Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread: 5 Irresistible Holiday Bites

If there’s one thing that can turn a holiday gathering from “nice” to “OMG, who made this?”, it’s Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread. This pull-apart, ooey-gooey, garlicky masterpiece doesn’t just look festive—it tastes like pure joy. Imagine the aroma of melted butter, herbs, and cheese filling your kitchen while everyone hovers around, pretending they’re “just checking if it’s done.” (We all know they’re waiting to grab the first piece.)

Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or heading to a potluck, this recipe brings together everything we love about the holidays—comfort, fun, and a touch of cheesy indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread isn’t just adorable—it’s ridiculously easy to make. No kneading, no fancy ingredients, just a few pantry staples and a can of pizza dough. You’ll get:

• Soft, golden rolls filled with gooey mozzarella
• Buttery, garlicky goodness in every bite
• A festive centerpiece that doubles as an appetizer
• Happy faces (and maybe zero leftovers)

It’s perfect for busy home cooks who want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. Because let’s be honest—December is already busy enough,

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make your own Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread magic:

• 13 oz canned refrigerator pizza dough
• Parchment paper (for lining your baking sheet)
• 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• ½ tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)

Pro tip: Use fresh herbs if you can—they make your kitchen smell like a five-star Italian bakery.

How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Base

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a total breeze (because who wants to scrub pans during the holidays?).

Step 2: Make the Magic Balls

Cut your pizza dough into 30 equal squares. Then, cut your mozzarella sticks into 1-inch pieces.
Place a piece of cheese on each square, fold the dough around it, and roll it into a ball. Make sure the edges are sealed—this keeps all that molten cheese from escaping.

Step 3: Shape Your Tree

Place your dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Don’t stress about making it perfect—rustic charm adds character!

Whisk together your egg and water, then brush each dough ball with the egg wash. This gives your tree that beautiful, golden finish.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Glory

Pop your tray in the oven and bake for 16–18 minutes, or until golden brown and deliciously puffy.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Butter Bliss

While your bread is baking, melt the butter and stir in half of the parmesan, your chopped herbs, and the grated garlic. When the bread comes out, brush this glorious mixture all over those golden rolls, then sprinkle the rest of the parmesan on top.

Serve immediately with warm marinara or vibrant green pesto for dipping.

Trust me—watching that cheese pull as you tear off a piece is a holiday moment all on its own.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

• Don’t skip the egg wash! It gives that irresistible golden glow.
• Use string cheese. It’s the perfect melty filling without oozing everywhere.
• Want extra flair? Add a star-shaped piece of yellow bell pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for “ornaments.”
• Make ahead: You can prep the dough balls a few hours in advance, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until baking time.

And if your tree looks a little abstract, don’t worry. Once people start pulling pieces off, no one will care what shape it started as!

A Little Kitchen Story

The first time I made this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, I was convinced it’d be a Pinterest fail. My “tree” looked more like a lopsided pinecone—but the second it came out of the oven, my family didn’t even wait for me to get it to the table. Within minutes, all that was left were buttery crumbs and happy faces. Now, it’s a Christmas tradition—and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

FAQs About Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

The Final Touch

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is the perfect holiday appetizer—warm, festive, and bursting with flavor. It brings people together in the best way: over shared bites, laughter, and the irresistible pull of melted cheese.

So, preheat that oven, grab your dough, and make some magic happen. Because if there’s one thing better than a Christmas tree covered in lights, it’s one covered in cheese.

Happy holidays and happy baking from my kitchen to yours!

More Festive Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re adding Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread to your holiday spread, you’ll definitely want to check out these other seasonal favorites that bring the same cozy, crowd-pleasing energy to your table:

• Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies – These chewy, chocolatey cookies are packed with all your favorite mix-ins and make the perfect sweet companion to your savory bread. Great for cookie exchanges or Santa’s midnight snack!
• Baked Cranberry Brie Bites – Elegant yet effortless, these bite-sized appetizers combine creamy brie and tart cranberry in a golden puff pastry—an ideal pairing for your cheesy pull-apart bread.
• Perfect Turkey Gravy – For anyone hosting a full holiday feast, this silky, flavor-packed gravy is a must. It’s the ultimate finishing touch to your Christmas dinner table.
• Christmas Crack Recipe – End your meal on a high note with this addictive, sweet-and-salty holiday classic. Just be warned—it disappears faster than the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread!

Each of these recipes pairs perfectly with your holiday menu, bringing a mix of savory comfort and sweet joy to every festive gathering. Together, they’ll make your kitchen smell amazing and your guests ask for seconds (and the recipe!).

Print