Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and fun appetizer perfect for holiday parties, Christmas dinner, or even a cozy movie night. Golden brown pull-apart rolls are brushed with garlic butter, filled with gooey cheese, and shaped into a cheerful Christmas tree. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing centerpiece that disappears in minutes, especially when served warm with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or 1 pound homemade dough)
- 20–24 mozzarella cheese cubes (about ½ inch each)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- Coarse sea salt, for topping
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley. Set aside.
Step 2: Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle and cut into 20–24 equal squares.
Step 3: Place one cube of mozzarella in the center of each dough square. Fold the dough around the cheese and pinch to seal, forming a ball.
Step 4: Arrange the balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree: start with one dough ball at the top, then add rows increasing by one each time (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), ending with 5 at the bottom and 1 at the trunk.
Step 5: Brush the dough balls with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle grated Parmesan and a pinch of coarse sea salt on top.
Step 6: Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Brush with additional butter if desired.
Step 7: Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Variation
- Add pepperoni or ham inside with the cheese for a meatier bite
- Use cheddar, provolone, or brie instead of mozzarella
- Swap parsley for rosemary or thyme for an herbal twist
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Use puff pastry instead of pizza dough for a flakier texture
Cooking Notes
- Best served fresh and warm, but can be reheated at 300°F for 10 minutes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- To freeze: shape and freeze dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag and bake from frozen (add 5 minutes to baking time)
- If using fresh dough, let it rest at room temperature 15 minutes before shaping
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect for holiday appetizers, potlucks, or game day
- Add to a Christmas brunch spread with festive dips
- Serve alongside a cheese board or soup for a cozy meal
- Pair with tomato basil soup or creamy alfredo sauce
- Include mini bowls of ranch, pesto, or sriracha mayo for dipping variety
Tips
- Seal dough tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, leave space for rising
- Use a small cookie scoop to portion even dough squares
- Brush again with garlic butter as soon as it comes out of the oven
- Serve on a wooden board with extra herbs for a rustic holiday touch
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Piece, approx. 24 servings)
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 4.5g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 160mg
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?
- Yes, homemade dough works beautifully. Make sure it’s soft and pliable.
How do I make this ahead of time?
- Shape the dough balls and refrigerate up to 8 hours in advance. Bake just before serving.
What’s the best cheese to use?
- Mozzarella gives the best melt, but you can mix in cheddar or fontina for extra flavor.
How do I keep the tree shape while baking?
- Don’t overcrowd the dough balls and use parchment paper to help shape and lift if needed.
Can I reheat leftovers?
- Yes, reheat in the oven at 300°F until warm. Avoid microwaving as it may soften the texture.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. With melty cheese inside golden, garlicky rolls and festive presentation, it’s guaranteed to be the hit of your holiday gathering. Simple to assemble, fun to eat, and easy to customize, this savory Christmas recipe is a new seasonal tradition waiting to happen.