This festive Christmas tree pull apart bread is the perfect holiday centerpiece! Soft, golden pizza dough stuffed with gooey mozzarella, brushed with garlic butter, and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan—it's an easy crowd-pleaser that'll have everyone reaching for seconds!
—every bite is pure comfort. Serve it with marinara for dipping, and watch as your guests gather around, tearing into this crowd-pleasing holiday favorite!
If you love easy cheesy recipes, you are also going to LOVE my 10 minute air fryer pizza, cheesy caramelized onion dip & Cheesy Chicken Parm!
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Ingredients
- Prepared Pizza Dough
- Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
- Eggs
- Butter
- Fresh Parsley
- Freshly Grated Parmesan
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Cut up the cheese strings!
Cut the pizza dough into squares & add the mozzarella sticks!
Roll into balls, shape into trees & brush with egg yolks!
Bake & brush with melted butter & freshly grated parm along with choppped parsley!
- Prep the Dough & Cheese:
- Let the pizza dough rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cut each mozzarella stick into 4 bite-sized pieces (you'll have 24 pieces total). Roll out the dough and cut it into 24 squares.
- Assemble the Tree:
- Place one mozzarella cube in the center of each dough square. Fold the edges over the cheese, pinch them closed, and roll into smooth balls. Arrange the balls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree, leaving a small "trunk" at the bottom.
- Egg Wash & Bake:
- Whisk the egg yolks and brush the tops of the dough balls. Bake at 390°F (190°C) for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Finishing Touch:
- Brush the warm rolls with melted butter and sprinkle generously with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with a bowl of marinara sauce or your favorite dip for the ultimate holiday appetizer.
Substitutions
- Prepared Pizza Dough: Crescent roll dough, biscuit dough, or homemade pizza dough.
- Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Cubed mozzarella block, string cheese, or any melty cheese like cheddar or provolone.
- Eggs: Milk or heavy cream (for brushing as an egg wash alternative).
- Butter: Olive oil or garlic-infused oil.
- Fresh Parsley: Dried parsley, basil, or oregano.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Grated Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free option).
Equipment
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the pull-apart bread on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread soft and the cheese gooey.
Top tips for a delish Christmas tree pull apart bread!
- Seal the Dough Well: Pinch the edges tightly to prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking.
- Room Temperature Dough: Let the pizza dough rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to make it easier to roll and shape.
- Garlic Butter Boost: Add minced garlic to the melted butter for an extra layer of flavor before brushing the rolls.
FAQs
Yes! Assemble the dough balls with cheese, place them on the baking sheet, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours, then bake as directed. Brush with butter and herbs right before serving for the best results.
Make sure to pinch the dough edges tightly and roll the ball until smooth. If needed, double-check the seams before placing them seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Absolutely! Store baked leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and crispy—avoid the microwave to keep the texture perfect.
Related
Looking for other quick recipes like this? Try these:
Dessert Pairings
These are my favorite desserts to serve with this tasty appetizer:
Cheesy christmas tree pull apart bread (Easy Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep the Dough & Cheese: Let the pizza dough rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cut each mozzarella stick into 4 bite-sized pieces (you'll have 24 pieces total). Roll out the dough and cut it into 24 squares.
- Assemble the Tree: Place one mozzarella cube in the center of each dough square. Fold the edges over the cheese, pinch them closed, and roll into smooth balls. Arrange the balls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree, leaving a small "trunk" at the bottom.
- Egg Wash & Bake: Whisk the egg yolks and brush the tops of the dough balls. Bake at 390°F (190°C) for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Finishing Touch: Brush the warm rolls with melted butter and sprinkle generously with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.
- Serve: Serve immediately with a bowl of marinara sauce or your favorite dip for the ultimate holiday appetizer.
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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