Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread – Festive, Easy Holiday Appetizer

When the holiday season rolls in, my kitchen becomes a revolving door of cookies, casseroles, and requests for “just one more appetizer.” Last Christmas, I found myself needing something quick, crowd-pleasing, and visually festive. That’s when I first shaped this cheesy Christmas tree bread—and it stole the show. Since then, it’s become my go-to for gatherings. It looks impressive, but the secret? It’s all in the shortcut: refrigerated pizza dough and a handful of flavorful, easy-to-find ingredients.

Whether you’re hosting or heading to a potluck, this cheesy Christmas tree bread delivers comfort, visual flair, and addictive flavor in every bite.

Recipe Overview & Why You’ll Love It

This cheesy Christmas tree bread is the kind of recipe that looks elaborate but comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s filled with gooey mozzarella, brushed with garlicky herb butter, and baked into an irresistibly golden pull-apart shape that mimics a holiday tree. It’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

You’ll love this recipe because:

• It’s made with store-bought dough—zero proofing or kneading
• Each bite has a pocket of melted cheese
• It’s customizable with herbs, cheeses, and sauces
• Perfect for parties, as an appetizer or a dinner side
• Kids can help shape it, and everyone loves pulling it apart

Ingredients & Substitutions

This cheesy Christmas tree bread starts with just a few pantry and fridge staples, most of which you may already have on hand. Here’s what you need—and how to swap if needed.

Base Ingredients

• 13 oz (369g) refrigerated pizza dough – the kind in a tube works great
• Parchment paper – for lining your baking sheet and preventing sticking

Substitution: You can use homemade pizza dough or crescent dough; adjust baking time slightly for texture differences.

Cheese Filling

• 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into 30 one-inch pieces

Substitution: Cubed block mozzarella or low-moisture shredded mozzarella can work in a pinch, though the shape may be harder to seal.

Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water, whisked with the egg

This step adds shine and helps with browning. Optional but recommended.

Garlic Herb Butter

• 3 tablespoons (43g) butter, melted
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 clove garlic, grated or finely minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• ½ tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped

Substitution: Use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available (reduce to ⅓ quantity). Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic (use ¼ teaspoon).

Dipping Sauce

• Marinara, pizza sauce, or pesto – optional but highly recommended for serving

Equipment You’ll Need

No specialty equipment required for cheesy Christmas tree bread, just these kitchen basics:

• Large baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife (for clean square cuts)
• Small bowls (for egg wash and herb butter)
• Pastry brush
• Microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)

Optional:

• Star-shaped cookie cutter (for decoration)
• Thermometer (for reheating to food-safe temp if making ahead)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps for a foolproof and festive cheesy Christmas tree bread.

Step 1 – Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the dough from sticking and to make cleanup easier.

Step 2 – Cut Dough

Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut it into 30 roughly equal squares.

Tip: For precision, divide the dough into 5 rows by 6 columns.

Step 3 – Add Cheese & Shape

Place one piece of mozzarella in the center of each square. Bring the corners up around the cheese and pinch to seal tightly. Roll gently between your palms to form a smooth ball.

Step 4 – Assemble the Tree

Place each dough ball seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Arrange them in the shape of a Christmas tree—starting with one ball at the top and increasing each row downward. The balls should be lightly touching.

Step 5 – Egg Wash & Bake

Whisk the egg and water in a small bowl. Brush each dough ball lightly with the egg wash. Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until golden brown on top and the edges are just beginning to crisp.

Step 6 – Make Garlic Herb Butter

While the bread bakes, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl (about 15–30 seconds). Stir in ½ the Parmesan, along with all the garlic and chopped herbs.

Step 7 – Finish & Serve

Once out of the oven, immediately brush the bread with the garlic herb butter. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the top. Serve warm with marinara or pesto on the side for dipping.

Why This Recipe Works

This cheesy Christmas tree bread delivers maximum flavor and presentation with minimal effort. Here’s why it succeeds:

• Pre-made dough ensures consistent texture and bakes evenly
• Cheese-stick centers stay melty without leaking, thanks to the sealed edges
• Egg wash gives a professional, glossy finish
• Post-bake buttering keeps the exterior crispy while infusing flavor
• Ball shape provides perfect pull-apart bites with cheese in every piece

By shaping before baking and brushing after, you avoid soggy bottoms and undercooked centers.

Pro Tips & Variations

Elevate your cheesy Christmas tree bread with these creative ideas:

• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the herb butter
• Add protein: Tuck a slice of pepperoni or prosciutto with the cheese for a savory bite
• Go gourmet: Swap mozzarella for brie, fontina, or smoked gouda
• Shape it differently: Turn it into a wreath or star for other holidays
• Mini trees: Make smaller versions for individual servings or giftable portions

To scale: Double the recipe using two trays, or halve it for a small gathering (use 15 balls in a mini-tree layout).

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing

Make-Ahead

Form the dough balls with cheese and arrange them on a parchment-lined sheet, without egg wash. Cover and freeze for 2 to 2½ hours, then transfer to a zip-top bag.

Freezing

Store frozen dough balls up to 1 month. Thaw for 45 minutes at room temperature, arrange, egg wash, and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 20 minutes.

Storage

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to re-crisp.

Note: Reheating in the microwave will soften the exterior, but still tastes great.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Cheesy Christmas tree bread pairs well with hearty entrees and festive drinks.

• Main dishes: Baked mostaccioli, lasagna soup, braised short ribs
• Sides: Caesar salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, antipasto skewers
• Drinks: Sparkling cider, red wine, mulled cranberry punch
• Garnish ideas: Tuck in rosemary sprigs for a realistic “tree” effect

To create a complete appetizer platter, add olives, roasted nuts, or cured meats alongside.

Dietary Notes & Allergen Considerations

• Vegetarian: Yes, if using Parmesan made without animal rennet
• Gluten-Free: Not with standard dough; use certified gluten-free pizza dough
• Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan cheese and plant-based butter (texture may differ)
• Nut-Free: Yes, naturally nut-free (check packaging for cross-contamination)

Always verify ingredient labels, especially with pre-made dough and Parmesan.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Cheese leaks out? Edges weren’t sealed completely. Be sure to pinch tightly.
• Undercooked centers? Oven may not be hot enough, or balls are too large.
• Burnt bottoms? Use parchment paper and avoid placing tray on bottom rack.
• Dry texture? Overbaking or skipping the post-bake butter can lead to dryness.
• Uneven browning? Make sure all dough balls are similar in size and spacing.

Nutritional Information (per 2-piece serving; estimated)

• Serving Size: 2 dough balls
• Calories: ~180
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 340mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Note: Values may vary depending on brands used.

FAQs

Conclusion

Cheesy Christmas tree bread is more than just a holiday appetizer—it’s a moment of joy, shared hands pulling warm, melty bites from a golden “tree.” It’s festive without being fussy, and it brings people together in the best possible way: around food that’s easy to love.

Whether you’re a seasoned holiday host or tackling your first Christmas potluck, this bread is the kind of recipe that earns a spot in your annual traditions. So grab some dough, shape your tree, and watch the magic happen—one cheesy bite at a time.

More Tasty Ideas

• Holiday Wreath Pizza: A festive twist on pizza, this recipe features a wreath-shaped crust layered with gooey cheese and colorful toppings. Just like cheesy Christmas tree bread, it’s visually stunning and ideal for holiday parties or family gatherings.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Loaded with rich, buttery garlic flavor and bubbling cheese, this quick bake offers the same comforting, pull-apart vibe. A must-serve alongside pastas, soups, or as a stand-alone appetizer.
• Christmas Pizza Bites: These bite-sized pizza pockets bring festive flair and cheesy goodness to your appetizer spread. Perfect for entertaining, they echo the handheld, dippable joy of cheesy Christmas tree bread.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Print Recipe

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive pull-apart appetizer made with refrigerated pizza dough, filled with mozzarella, and brushed with garlic herb butter. It’s golden, gooey, and perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy side dish.

• Author: Benchi
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 30 pull-apart pieces
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 13 oz refrigerated pizza dough
• 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into 30 one-inch pieces
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 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
• Marinara, pizza sauce, or pesto (for dipping)
• Parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unroll the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface and cut it into 30 equal squares using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
3. Place one piece of mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough square.
4. Pinch the edges of each square to seal and roll into a ball.
5. Place the dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree, so the balls are slightly touching.
6. Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and lightly brush over each dough ball.
7. Bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown.
8. While the bread bakes, melt the butter and stir in half of the Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, rosemary, and basil.
9. After baking, brush the garlic herb butter over the bread and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
10. Serve warm with marinara, pizza sauce, or pesto for dipping.

Notes

• You can use crescent dough or homemade dough as a substitute.
• Swap mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or brie for different flavor profiles.
• Freeze unbaked cheese-filled balls for later; thaw before baking at 350°F for 20 minutes.
• To reheat leftovers, bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes for best texture.