Name: Cheesy christmas tree pull apart bread (Easy Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 48 min
Cuisine: Holiday
Ingredients: 1 lb prepared pizza dough (room temperature); 7 mozzarella cheese sticks; 2 egg yolks; 2 tbsp butter (melted); 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped); 3 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your friends and family at your next holiday gathering, this Cheesy christmas tree pull apart bread (Easy Recipe) is the ultimate festive showstopper. Picture golden, buttery dough balls stuffed with gooey mozzarella, arranged in the shape of a sparkling Christmas tree and finished with a hearty sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmesan. It’s warm, whimsical, irresistibly cheesy, and honestly, one of the most crowd-pleasing appetizers I’ve ever made. Every bite is a cozy, merry celebration, perfect for sharing around the table.

Cheesy christmas tree pull apart bread (Easy Recipe) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This magical bread is built on the back of simple, essential ingredients—each one chosen for its role in creating that perfect pull-apart bite. Don’t skip or swap, and you’ll get flavor, festivity, and fun in every mouthful!

Prepared pizza dough: The base of our tree, giving you an easy and reliable shortcut for soft, chewy bread without all the fuss.
Mozzarella cheese sticks: These melt effortlessly inside the dough balls, creating those dreamy, stretchy cheese centers.
Egg yolks: Brushing these over the dough gives your “tree” a gorgeous, glossy golden color when baked.
Butter (melted): For brushing over the finished bread to add delicious richness and that classic holiday shine.
Fresh parsley (finely chopped): A sprinkle of green brightens up the presentation and adds garden-fresh flavor.
Freshly grated Parmesan: Nothing beats the nutty, salty finish Parmesan brings to all that melty mozzarella.

How to Make Cheesy christmas tree pull apart bread (Easy Recipe)

Step 1: Prep the Dough & Cheese

Start by letting your pizza dough rest at room temperature for 15 minutes; this helps it relax and makes it much easier to work with. While the dough softens, slice up those mozzarella sticks into 24 bite-sized pieces—this ensures every bite is loaded with cheesy goodness. Roll out the dough and cut it into 24 equal squares, aiming for even pieces so your “tree” looks tidy and bakes uniformly.

Step 2: Assemble the Tree

Here’s where the magic happens! Take each square and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Pull up the edges, pinch them tightly closed, then gently roll into a ball. Flip them seam-side down and start arranging them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree, leaving a little extra for the trunk at the base.

Step 3: Egg Wash & Bake

Whisk up those egg yolks and brush a generous layer over each dough ball. This simple step gives your bread that bakery-window shine and helps them brown beautifully in the oven. Slide your tray into a preheated oven at 390°F (190°C) for around 16–18 minutes. You’re aiming for golden brown, puffy bread and visible, delicious bubbling cheese.

Step 4: Finishing Touch

Once your tree is out of the oven, brush each warm roll with melted butter straight away. This not only adds flavor but helps all those sprinkled herbs and cheese stick to the bread. Shower the whole tree with a hearty handful of fresh parsley and a generous dusting of Parmesan while it’s still warm for the prettiest, tastiest finish.

Step 5: Serve

It’s finally time to devour! Scoop up the entire tree (or let people pull off their own piece) and serve with your favorite holiday dips. Marinara is the classic, but honestly, any dip you love will shine with this Cheesy christmas tree pull apart bread (Easy Recipe).

How to Serve Cheesy christmas tree pull apart bread (Easy Recipe)

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and flavor, I love scattering a few more finely chopped parsley leaves and another flurry of grated Parmesan over the hot bread just before serving. If you’re feeling extra festive, tuck in a few sprigs of rosemary or even edible gold stars for true table centerpiece status.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a crisp, lemony salad or a platter of roasted vegetables to keep things bright and balanced. For heartier fare, serve alongside a big pot of soup or some antipasto bites to keep the holiday spirit rolling at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your Cheesy christmas tree pull apart bread (Easy Recipe) on a large wooden cutting board or platter for rustic charm, and surround it with small bowls of assorted sauces—classic marinara, garlic butter, or pesto are all hits. If you want a “star” on your tree, cut a small piece of cheese into a star shape and let it melt at the top as the bread finishes baking for a playful touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and that’s a big “if”) you happen to have leftovers, simply let the bread cool completely before wrapping it tightly in foil or storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to two days and reheats beautifully for a quick snack.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze baked (and completely cooled) Cheesy christmas tree pull apart bread (Easy Recipe). Wrap the bread carefully in plastic wrap and then foil, or use an airtight freezer bag. It will maintain its flavor and texture for up to one month—just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To bring your bread back to life, place it on a baking tray and warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 8–10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is gooey again. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works but the oven will keep it crispier.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?

Absolutely! Mozzarella is a classic for its stretch and mild flavor, but cheddar, gouda, or small cubes of brie also work beautifully in Cheesy christmas tree pull apart bread (Easy Recipe), giving you a new twist every time you bake it.

What if I don’t have pizza dough? Can I use homemade?

Yes! Homemade pizza dough is fantastic here if you’re feeling up to it. The shortcut version with store-bought dough just saves time, but your favorite homemade recipe will make this bread even more special.

Can I assemble the bread ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prep the dough balls, assemble the tree on the tray, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. Add the egg wash just before baking for the best golden finish.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

The trick is to pinch those dough seams closed really well and place the balls seam-side down. Even then, a bit of cheese might sneak out—but honestly, those toasty cheese edges are some of the tastiest bites!

What dips go best with Cheesy christmas tree pull apart bread (Easy Recipe)?

Marinara sauce is the crowd favorite, but garlic butter, ranch, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce make perfect party companions. Set out a trio of sauces for a real treat at your gathering.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a holiday appetizer that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you simply can’t beat Cheesy christmas tree pull apart bread (Easy Recipe). Give it a try at your next celebration—I promise it’ll disappear before you know it, and become a new holiday tradition in your home!

Cheesy christmas tree pull apart bread (Easy Recipe) Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 48 minutes
Yield: 1 Christmas tree bread 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread is a delightful and festive appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with simple ingredients, this pull-apart bread is not only delicious but also fun to put together.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Dough:

1 lb prepared pizza dough (room temperature)

Cheese Filling:

7 mozzarella cheese sticks

Egg Wash & Finishing:

2 egg yolks
2 tbsp butter (melted)
1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
3 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan

Instructions

Prep the Dough & Cheese: Allow the pizza dough to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cut each mozzarella stick into 4 pieces. Roll out the dough and cut it into 24 squares.
Assemble the Tree: Place a mozzarella cube in the center of each dough square. Fold the edges over the cheese, pinch closed, and roll into balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a tree shape.
Egg Wash & Bake: Whisk the egg yolks, brush the dough balls, and bake at 390°F (190°C) for 16-18 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Finishing Touch: Brush the warm rolls with melted butter, parsley, and Parmesan.
Serve: Enjoy warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dip.

Notes

This recipe can be customized with additional seasonings like garlic powder or chili flakes.
Feel free to add a variety of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Holiday