodness in every bite
- Customizable with different cheeses and toppings
- Perfect for dipping in marinara or garlic butter
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Mozzarella cheese (or any melty cheese of choice)
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Parmesan cheese
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a little water)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into equal-sized squares.
- Place a cube of mozzarella in the center of each square, then pinch the dough together to form a ball.
- Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree.
- Brush the tree with egg wash for a golden crust.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking, melt butter in a small pan and mix in minced garlic and chopped parsley.
- Remove the bread from the oven and brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the top.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 people
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter topping.
- Different Cheeses: Try cheddar, gouda, or a mix of cheeses for a different flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Mix rosemary or thyme into the butter glaze for extra holiday flavor.
- Stuffed Fillings: Add a bit of pepperoni or cooked bacon inside each dough ball for a meaty twist.
- Sweet Version: Swap garlic butter for cinnamon sugar and fill with cream cheese for a dessert version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave individual pieces for 15-20 seconds.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls with cheese inside. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure to pinch the dough tightly around the cheese and seal it well before baking.
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes! Crescent roll dough works well for a softer, flakier texture.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, assemble the tree and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.
What dipping sauces go well with this?
Marinara, garlic butter, ranch, or even pesto work great.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! Add pepperoni, crumbled sausage, or diced ham inside the dough balls.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme add a great burst of flavor.
How do I make this extra crispy?
Brush with a little olive oil before baking for an extra crispy crust.
Can I use shredded cheese instead of cubes?
Cubes work best for a gooey center, but shredded cheese can work if well packed inside.
What can I serve with this?
Pair with a fresh salad, soup, or a charcuterie board for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a delightful and festive appetizer that’s easy to make and perfect for holiday celebrations. Whether served as a party snack or as part of a larger holiday spread, this pull-apart bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the gooey cheese, flavorful garlic butter, and the joy of sharing delicious bites with loved ones!
Print
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is the perfect holiday appetizer! Soft, fluffy dough is filled with gooey melted cheese, then baked to golden perfection. It’s brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with fresh herbs for extra flavor. A fun and delicious centerpiece for your holiday table!
Ingredients
- Dough:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Filling:
- 12 oz mozzarella cheese (cut into small cubes)
- Topping:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out pizza dough and cut into 24 equal pieces.
- Fill Dough Balls: Place a cube of mozzarella in the center of each piece, then pinch the edges to seal.
- Shape the Tree: Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree (triangle with a small trunk at the bottom).
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.
- Make Garlic Butter: While baking, mix melted butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt in a small bowl.
- Brush & Garnish: Once baked, brush the bread with garlic butter, sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with marinara sauce for dipping!
Notes
- You can use pre-shredded mozzarella, but cubed cheese melts better inside the dough.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- For a shortcut, use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough.
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