Can I double this cheesy Christmas tree bread recipe?

Absolutely. Use two baking sheets or bake in batches. Keep dough balls uniform for even cooking.

What cheeses can I use besides mozzarella?

Try fontina, provolone, or pepper jack for a twist. Brie adds richness but may ooze more, so seal tightly.

How long can I store leftover cheesy Christmas tree bread?

Store up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven for best results; microwave if needed, though texture will soften.

Can I use crescent roll dough instead?

Yes! Expect a flakier, more buttery texture. Bake time may reduce by 2–3 minutes due to lighter dough.

How do I know when cheesy Christmas tree bread is fully baked?

Look for golden tops and lightly crisp bottoms. If in doubt, break one open—cheese should be melted, and the dough fully cooked with no raw spots.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread – Festive, Easy Holiday Appetizer

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

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

Find it online: https://www.cookwithbenchi.com/cheesy-christmas-tree-bread/