Easy Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

This Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a fun holiday experience. It’s fun to make, beautiful to present, and absolutely delicious to eat. Here’s why I think you’ll adore it:

• It’s shaped like a Christmas tree, making it perfect for the holidays.
• The recipe is easy to make with store-bought dough, saving you time.
• It’s a kid-friendly activity; get the little ones involved.
• The flavor is delightfully cheesy, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Clara

Easy Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through making Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread. It’s the perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings, and it’s so easy, even the kids can help!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 16 minutes mins

Total Time 26 minutes mins

Servings: 15 servings

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients:

• 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
• Parchment paper for lining baking sheet
• 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
• 3 tablespoons butter melted
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese divided
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic grated
• 1 jar marinara and/or pesto for dipping

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• small bowl

Method

 

1. * Preheat the oven to 400° then line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
2. * Cut the dough into 30 approximately equal squares then cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite size (1 inch) pieces.
3. * Add a piece of mozzarella to each square of dough then form a ball, rolling with your hands to smooth and seal the edges.
4. * Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet seam side down in the shape of a tree (see photos) – so the balls are touching. Blend the egg and water in a small bowl and lightly brush each ball with the egg wash.
5. * Bake 16-18 minutes or until golden brown. While the bread is baking, microwave the butter until melted then stir in half of the parmesan cheese and all of the grated garlic and herbs. Brush onto the rolls, then sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese over the top then serve right away with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.

Notes

For that gorgeous golden-brown crust, make sure to brush the bread evenly with the egg wash. This not only adds color but also a lovely sheen.

What You Need to Make Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

To get started on this fun holiday appetizer, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need, all easily found at your local grocery store. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand; I’ll share some easy substitutions later on!

• 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
• Parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)
• 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 large egg (+ 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
• 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil (finely chopped)
• 1 clove garlic ( grated)
• 1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

I always encourage you to make a recipe your own, so let’s talk about ingredient quality and possible substitutions. For the pizza dough, I generally opt for a regular, not thin-crust, refrigerated dough, as it puffs up nicely and holds the cheesy filling well. However, if you prefer a thinner crust, go right ahead; just watch the baking time.

As for the cheese, while mozzarella sticks are convenient, you can absolutely use provolone or even pepper jack for a little kick. Just cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.

Regarding herbs, fresh is best for that vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work in a pinch. I’d suggest using about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb as a substitute for the fresh amounts listed. Remember, dried herbs are more potent, so you need less.

How to Make Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get baking! This recipe is so straightforward. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful and delicious Christmas tree bread in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cut the dough into 30 approximately equal squares, then cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite size (1 inch) pieces.

Step 3: Add a piece of mozzarella to each square of dough, then form a ball, rolling with your hands to smooth and seal the edges.

Step 4: Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet seam side down in the shape of a tree (see photos) – so the balls are touching. Blend the egg and water in a small bowl and lightly brush each ball with the egg wash.

Step 5: Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown. While the bread is baking, microwave the butter until melted, then stir in half of the parmesan cheese and all of the grated garlic and herbs. Brush onto the rolls, then sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese over the top, then serve right away with marinara and/or pesto for dipping.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread

Here are a few of my favorite tips to ensure your Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread turns out perfectly every time. For that gorgeous golden-brown crust, make sure to brush the bread evenly with the egg wash. This not only adds color but also a lovely sheen.

To prevent the cheese from burning or oozing out too much, make sure the dough is sealed tightly around each piece of mozzarella. The key is to gently stretch the dough around the cheese, ensuring there are no openings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I want to help you avoid some common pitfalls. Overbaking can lead to a dry, hard bread, so keep a close eye on it after 15 minutes. If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can lightly tent it with foil.

Cheese leakage happens when the dough isn’t sealed properly, so double-check those seams! Uneven cooking can occur if the dough balls are different sizes, so try to cut them as uniformly as possible.

Serving Suggestions

While marinara and pesto are classic dipping choices, I like to get a little more creative. How about a creamy garlic parmesan dip? Or maybe a spicy arrabbiata sauce for those who like a bit of heat?

For a festive presentation, arrange the Christmas tree bread on a large, round platter, surrounded by sprigs of fresh rosemary and small bowls of your favorite dipping sauces. I also sometimes like to serve mine with a festive green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the bread.

Variations on Your Christmas Tree Bread

Let’s have some fun with flavors! Here are a few variations to inspire your inner chef:

Make-Ahead Instructions

If you’re short on time the day of your gathering, you can prep the dough balls ahead of time. Simply assemble them as instructed, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

When you’re ready to bake, remove the dough from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature slightly. This will help it rise properly.

How to Store and Reheat

To prevent the bread from becoming soggy, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. I find that it’s best consumed within 1-2 days.

To reheat, I recommend using the oven. Preheat to 350°, wrap the bread loosely in foil, and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, or it will become tough.

How to Get Kids Involved

This recipe is fantastic for getting the kids involved! Younger children can help with tearing the dough into squares and rolling them into balls. Older kids can assist with cutting the cheese sticks and arranging the dough balls on the baking sheet.

My favorite part is letting them brush the egg wash over the bread, making it a truly collaborative and fun experience. Cooking together creates memories and teaches valuable skills.

Frequently Asked Questions