Nothing says festive comfort quite like a warm, pull-apart bread that tastes as delightful as it looks. This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines ooey-gooey mozzarella, fragrant herbs, and a golden crust shaped into a charming holiday tree. It’s not just a bread; it’s a centerpiece and appetizer rolled into one, perfect for cozy family gatherings or parties where you want to impress without any stress. Trust me, once you sink your teeth into this cheesy, buttery creation, it will become a treasured holiday tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe lies in a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that work together beautifully. Each one plays a vital role—from the soft and stretchy pizza dough providing the perfect base, to the melty mozzarella that offers irresistible cheesiness. Herbs and garlic add layers of aroma and flavor, while parmesan cheese brings a savory, nutty finish that makes every bite memorable.
- 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough: This easy-to-use dough gives you a soft, chewy bread that’s quick to prepare and perfect for shaping.
- Parchment paper: For lining your baking sheet to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks: The gooey, melty center of each roll—cut into bite-size pieces for perfect cheesy pockets.
- 1 large egg (+ 1 tablespoon water for egg wash): This creates a lovely golden sheen and helps the bread develop a beautiful crust.
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted): Butter adds richness and moisture, making the crust tender and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided): A sprinkle inside and on top enhances the flavor with its sharp, nutty notes.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped): Adds a fresh, vibrant color and mild herbaceous flavor.
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped): Brings a pine-like, woodsy aroma that pairs wonderfully with garlic.
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil (finely chopped): Offers sweet, peppery undertones to balance the richness of cheese and butter.
- 1 clove garlic (grated): Provides a subtle yet enlivening punch that elevates the whole bread.
- 1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping): These classic sauces add a perfect finishing touch, whether you prefer tangy tomato or herby green pesto.
How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 400°. Line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper to make sure your bread bakes evenly and never sticks. This small step makes cleanup a snap while helping your bread maintain its perfect shape.
Step 2: Portion the Dough and Cheese
Cut the pizza dough into 30 roughly equal squares—this is the perfect size for bite-sized portions. Next, slice the mozzarella sticks into 1-inch pieces, making sure each piece fits snugly inside the dough square. The even sizing ensures every roll has that iconic gooey center.
Step 3: Form the Cheese-Stuffed Dough Balls
Place a piece of mozzarella in the middle of each dough square. Gently bring the edges of the dough up and around the cheese, pinching and rolling with your hands to create a smooth, sealed ball. This step traps the cheese inside, guaranteeing a molten center bursting with flavor once baked.
Step 4: Shape Your Christmas Tree
Arrange the dough balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, placing them close together seam side down. Shape them into a Christmas tree silhouette by widening the base and tapering to a point at the top—this is the fun visual element that will wow your guests.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk the egg with the tablespoon of water to create a glossy wash. Lightly brush each dough ball, which will give your bread an irresistible golden shine. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese inside is melty goodness.
Step 6: Add Herb Butter and Parmesan
While the bread is baking, melt the butter and mix in half of the parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh chopped herbs. Once the bread is out of the oven, brush this flavorful mixture all over the rolls and sprinkle the remaining parmesan on top. This step adds a decadent, aromatic finish that elevates the entire loaf.
How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or chopped basil for a pop of green that brightens up the golden bread. For festive flair, consider tiny cherry tomato “ornaments” or thin bell pepper strips pressed lightly into the dough before baking to mimic tree decorations.
Side Dishes
This cheesy bread pairs beautifully with classic holiday soups like tomato basil or creamy butternut squash. A fresh mixed green salad also complements the richness and keeps your meal balanced and vibrant. Don’t forget the dips—warm marinara or vibrant pesto makes every bite irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
Place your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe on a large wooden board or festive platter and surround it with fresh herbs or cranberries for color contrast. You can even add a small star-shaped cookie cutter piece of cheddar at the tree’s top for a whimsical finish that doubles as extra cheese magic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain freshness, wrap them gently in foil to keep the crust tender while preventing drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this festive treat later, you can freeze the entire baked tree or individual rolls. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked texture, reheat the bread in a 350° oven for 10-12 minutes. This brings back the crisp, buttery crust and melts the cheese inside beautifully, making it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely! While mozzarella gives that classic stretchy melt, you can experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a mix of cheeses for different flavors and textures. Just be sure to choose cheeses that melt well.
Is it possible to make the dough from scratch?
Yes, if you prefer homemade dough, a simple pizza dough recipe works wonderfully here. Just keep it soft and pliable so you can easily form the balls around the cheese.
Can I prepare this bread in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble the dough balls and shape them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Just add the egg wash and bake fresh when you’re ready.
What are good alternatives to the marinara and pesto dips?
Ranch dressing, garlic butter sauce, or even a spicy queso dip can be fantastic alternatives. Choose what best suits your taste or the theme of your meal.
Can I add toppings to the bread balls before baking?
Yes! Try sprinkling sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or a little grated parmesan on top before baking for extra crunch and flavor. Just brush with egg wash first to help them stick.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is an absolute winner for making your holidays extra special with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s fun to make, enchanting to look at, and downright addictive to eat. So gather your ingredients, invite loved ones to join in shaping the bread, and create a delicious centerpiece that everyone will remember long after the last crumb is gone.
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Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Create a festive and delicious Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft dough balls filled with gooey mozzarella cheese are arranged in a tree shape, brushed with a flavorful garlic herb butter and parmesan, then baked until golden. Serve warm with marinara or pesto dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both fun and tasty.
Ingredients
Dough and Cheese
- 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough
- 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks
- Parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Garlic Herb Butter and Topping
- 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)
Dipping Sauces
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 jar pesto sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cut Dough and Cheese: Divide the pizza dough into approximately 30 equal squares. Then, cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch each.
- Form Cheese-Stuffed Dough Balls: Place one mozzarella piece onto each dough square. Roll the dough around the cheese, forming a smooth ball and sealing the edges well to prevent cheese leakage during baking.
- Arrange Dough Balls into Tree Shape: Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet so they are touching each other in the shape of a Christmas tree.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash, then lightly brush each dough ball with it. This will give the bread a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes until the dough balls turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: While baking, microwave the melted butter and stir in half of the parmesan cheese, grated garlic, freshly chopped parsley, rosemary, and basil to create a flavorful brushing mixture.
- Brush and Finish: Remove the baked bread from the oven and immediately brush the garlic herb butter over the warm rolls. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor and texture.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Serve the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread warm alongside marinara and/or pesto sauces for dipping to complete this festive appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure the dough balls are sealed tightly to prevent cheese from oozing out during baking.
- You can customize the herbs in the butter according to your preference.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and cheese meltiness.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Use fresh mozzarella sticks for the best gooey texture.
