If you are looking for a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer, this Simple Christmas Tree Bread With Cheese is exactly what your holiday table needs. Warm, golden pull-apart bread filled with melty cheese and brushed with garlic herb butter is fun to make, easy to serve, and impossible to resist.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Simple Christmas Tree Bread With Cheese
This recipe checks all the boxes for a successful holiday appetizer. It is visually impressive, yet surprisingly easy to prepare. Using store-bought pizza dough keeps things simple, while the cheese filling and buttery topping make it taste homemade and special.
You will love this recipe because it is:
- Easy enough for beginner cooks
- Made with simple grocery store ingredients
- Fun for kids and adults alike
- Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, and family gatherings
- Customizable with different cheeses and herbs
Best of all, this bread is meant to be shared. Guests can pull off a cheesy bite and dip it into warm marinara or pesto, making it a natural centerpiece for entertaining.
Ingredients for Simple Christmas Tree Bread With Cheese
Bread and Filling
- 2 cans refrigerated pizza dough, about 13 to 16 ounces total
- 10 to 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Garlic Herb Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 pinch salt
For Serving
- Warm marinara sauce, pizza sauce, or pesto
Ingredient Notes
Pizza dough: Refrigerated pizza dough works best for ease and consistency. If using homemade dough, make sure it is soft and fully proofed so it bakes evenly.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives you that classic cheese pull. You can also use mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, provolone, or a mix of cheeses.
Herbs: Fresh herbs add color and holiday flavor. If needed, substitute dried herbs using about one third of the amount.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level. If using salted butter, reduce added salt slightly.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
This recipe needs space to form the tree shape, so use the largest baking sheet you have.
Step 2: Cut the Dough and Cheese
Remove the pizza dough from the cans and place it on a lightly floured surface. Gently stretch it into a rectangle.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into small squares, about 2 inches by 2 inches.
Cut the mozzarella string cheese into 1 inch pieces so each dough square gets one piece of cheese.
Step 3: Stuff the Dough Balls
Place one piece of cheese in the center of each dough square. Fold the dough around the cheese and pinch the seams tightly to seal.
Roll each piece gently between your hands to form a smooth ball. Sealing well is important so the cheese stays inside while baking.
Step 4: Shape the Christmas Tree
Start arranging the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Begin with a wide base and work upward, placing the dough balls close together so they touch.
Form a short trunk at the bottom using two or three dough balls. This helps complete the tree shape and makes it extra festive.
Step 5: Apply the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the egg wash lightly over all the dough balls.
This step gives the bread a beautiful golden color and helps it bake evenly.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the bread is puffed and golden brown on top.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Step 7: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
While the bread bakes, prepare the garlic herb butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, rosemary, basil, and salt.
Stir well so everything is evenly mixed.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Remove the bread from the oven and immediately brush the garlic herb butter generously over the top.
Sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with marinara sauce, pizza sauce, or pesto for dipping.
Pro Tips for Success
- Seal the dough tightly around the cheese to prevent leaks.
- Keep dough balls touching so the bread pulls apart easily.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and transfer.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings.
- Place a small bowl of dipping sauce at the base of the tree for presentation.
Flavor Variations
This Simple Christmas Tree Bread With Cheese is easy to customize. Try one of these variations to switch things up.
Italian style: Add a pinch of Italian seasoning to the garlic butter and use provolone cheese.
Cheddar garlic: Swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar and add a little extra garlic.
Herb and butter: Skip the cheese and focus on herbs and Parmesan for a lighter version.
Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the butter or use pepper jack cheese.
Everything seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the egg wash before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This bread pairs beautifully with many holiday dishes and appetizers. Serve it alongside:
- A charcuterie or cheese board
- Soup or chili for dipping
- Holiday salads
- Roasted vegetables
- Pasta dishes or baked casseroles
It also works well as a fun appetizer before the main meal or as a snack during gift opening.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Storing leftovers: Place cooled bread in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread chewy.
Freezing: Freeze baked and cooled bread tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.
Simple Christmas Tree Bread With Cheese
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Christmas Tree Bread With Cheese is a festive pull apart appetizer made with soft pizza dough, gooey melted cheese, and brushed with buttery garlic herbs. It is easy to prepare, fun to share, and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated pizza dough (13–16 ounces total)
- 10–12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 pinch salt
- Marinara sauce, pizza sauce, or pesto for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Stretch the pizza dough into a rectangle and cut into 2-inch squares.
- Cut the mozzarella into 1-inch pieces.
- Place one piece of cheese in each dough square, seal tightly, and roll into a ball.
- Arrange dough balls on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree with a small trunk.
- Whisk the egg and water together and brush over the dough balls.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, rosemary, basil, and salt.
- Brush garlic herb butter over the warm bread.
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce, pizza sauce, or pesto.
Notes
Seal the dough tightly to prevent cheese from leaking. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
Values are estimates and will vary based on ingredients used.
FAQ About Simple Christmas Tree Bread With Cheese
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bread and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 8 hours. Brush with egg wash just before baking for best results.
What cheese melts best for this recipe?
Mozzarella is the most reliable for melting and flavor. Provolone, Monterey Jack, and mild cheddar also work well.
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely. Just be sure the dough is soft and elastic. Roll it slightly thinner than store bought dough so it cooks evenly.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure each dough ball is sealed tightly with no gaps. Pinch seams firmly and roll gently to smooth them.
Is this recipe kid friendly?
Yes, kids love helping roll the dough balls and pulling the bread apart. The flavors are mild and comforting.
What dips work best with this bread?
Marinara and pizza sauce are classic choices. Pesto, ranch, or garlic butter also pair beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Christmas Tree Bread With Cheese is the kind of recipe that brings people together. It is festive without being complicated, comforting without being boring, and impressive without being stressful. Whether you are hosting a big holiday party or a cozy family dinner, this cheesy pull apart bread is guaranteed to be a hit.
Once you make it, do not be surprised if it becomes a new holiday tradition in your home.