This Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread is easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table. Whether you use store-bought dough or make it from scratch, the cheesy, garlicky goodness is irresistible. It’s interactive, festive, and the kind of appetizer that disappears fast. Plus, it’s totally customizable with herbs, dips, and cheeses of your choice.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pizza dough or biscuit dough (store-bought or homemade)
Mozzarella cheese (cut into cubes or shredded)
Unsalted butter
Garlic (minced)
Fresh parsley or basil (chopped)
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt
Optional: marinara sauce for dipping
Direction
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough and cut it into even pieces (about 1 to 1.5 inches). Flatten each piece slightly and place a cube of mozzarella in the center.
Pinch the dough closed around the cheese to form a sealed ball.
Arrange the balls in the shape of a Christmas tree on the baking sheet — start with one ball at the top, then make rows increasing by one ball each time to form a triangle. Leave a few balls for the tree trunk.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic, salt, and chopped herbs.
Brush the garlic butter over the dough balls.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the oven and immediately brush with more garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and additional herbs.
Serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dip.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 20–25 pull-apart pieces, enough to serve 6–8 people as an appetizer. Preparation time: 20 minutes Baking time: 18–22 minutes Total time: about 40–45 minutes
Variations
Use herbed cream cheese or pesto inside the dough for a flavor twist.
Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Shape it into a wreath instead of a tree for a different presentation.
Use crescent roll dough or puff pastry for a flakier texture.
Mix shredded cheddar or provolone with mozzarella for more cheesy depth.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the bread in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bread chewy or soggy.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bread a few hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
What kind of dough works best?
Store-bought pizza dough is easiest, but homemade pizza or biscuit dough also works great.
Can I use shredded cheese instead of cubes?
Yes, but it’s easier to seal the dough around cheese cubes to avoid leaks.
How do I stop the cheese from leaking out?
Seal the dough tightly around the cheese and place the seam side down on the baking sheet.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.
Is it okay to use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, use about ½ teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute for fresh garlic.
What herbs are best for the topping?
Parsley and basil are great, but rosemary or thyme also work beautifully for a holiday touch.
Can I make a sweet version?
Yes, fill the dough with Nutella or chocolate chips and brush with melted butter and cinnamon sugar.
What’s the best dip to serve with it?
Marinara is classic, but ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even pesto also pair well.
Conclusion
Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread is the ultimate festive appetizer — cheesy, garlicky, and shaped to impress. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a fun dish to bring to a potluck, this easy-to-make bread will steal the show. It’s warm, shareable, and loaded with flavor, making it a must-bake for the holiday season.
Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread is a festive holiday appetizer made from dough balls filled with gooey mozzarella, brushed with garlic butter, and baked in the shape of a Christmas tree. Perfect for sharing, this savory treat is as fun to make as it is to eat.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:22 minutes
Total Time:42 minutes
Yield:20–25 pieces (serves 6–8)
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 lb pizza dough or biscuit dough (store-bought or homemade)
20–25 small cubes of mozzarella cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut dough into 20–25 even pieces. Flatten each piece and place a mozzarella cube in the center. Pinch to seal and form a ball.
Arrange dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape, starting with one ball and increasing each row. Use a few extra balls at the bottom for the trunk.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic, salt, and chopped herbs.
Brush garlic butter over the dough balls.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from oven and immediately brush with more garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan and extra herbs.
Serve warm with marinara sauce or your preferred dip.
Notes
Seal the dough tightly to prevent cheese from leaking out.Prepare a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.For variety, use different cheeses or add cooked meat like pepperoni or sausage.Turn it into a wreath or star shape for a fun twist.Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain crisp texture; reheat in the oven.
