If you’re searching for the ultimate show-stopping holiday appetizer, look no further than this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread! Imagine golden, pillowy dough balls oozing with melty cheese, all arranged in a whimsical tree shape that promises festive fun and flavor in every bite. Perfect for gatherings, this pull-apart bread is as delightful to make as it is to eat, making it a must-have treat for your next holiday get-together. Trust me, once you set this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread on the table, it’ll be the star of the season.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This festive recipe comes together with just a handful of simple, staple ingredients, but each one plays a starring role in making your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread irresistible. From the fluffy dough to the gooey cheese and aromatic seasonings, every element brings texture, taste, and holiday cheer to the party.

Pizza dough (1 pound): The foundation of your tree; use store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra love and flavor.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1½ cups): The melty, stretchy heart of every bite—don’t skimp on quality for the best cheesy pull!
Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds nutty, salty depth to both the filling and the butter topping.
Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): This coats the bread and brings a rich, mouthwatering finish.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): For that irresistible garlic bread aroma and flavor.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Gives a burst of herby brightness that sings of the holidays.
Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): A fresh, green garnish that makes your tree pop visually (and adds a hint of freshness).
Warm marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping): The perfect companion for dunking and savoring every cheesy bite.

How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this not only makes cleanup a breeze but also ensures your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread doesn’t stick and bakes up golden underneath. While the oven heats, you’ll have plenty of time to get your dough and fillings ready.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle, aiming for about ¼-inch thickness. This is the perfect thickness for fluffy, chewy bread balls. Next, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 33–36 equal squares. They don’t have to be perfectly uniform—rustic is charming here!

Step 3: Fill and Shape the Dough Balls

Take each square of dough and place about 1 teaspoon of shredded mozzarella in the center. Pinch the edges tightly to seal, then gently roll each piece into a ball. This is where the magic happens: every ball will turn into a gooey, cheesy surprise once baked. For a fun variation, try tucking in a little pepperoni or cooked sausage.

Step 4: Arrange the Tree

Place the sealed dough balls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet, arranging them in the shape of a Christmas tree. Start with one ball at the top, then add rows beneath, increasing the number of balls in each row to form a triangular tree. Leave a little space between each ball—they’ll puff up and nestle together as they bake.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the bread is beautifully golden on top and the cheese is bubbling inside. The aroma will have everyone wandering into the kitchen, eager for a taste!

Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter and Finish

While your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is baking, stir together the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan. As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, brush it generously with this buttery mixture and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like. This step adds irresistible flavor and a festive finishing touch!

How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of green, echoing the Christmas tree shape and giving a hint of freshness. For extra sparkle, you can also add a bit of flaky sea salt or even edible gold dust for a truly magical presentation.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a perfect appetizer, but it also shines alongside other holiday favorites. Serve it with a big salad, a platter of roasted vegetables, or a bowl of hearty soup for a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal. It’s especially wonderful with tomato-based soups or creamy dips.

Creative Ways to Present

Place your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread on a festive platter and tuck sprigs of rosemary around the base to look like pine branches. Add cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers as “ornaments,” and a star-shaped piece of cheese at the top for extra cheer. Guests will love pulling off pieces from the tree—it’s interactive and fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bread will stay soft and flavorful, and you can easily reheat it for snacking later.

Freezing

To freeze, let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm the bread in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melty again. For best results, avoid the microwave, which can make the bread chewy. Serve with fresh marinara for dipping and it’ll taste just as festive as day one.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?

Absolutely! Store-bought dough makes this recipe super quick and convenient, and you’ll still get soft, delicious results. If you have a favorite homemade dough, feel free to use it for an extra-special touch.

What other cheeses could I use inside the bread balls?

While mozzarella is classic for its meltiness, you can experiment with cheddar, fontina, provolone, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra richness. Just be sure to use cheese that melts well for the best gooey center.

Can I make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the filled dough balls and arrange them on your baking sheet up to 4 hours in advance. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes entertaining a breeze.

Is there a way to make this recipe more festive?

Definitely! Try adding colorful “ornaments” with diced roasted peppers, sliced olives, or cherry tomatoes. You can also brush the finished bread with pesto for a green tint, or top with a star-shaped slice of cheese.

What’s the best way to serve the marinara sauce?

Serve the warm marinara or pizza sauce in a small bowl nestled right next to the bread tree, or place it in a “tree trunk” ramekin at the base of your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread for a fun and practical touch.

Final Thoughts

Your holiday table deserves something both stunning and delicious, and Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is truly the best of both worlds. Gather your friends and family, make a batch together, and enjoy every gooey, garlicky, joy-filled bite. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new tradition!

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and fun appetizer perfect for holiday parties. Soft pizza dough is filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, rolled into bite-sized balls, and arranged to form a Christmas tree shape. After baking to golden perfection, the bread is brushed with a savory garlic herb butter and sprinkled with Parmesan and parsley, served warm with marinara sauce for delicious dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough and Cheese

1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoned Butter

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Garnish and Dipping

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick to ensure even baking.
Cut and Fill: Cut the dough into 33–36 equal squares. Place about 1 teaspoon of shredded mozzarella in the center of each square, then pinch the edges tightly to seal the cheese inside and roll each into a smooth ball.
Arrange the Tree: Place the cheese-filled dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a Christmas tree shape — start with 1 ball at the top and add increasing numbers per row to form a tree.
Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until the bread balls are puffed up and golden brown on top.
Make Seasoned Butter: While baking, combine the melted butter with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese to create a flavorful brush-on topping.
Brush and Garnish: Once the bread is out of the oven, immediately brush the warm bread tree with the seasoned butter. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top if desired for color and freshness.
Serve: Serve the cheesy Christmas tree bread warm alongside warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping and enjoy your festive party treat.

Notes

You can prepare and shape the dough balls up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
For a meaty variation, add small pieces of pepperoni or cooked sausage inside the cheese in each dough ball before sealing.
Make sure to seal the dough balls tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American