Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and delicious pull-apart bread shaped like a Christmas tree, perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with soft, buttery dough, gooey melted cheese, and a garlic herb butter topping, this appetizer is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and festive holiday presentation
• Easy to make with store-bought or homemade dough
• Gooey, cheesy, and packed with flavor
• Perfect for parties, potlucks, or Christmas dinner
• A great appetizer to serve with marinara or ranch dip

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• Mozzarella cheese (cubed)
• Butter (melted)
• Garlic (minced)
• Italian seasoning
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into small squares.
3. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough square and pinch the edges to seal, forming small balls.
4. Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree.
5. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
6. Brush the garlic butter mixture over the dough balls.
7. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
9. Serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for extra heat.
• Stuffed with Different Cheese: Try cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
• Pesto Flavor: Spread pesto inside the dough balls before sealing.
• Meaty Option: Add cooked crumbled sausage or pepperoni inside each dough ball.
• Sweet Version: Swap garlic butter for cinnamon sugar and serve with cream cheese icing.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use canned biscuit dough instead of pizza dough?

Yes! Canned biscuit dough works well for a quicker version of this recipe.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the tree and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.

What other dips can I serve with this?

Ranch dressing, garlic butter, cheese sauce, or even pesto make great dipping options.

How do I make this bread extra fluffy?

Use fresh, high-quality pizza dough and let it rest before baking for the best texture.

Can I make a smaller version of this recipe?

Yes! Adjust the number of dough balls to create a smaller tree or mini individual trees.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to pinch the dough tightly around the cheese cubes before baking.

Can I add extra seasonings to the garlic butter?

Absolutely! Try adding onion powder, smoked paprika, or a little honey for a unique flavor.

Can I bake this on a pizza stone?

Yes! A pizza stone helps create an even bake and a crispier bottom.

What if my bread turns out too dry?

Brush with additional melted butter right after baking to add moisture and richness.

Can I use frozen pizza dough?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before using.

Conclusion

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a fun and festive appetizer that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Whether served at holiday gatherings, Christmas Eve dinners, or cozy family nights, this pull-apart bread is a delicious way to celebrate the season. Enjoy it with your favorite dips and customize it to your taste!

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