If you’re looking for a fun, festive appetizer that’s sure to impress this holiday season, you’ve got to try my Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe. It’s bubbly, gooey, and shaped to look like an adorable Christmas tree—trust me, it’s a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser all in one. Plus, I love how you get the perfect mix of fresh herbs, melted mozzarella, and crispy golden bread that’s just begging to be dunked in marinara or pesto. Keep reading because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and honestly easier than you’d think!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Using refrigerated pizza dough means you skip the fuss of making dough from scratch.
- Festive Presentation: The tree shape adds holiday cheer and is perfect for parties or family gatherings.
- Loaded with Flavor: Fresh herbs, garlic, and melty mozzarella create a delicious, savory bite every time.
- Super Versatile: Pair it with marinara or pesto – or both – for an irresistible dipping experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe blends simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Using quality herbs and good mozzarella really elevates the flavor, and choosing the right pizza dough can make a big difference in texture, so I’ll share some tips below!
- Refrigerated pizza dough: I like to grab the 13-ounce can from the fridge aisle – it’s dependable and gives the bread a soft, slightly chewy bite.
- Mozzarella cheese sticks: Fresh mozzarella sticks give you consistent sizes and that gooey pull everyone loves.
- Egg: Used for the egg wash, it helps the bread get that beautiful golden shine.
- Butter: Melted butter brushed on top adds richness and helps the herbs stick to the bread.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty contrast; divided so half gets mixed with the herbs and half gets sprinkled on top.
- Fresh parsley, rosemary, and basil: Fresh herbs bring that lovely earthy, fragrant note – don’t skip them!
- Garlic: Just one clove, grated finely to infuse every bite.
- Marinara and pesto sauces: Both are great for dipping; I often serve both so guests can choose.
Variations
I like to switch up this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe with a few tweaks depending on the occasion, so don’t hesitate to customize it and make it your own.
- Herb substitutions: If you’re not a fan of rosemary, I’ve swapped it with thyme or oregano with great results—totally personal taste!
- Add a little spice: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb butter mix gives it a nice, subtle kick that everyone loves.
- Cheese options: I sometimes combine mozzarella with shredded cheddar or fontina for a richer, deeper flavor.
- Garlic butter twist: Instead of just brushing butter on top, try mixing in some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions to the herb butter for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Dough and Cheese
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, cut the pizza dough into about 30 equal squares—don’t worry about perfect precision; I just eyeball it with my hands and it works beautifully. Next, slice the mozzarella sticks into 30 little one-inch pieces. These will be your cheesy centers, so uniform sizes help with even melting.
Step 2: Shape the Cheese-Stuffed Dough Balls
Place a mozzarella piece on each dough square and carefully wrap the dough around it, rolling into a smooth ball. Seal the edges tightly so cheese doesn’t leak during baking—this was a lesson I learned the hard way the first time! Place each ball seam side down on the parchment-lined sheet, touching each other to form the shape of a Christmas tree. It’s easier than you think, just imagine a triangle made of spheres!
Step 3: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake
Mix the egg with water to make an egg wash, then gently brush over each dough ball. This gives the bread that shiny, golden finish that makes it look straight out of a bakery. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. While it’s baking, melt the butter in the microwave and stir in half the parmesan, garlic, and all the herbs. Once out of the oven, brush this fragrant mixture over the bread balls and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
- Don’t Overstuff the Dough: Putting too much cheese can cause leaks, so keep your mozzarella pieces small and well-sealed in the dough.
- Use Fresh Herbs: I discovered that fresh herbs really elevate this recipe far beyond dried ones; their bright flavors make the bread extra special.
- Shape the Tree Before Baking: Since the dough balls bake and puff, placing them touching saves you the hassle of rearranging after baking.
- Brush Butter While Warm: The herb butter absorbs better and does wonders for flavor if brushed immediately after you pull the bread from the oven.
How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and freshness that feels festive. Sometimes, a few extra parmesan shavings on the side make for a pretty touch too.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides to round out this appetizer are a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or a bowl of roasted tomato soup. Both pair wonderfully and keep the meal feeling cozy without competing for attention.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve placed the bread tree on a large wooden board and surrounded it with mini bowls of dipping sauces. You can even add olives or cherry tomatoes around the base to mimic ornaments. One year, I scattered edible gold dust over the top for a magical holiday sparkle—everyone admired it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying the fresh bread, I wrap leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay surprisingly soft for up to 2 days—just keep that butter glaze in mind!
Freezing
While I haven’t frozen the baked bread itself, I have frozen the dough balls before baking. If you do this, shape the balls, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen but add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To bring leftover cheesy bread back to life, I reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This crisps up the outside again and melts the cheese inside without drying the bread out. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make it soggy.
FAQs
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Can I make the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the mozzarella sticks with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well, like vegan mozzarella-style sticks. Replace butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil and skip the egg wash or substitute with a plant milk and oil mixture for shiny bread.
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What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh herbs?
If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs work too—just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more potent. Mix them well into the melted butter and parmesan for the best flavor spread.
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How do I assemble the bread balls into a tree shape?
Think of your dough balls as forming rows of increasing length from top to bottom, like a triangle. Start with one ball at the top, then arrange each subsequent row below with more balls, keeping them touching so they bake together and hold shape naturally.
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Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can assemble the dough balls and arrange them on the baking sheet, then cover tightly and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just allow extra bake time if the dough is cold. The herb butter is best made fresh, but you can prepare it earlier and gently warm before brushing.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe turns out every time—warm, cheesy, herby bites shaped into a festive centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks. When I first made it, I was blown away by how simple the process was, yet how impressive it felt to serve. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it just as much as eating it, and your family and friends will be asking for it again. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves and start shaping your own edible Christmas tree—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
- 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 cheese and topped with a flavorful garlic herb butter and parmesan cheese. Perfect as a holiday appetizer or party snack, it pairs wonderfully with marinara and pesto dips.
Ingredients
Dough and Cheese
- 13 ounces canned refrigerator pizza dough
- 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks
- Parchment paper for lining baking sheet
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Herb Butter Topping
- 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
Dips
- 1 jar marinara sauce and/or pesto for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Dough and Cheese: Cut the pizza dough into about 30 equal squares. Then, cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 inch each.
- Form Cheese-Stuffed Dough Balls: Place a piece of mozzarella onto each dough square, then roll and pinch the edges to form a smooth, sealed ball, ensuring the cheese is enclosed.
- Arrange Dough Balls in Tree Shape: Place the dough balls seam side down on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree, making sure the balls are touching to create a pull-apart effect.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg with water in a small bowl, then lightly brush each dough ball with the egg wash to achieve a golden brown crust when baked.
- Bake: Bake the arranged dough balls in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and fully cooked.
- Prepare Herb Butter and Finish: While the bread bakes, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese, garlic, and all the chopped fresh herbs into the melted butter.
- Brush and Garnish: As soon as the bread is out of the oven, brush the herb butter mixture over the hot rolls. Then sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and a festive finish.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy Christmas tree bread warm with marinara sauce and/or pesto for dipping, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Notes
- Ensure dough balls are tightly sealed around the cheese to prevent leaks during baking.
- You can substitute mozzarella sticks with string cheese cut into pieces if desired.
- Fresh herbs add the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount if substituting dried.
- Let the bread cool slightly before dipping to avoid burning your mouth with hot cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 dough balls)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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