This cheesy Christmas tree bread is soft, gooey, and super festive.
It’s basically pull-apart pizza bread shaped like a Christmas tree, and every bite is loaded with melty cheese and garlicky butter.
It’s the kind of recipe that looks impressive but is secretly easy — and yes, you can totally make it even if you don’t bake often.
I’ve made this every year since I found it, and there’s never a crumb left.
It’s a holiday win every time.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 ½ cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Why I Love This Recipe
This one’s been a part of my holiday spread for years. I started making it on a whim for a casual holiday party and now I have to make it every year. It checks every box:
- Fun and festive (it actually looks like a Christmas tree!)
- So simple to make, especially with store-bought dough
- Melty, cheesy, garlicky perfection in every bite
- Pairs perfectly with your favorite marinara for dipping
- A total crowd-pleaser — even picky eaters go for seconds
It’s the kind of appetizer that makes people hover around the tray “just for one more.”
Servings
Makes about 8–10 servings
Total Time
Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Macros (Per Serving, Estimated for 10 Servings)
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Steam from cheese melts inside the dough balls, making them fluffy and tender.
- The egg wash gives it a glossy, golden crust — don’t skip it!
- Butter + garlic + parsley combo adds deep flavor and smells incredible.
- Refrigerated pizza dough has gluten already developed, so less work for you!
Common Mistakes
- Overstuffing the dough balls — too much cheese and they’ll burst open while baking.
- Using cold dough — let it come to room temp for easier handling and better texture.
- Skipping the egg wash — you’ll lose that golden shine and color.
- Not sealing the edges well — cheese leaks out and makes a mess.
What to Serve With
- Warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping
- A simple salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Roasted veggies or a charcuterie board on the side
- Hot cocoa or mulled wine if it’s a cozy night in
FAQ
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes! Crescent dough will be softer and slightly sweeter, but it works great.
Can I prep this ahead?
See the section below — yes, it’s totally doable.
Can I freeze it?
You can freeze the baked version and reheat. It won’t be quite as fluffy, but still delish.
What cheeses can I use besides mozzarella?
Fontina, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
Make Ahead Tips
- You can roll and fill the dough balls the night before. Place them on your baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge.
- Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- You can also mix the garlic butter ahead and store in the fridge, then reheat before brushing on top.
Let’s Make It!
Step 1: Roll and Cut the Dough
Roll out 1 lb of refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 9×13 inches. Use a pizza cutter to slice it into about 30 equal squares.
Step 2: Fill and Seal the Dough Balls
Place about ½ tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese into the center of each dough square. Pinch the corners together and roll into a smooth, sealed ball.
Step 3: Shape into a Tree
On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the filled dough balls in the shape of a Christmas tree (start with 1 at the top, then 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 on the bottom, with a trunk of 2 below).
Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash
Brush the top of each dough ball with beaten egg using a pastry brush to help it brown up beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the tree in a preheated oven at 375°F for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter
While the bread is still warm, brush the top with a mixture of 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley. Sprinkle ¼ cup Parmesan over the top.
Step 7: Serve
Place the cheesy bread tree on a round serving plate and serve warm with a side of marinara for dipping.Image Prompt
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Freeze baked bread (tightly wrapped) for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven until hot.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is everything you want in a holiday appetizer — fun, festive, and full of warm cheesy flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or just hanging out with family, this one’s a guaranteed hit. If you make it, leave a comment below and let me know how it went or if you have any questions — happy baking!
