There’s something about the smell of freshly baked bread that feels like Christmas morning itself. This Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread is warm, cheesy, golden, and shaped into the most festive little tree you’ve ever seen.
It’s perfect for sharing at a Christmas lunch or serving as a cozy appetizer before a big Christmas food dinner. And the best part? It looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make, even if you’re juggling wrapping paper, kids, and cocoa at the same time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s shaped like a Christmas tree, making it the most festive centerpiece for your table.
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- It’s warm, cheesy, and endlessly shareable for family gatherings.
- Perfect to pair with dips like Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip or serve alongside a holiday roast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into making this Christmas Tree Bread that everyone will love:
- Pizza dough: You can use homemade or store-bought dough. It gives you that soft, pull-apart texture of a good dinner rolls recipe.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully inside each ball, creating that irresistible cheesy pull when you break it open.
- Garlic butter: A mix of melted butter, garlic, and herbs brushed on top for a golden, savory finish.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds that extra layer of flavor and a slightly crispy top.
- Fresh parsley: For a pop of color that makes your festive bread look like it came straight from Santa’s kitchen.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface. Cut it into small squares, about 1.5 inches each.
Step 2: Add the Cheese Filling
Place a cube of mozzarella in the center of each dough square. Pinch the edges closed and roll into a smooth ball. This is the heart of your pull apart bread magic.
Step 3: Shape the Christmas Tree
On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the dough balls in a triangle shape to form your Christmas tree. Leave a small space between each for rising.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Brush each ball with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until golden and fragrant.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Brush again with butter after baking, then sprinkle parsley for that “tree” look. Serve warm with marinara or a festive dip like Perfect Christmas Sausage Roll on the side for a full holiday spread.
Helpful Tips & Variations
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Try filling some dough balls with cream cheese and herbs for a fun twist.
- Want to make it ahead? Assemble the tree, cover, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking.
- Make mini versions for a Christmas party or brunch table centerpiece.
Serving & Storage
This Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread is best served warm, right from the oven. It pairs beautifully with tomato soup, a crisp salad, or as part of your Christmas lunch menu. It also makes a stunning appetizer next to meats and cheese boards.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or refrigerate for up to three. To reheat, pop in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm and soft again.
Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut into 1.5-inch squares.
- Place a cube of mozzarella in the center of each dough square. Pinch closed and roll into a ball.
- Arrange the balls on the prepared sheet in a triangle to form a Christmas tree shape.
- Mix melted butter with garlic and herbs. Brush over dough balls. Sprinkle Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown. Remove and brush again with butter.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with marinara or festive dips.
Notes
- You can prepare the tree in advance and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
FAQs
Can I make this Christmas Bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble your Christmas Bread a few hours before baking. Just cover it loosely with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. Bake right before serving so it’s fresh, warm, and cheesy.
What kind of cheese works best for Pull Apart Bread?
Mozzarella is classic because it melts so beautifully, but you can mix it with cheddar, provolone, or even brie for extra flavor. Any soft-melting cheese will make this cheesy bread extra irresistible.
Can I make this recipe without pizza dough?
Definitely. You can use biscuit dough or crescent roll dough if that’s what you have. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious and perfect for your Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread.
What can I serve this with for a full Christmas menu?
This festive bread pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or hearty dishes like roast chicken. Try serving it alongside Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip or a tray of Perfect Christmas Sausage Rolls for a complete Christmas food dinner.
Can I freeze leftover Pull Apart Bread?
Yes. Let the bread cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Reheat in the oven until warmed through for an easy make-ahead Christmas Bread option.
Final Thoughts from Ama
Some recipes just feel like a celebration, and this one does exactly that. The smell of butter, garlic, and warm dough fills the house, and everyone ends up pulling apart pieces before it even hits the table. Even if the shape isn’t perfect, it will still taste like joy. After all, food like this isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection. Serve it with laughter, love, and ma