Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun and festive appetizer that’s as delicious as it is eye-catching, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe. I absolutely love how this pull-apart bread turns out—there’s something so satisfying about those gooey mozzarella centers packed inside soft, garlicky dough. Whether you’re prepping for the holidays or just want a fun bread to bring to a party, this recipe is your new go-to. Trust me, once you’ve made it, you’ll find everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe lies in its simple ingredients working beautifully together—soft biscuit dough envelopes gooey mozzarella, while fragrant garlic butter bumps up the flavor to festive perfection. Here are a few shopping tips to make your life easier.

• Jumbo Biscuit Dough: I use canned biscuits, which save time, but you can try homemade dough if you prefer for an extra fresh touch.
• Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: The kind that’s easy to slice—string cheese works perfectly here and melts like a dream.
• Butter (Salted): Adds richness, and the salt enhances all the savory garlic flavors wonderfully.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic is key to that bold, aromatic punch you want in this bread.
• Italian Seasoning: It adds a touch of herbaceous warmth and rounds out the flavor profile.
• Egg: For brushing on top to achieve a beautiful golden color and a glossy finish.
• Optional Parmesan Cheese: For sprinkling on top if you want that extra cheesy, salty finish.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is how easy it is to make your own! I’ve tried a few twists over the years that add a new dimension to this festive classic.

• Herby Twist: Sometimes, I swap out Italian seasoning for fresh chopped rosemary and thyme—adds a fragrant, piney note that feels extra Christmas-y.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter gives it a subtle heat that my family goes crazy for.
• Cheese Swap: While mozzarella is classic, mixing in some shredded cheddar or pepper jack inside the dough balls creates a gooey, flavorful surprise.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Try a gluten-free biscuit dough if you need to accommodate dietary needs; just watch the baking time closely.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cut Your Dough and Cheese

First things first: preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze. Then, grab your biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into fourths to get 32 pieces total, although you’ll only need 31 for the tree shape. At the same time, slice your mozzarella sticks into 31 small pieces so each dough piece can be stuffed with one. Trust me, this step is key to getting that ooey-gooey cheese surprise inside each pull-apart bite.

Step 2: Stuff and Shape Each Dough Ball

Now, take each dough square and place a small piece of mozzarella in the center. This is where patience pays off—you want to seal each dough ball tightly around the cheese so none of it leaks out during baking. I roll mine between my hands until smooth, which gives a nice round shape that’ll bake evenly. Don’t skip this step or you might end up with cheese oozing all over the pan—not as pretty or delicious!

Step 3: Arrange the Balls into a Christmas Tree Shape

Place your cheesy dough balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, seam side down. I like to create a classic Christmas tree shape by starting with a single piece at the top and expanding rows beneath it—arrange the balls so they’re just touching, which helps them bake together for that pull-apart effect. Once they’re all set, whisk your beaten egg and gently brush it over the dough to get that shiny golden finish.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your bread for 15-17 minutes, but keep a close eye on it after the 12-minute mark. Oven temps vary and you don’t want it to brown too fast. If that happens, I cover the bread loosely with foil to avoid burning the top while the rest finishes baking. You’ll know it’s done when it’s a beautiful golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom of the pan. This step really brings out the best texture in the bread.

Step 5: Garlic Butter Time!

While your tree is baking, melt your butter and stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. The aroma here is incredible—I swear it fills my whole kitchen with cozy holiday vibes. As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, brush this golden garlic butter all over the rolls. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of cheesy goodness that crisps up slightly as the bread cools.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the bread warm with your favorite marinara or pesto dipping sauces on the side. I like to put out toothpicks for easy sharing, especially if I’m making this for a crowd. Nothing brings people together quite like reaching for cheesy, garlicky bites in the shape of a Christmas tree!

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about simple, classic garnishes for this bread. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil right after brushing on the garlic butter adds a pop of color and freshness. If you want to get fancy, a light dusting of chili flakes or finely grated Parmesan steps up the flavor profile beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cheesy, garlicky bread pairs wonderfully with warm soups like tomato basil or creamy butternut squash. It also complements a fresh green salad with a zingy vinaigrette, balancing the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

One holiday when I surprised my guests, I placed the bread on a large green serving platter and scattered edible gold stars and cranberries around it for a festive vibe that really impressed everyone. You could also thread fairy lights around the edges to make it sparkle on your holiday table. Another fun idea is to serve it in the middle of a lazy Susan so everyone can spin it around and grab their favorite pieces easily.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which, honestly, is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve kept mine fresh for up to 5 days and the flavor still holds up—the key is tightly sealing to keep the garlic butter and cheese moist.

Freezing

Freezing this bread works pretty well if you skip the garlic butter topping first. Freeze the baked bread wrapped tightly in foil and a freezer bag, then add fresh garlic butter and reheat later to keep that butter flavor bright and fresh. It’s a lifesaver for holiday prep!

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop slices in the air fryer for a couple of minutes—this revives the crispy edges and melted cheese beautifully without drying out the bread. If you don’t have an air fryer, a quick zap in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel will do in a pinch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe holds a special spot in my heart because it’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a true crowd-pleaser. I’ve made it every holiday season for years now, and it never disappoints. It’s simple, festive, and downright delicious—exactly the kind of recipe I want in my rotation. I hope you find as much joy making and sharing it as I do. Go on, grab that biscuit dough and mozzarella, and let’s get baking—your family and friends will thank you!

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