There’s something truly magical about festive foods that bring everyone to the table with smiles and warm hearts, and this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s a delightful twist on cheesy bread that’s shaped into a beautiful Christmas tree, combining gooey mozzarella, fragrant herbs, and buttery, golden dough—all baked to perfection. Whether you’re looking to wow your guests or add a playful centerpiece to your holiday spread, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that tastes as joyful as it looks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is surprisingly simple because it relies on a handful of essential ingredients, each chosen to deliver the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. From the stretchy mozzarella that melts wonderfully inside to the fresh herbs that brighten every bite, every component plays its part beautifully.
- 13 oz canned refrigerator pizza dough: Provides a soft, fluffy base that bakes up golden and tender, perfect for shaping into a festive tree.
- Parchment paper: Essential for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking while baking.
- 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks: Cut into pieces to create those deliciously melty centers within each dough ball.
- 1 large egg: Whisked into an egg wash, it gives the bread a shiny, appetizing crust.
- 1 tablespoon water: Mixed with the egg to make the egg wash smooth and easier to brush on.
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness and helps carry the lovely garlic and herb flavors.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided: Half gets mixed in with the herbs for savory depth, the rest sprinkles on top for a nutty, golden finish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped: Brings a mild herbal brightness that complements the cheese perfectly.
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped: Adds a slightly piney, fragrant note that feels so seasonal.
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped: Imparts a sweet, aromatic touch that rounds out the herb blend.
- 1 clove garlic, grated: Fresh garlic elevates the buttery herb mixture with a deliciously savory punch.
- 1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping): Provides a flavorful dipping option that makes pulling apart the bread even more fun.
How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s hot and ready for baking when your bread is assembled. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to keep the bread from sticking—this small prep step simplifies your baking and serving later.
Step 2: Prepare Herb Butter
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with freshly grated garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, basil, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. This herb butter mixture is where the magic begins—it injects buttery, aromatic flavor into every cheesy bite and keeps your bread balls irresistibly moist and savory.
Step 3: Prepare Dough and Mozzarella
Unroll the canned pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface, making sure it’s easy to separate and work with. Cut the dough into approximately 2-inch circles, which will shape the individual cheesy balls. Then slice your mozzarella sticks into 1-inch pieces—the perfect size for a gooey center inside each dough ball.
Step 4: Assemble Cheesy Balls
Place one mozzarella piece and a small spoonful of the herb butter in the center of each dough circle. Carefully pinch the edges together to seal each ball tightly, rolling them gently to make sure the cheese won’t spill out while baking. This step is so satisfying because you’re creating little pockets of melty cheese enveloped in herb-rich dough.
Step 5: Shape Christmas Tree
Arrange your sealed dough balls on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Think triangular—start with one ball at the top and work down row by row, expanding in width, ending with a few balls placed vertically to form the trunk. Be sure to leave small gaps between balls to allow them to expand without sticking too much.
Step 6: Apply Egg Wash and Topping
Whisk the egg and water together to create a glossy egg wash, then brush it gently over the entire tree. This will help the bread brown beautifully and give a lovely sheen. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the top to add texture, color, and that irresistible cheesy crust flavor.
Step 7: Bake
Bake your tree in the hot oven for 20 to 30 minutes until the bread is golden, the cheese inside is melted, and the Parmesan topping is bubbly and golden. If you notice the bread browning too quickly, lightly cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning while it finishes cooking.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Once baked, let your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread cool on the baking sheet for about 5 to 10 minutes. This rest time helps the cheese set just enough for easy, satisfying pull-apart pieces. Serve warm alongside marinara and/or pesto for dipping, making every bite a festive experience bursting with gooey, herby goodness.
How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a light drizzle of olive oil over the finished tree not only adds a pop of green color but also enhances the fresh flavor. You can even dot a few cherry tomatoes or tiny bell pepper pieces on the tree before baking if you want a playful “ornament” effect that tastes amazing.
Side Dishes
This cheesy tree pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides like a crisp green salad or a warm bowl of tomato soup. The salad helps balance the richness of the bread, while the soup doubles as a dip and a cozy comfort food companion, making it perfect for winter gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun holiday presentation, place the tree on a festive wooden board and surround it with small bowls of marinara, pesto, and even a tangy ranch dip. You might even light a few candles nearby and encourage guests to pull off “branches” of bread in a communal style, turning serving into a joyful shared moment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, store the cooled bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh for up to 2 days. The bread will remain soft and flavorful, ready to enjoy as a snack or quick side.
Freezing
You can freeze the leftover bread by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil or freezer bag. Freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain that soft texture and cheesy goodness.
Reheating
Reheat your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This helps restore the crispy exterior while keeping the inside delightfully melty. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the dough chewy rather than soft.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of canned pizza dough?
Absolutely! If you prefer, homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and adds a personal touch to the recipe. Just make sure it’s rolled out to a similar thickness and size so the cheesy balls bake evenly and hold together well.
What other cheeses can I use besides mozzarella?
While mozzarella is ideal for its meltiness, you can experiment with cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a mild cheddar. Mixing cheeses can add interesting flavors but be mindful of melt quality so your cheesy centers stay gooey and delightful.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute dairy-free pizza dough if needed, and use vegan cheese sticks designed to melt well. Replace the butter with plant-based margarine and skip the egg wash or use a plant-based alternative like aquafaba mixed with water.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?
Sealing the dough balls tightly and rolling gently to smooth out seams are key. Also, using smaller mozzarella pieces and ensuring they’re fully wrapped with dough reduces the chance of leaks. Work patiently and pinch edges firmly for the best results.
Can I prepare the bread ahead and bake it later?
Definitely! After assembling and shaping the tree on the baking sheet, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking and a beautifully risen bread.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is one of those special dishes that turns simple ingredients into a festive masterpiece that’s fun to make and impossible not to love. Sharing gooey cheese-filled bites shaped like a holiday tree adds magic to any gathering, making memories as warm and delicious as every pull-apart piece. I can’t wait for you to try it and see why it’s become a beloved favorite in my kitchen year after year.
Print
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 Christmas tree bread (serves 6-8 people)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and delicious pull-apart bread shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with gooey mozzarella and a flavorful herb butter mixture. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this savory bread is easy to make and sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and irresistible cheesy center.
Ingredients
Dough and Cheese
- 13 oz canned refrigerator pizza dough
- 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)
Herb Butter Mixture
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Egg Wash and Topping
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- Additional 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for topping)
Dipping Sauce
- 1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, grated garlic, chopped fresh parsley, rosemary, basil, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly to create a fragrant and flavorful herb butter.
- Prepare Dough and Mozzarella: Lightly flour your work surface and unroll the refrigerated pizza dough. Using a knife or round cutter, cut the dough into approximately 2-inch circles. Cut the mozzarella sticks into 1-inch pieces to fit inside the dough circles.
- Assemble Cheesy Balls: Place one piece of mozzarella and a small amount of the herb butter mixture in the center of each dough circle. Carefully pinch and seal the edges tightly to enclose the cheese and butter, forming small round balls. Roll gently to ensure they are well sealed. Repeat with all pieces.
- Shape Christmas Tree: Arrange the sealed dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Leave small gaps for expansion. For the trunk, place 2-3 balls directly below the widest part of the tree formation.
- Apply Egg Wash and Topping: Whisk together the large egg and water to make an egg wash. Gently brush this over the entire surface of the dough balls to promote browning. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and additional fresh parsley over the top for extra flavor and decoration.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until the dough is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. If the bread browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Serve Warm: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes on the baking sheet. Serve warm, encouraging guests to pull apart the cheesy balls. Provide marinara sauce and/or pesto for dipping to enhance the flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to seal the dough balls well to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs if fresh are unavailable, but reduce quantity to one-third.
- If you don’t have mozzarella sticks, you can use shredded mozzarella but it might be messier to seal.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from hot melted cheese.
- This bread is best enjoyed the day it’s made for optimal freshness and gooey cheese.
