Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread –7 Easy Cheesy Holiday Appetizer Recipes

Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread is the best festive appetizer for Christmas gatherings. Each dinner roll is stuffed with mozzarella cheese, brushed with Italian seasoned butter, and baked into a fun Christmas tree shape. Make this cheesy pull apart bread for your next holiday party!

Why You’ll Love This Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread

• Cheesy center in every roll
• Straightforward, no-fuss instructions
• Classic pizza dough or homemade, both work
• Baked in one tray—easy cleanup
• Garlic-herb butter keeps it tender
• Kid- and adult-friendly
• Can be made ahead
• Impressive look but anyone can make it
• Works for parties, potlucks, or family nights
• Fun to dip, share, and decorate with the kids

Ingredients

• 1 can (16 oz) pizza dough (or 1 lb homemade pizza dough)
• 24–28 small cubes block mozzarella cheese (about 1/2-inch each)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• Kosher salt and black pepper

How to Make Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread

Prepare your oven and tray.

Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.

Turn dough into rolls.

Roll out your pizza dough on a clean, lightly floured surface. Cut it into 24 to 28 equal-sized pieces. For better cheese pull, use block mozzarella, cut into 24 to 28 cubes.

Stuff and shape.

Flatten a piece of dough slightly, place a cube of cheese in the center, and pinch dough tightly around it to seal. Roll into a ball and place seam-side down on the tray.

Assemble the Christmas tree.

Start with one ball at the top, then next row with two, then three, then four, continuing until you get a triangle shape. Place a couple of extra balls at the bottom for the tree trunk.

Let it rise (optional).

Cover with a towel. Let sit 15–20 minutes for puffier, softer bread, or continue right away if short on time.

Mix butter and herbs.

Melt the butter. Stir in garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a little black pepper.

Brush and bake.

Brush the rolls with half the butter mixture. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until rolls are puffed, golden, and the cheese is bubbly.

Finish with more flavor.

Brush hot bread with the rest of the butter. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Add more herbs if you want.

Transfer and serve.

Let the bread rest a few minutes, then carefully lift the parchment to move the tree onto a serving board. Decorate with rosemary, cherry tomatoes, or tiny bell peppers for color.

Extra Serving Suggestions and Party Ideas

• Place a bowl of warm marinara or pizza sauce next to the bread for dipping.
• Surround the “tree” with olives and roasted peppers for a fun platter.
• Tie a simple ribbon around your serving board, or sprinkle fake snow for photos.
• Use colored toothpicks in the bread so guests can pull a piece without mess.

Extended Variations and Themed Ideas

• Swap in cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack cheese for different flavors.
• Use biscuit dough for a more tender, buttery bread.
• Want heat? Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the butter.
• Try a sweet version: fill with chocolate, brush with butter, sprinkle sugar and cinnamon after baking.
• Mini version: use smaller dough pieces and more cheese cubes for snack-size bites.
• Vegan tree bread: use vegan dough, dairy-free cheese, and plant-based butter.

Pro Tips for Success

• Block mozzarella works better than shredded for gooey, even melting.
• Pinch dough well so cheese doesn’t leak.
• Use parchment to lift and move the whole tree before serving.
• Don’t skip the final butter brush—keeps bread soft after baking.
• Letting dough rise makes rolls more tender, but skip if rushed.
• If prepping ahead, assemble and cover unbaked bread in fridge, bake just before guests arrive.

FAQ: Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread

1. Can I make this with canned biscuits?
   Yes, it’s soft and buttery that way.
2. Can I use other cheeses?
   Use your favorite. Cheddar, smoked gouda, or pepper jack all melt well.
3. How do I keep cheese from leaking out?
   Pinch and seal the dough tightly. Bake seam-side down.
4. How do I reheat leftovers?
   Cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes.
5. Can I freeze it?
   Freeze after baking. Reheat covered in the oven.
6. Can I add toppings?
   Definitely. Add herbs, seeds, or sprinkle coarse salt before baking.
7. How early can I prep?
   Assemble and refrigerate (unbaked, covered) up to 12 hours ahead.
8. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes. Make two trees or one giant on a large tray.
9. What’s the best dip?
   Marinara, garlic butter, ranch, or pesto.
10. How do I keep rolls soft?
    Butter before and after baking; store in airtight container if holding.
11. How big should cheese cubes be?
    Half-inch cubes work best—big enough to melt but not burst.
12. Can I serve at room temp?
    Best warm for cheese pull, but fine at room temp for parties.

Conclusion

This Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread is simple, cheesy, and perfect for the holidays. It brings everyone together, looks festive on the table, and tastes even better than it looks. You don’t need special skills or hard-to-find ingredients. Anyone can make this—just stuff, shape, bake, and share. If there’s one holiday bread to try this year, let it be this tree. Warm, melty, and real—exactly what good food should be.