Name: Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough; 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks; parchment paper for lining baking sheet; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon water; 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; 1 jar marinara sauce; 1 jar pesto sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 9 reviews

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s both delicious and fun to make, you’re going to love this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe. It’s not only visually festive but also packed with cheesy goodness that melts in your mouth – trust me, it’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a holiday tradition. Stick around because I’m sharing my tried-and-true tips to nail it perfectly every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Eye-catching Presentation: Shaped like a Christmas tree, this bread is as festive as it is tasty, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
Easy-to-Handle Dough: Using refrigerator pizza dough keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Herb & Garlic Butter Finish: Adds a rich, savory layer that takes the cheesy bread to another level.
Perfect Dip Pairings: Marinara and pesto complement the bread beautifully for extra flair and flavor.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, Christmas Tree Bread, Festive Cheese Bread, Holiday Appetizer, Christmas Bread Recipe - The image shows a Christmas tree-shaped pull-apart bread made of small golden brown dough balls. Each dough ball is topped with melted cheese and chopped green herbs, giving a mix of light yellow, white, and green colors on the surface. The dough balls are tightly packed to form the triangular tree shape with a small stem at the bottom. A few grated cheese pieces are scattered over the bread and some green herbs are sprinkled on the white marbled surface underneath. To the top right, there is a white bowl filled with thick red tomato sauce and a spoon nearby with sauce on it. A sprig of fresh rosemary lies to the left of the bread. Part of a white cloth with red stripes is visible in the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe calls for simple ingredients that you probably already have or can easily find. Each one plays a role in creating a soft, cheesy, and flavorful bite that’s irresistible.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, Christmas Tree Bread, Festive Cheese Bread, Holiday Appetizer, Christmas Bread Recipe - Flat lay of fresh unrolled pizza dough ball, several mozzarella cheese sticks, one large whole brown egg, small white bowl of water, small white bowl with melted butter, small white bowl with grated parmesan cheese, small white bowl with finely chopped fresh parsley, small white bowl with finely chopped fresh rosemary, small white bowl with finely chopped fresh basil, small white bowl with grated garlic, small white bowl of bright red marinara sauce, and small white bowl of green pesto sauce, all arranged symmetrically with perfect balance, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Refrigerator Pizza Dough: Using ready-made dough saves time and guarantees a soft, chewy bread base without fuss.
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: These melt beautifully and create ooey-gooey pockets inside each bread ball.
Egg + Water for Egg Wash: Gives the bread a gorgeous golden shine and helps it develop a bit of crispiness.
Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps carry the flavors of the herbs and garlic onto the bread surface.
Parmesan Cheese (grated): Gives a salty, nutty finishing touch sprinkled on top.
Fresh Herbs (parsley, rosemary, basil): These fresh herbs add brightness and a festive aroma that makes the bread feel special.
Garlic (grated): Just a touch of garlic amps up the savory flavor without overpowering.
Marinara and/or Pesto: Perfect for dipping, these sauces bring delightful acidity and herbaceous notes.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts about this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I love adding different cheeses or herbs sometimes depending on what I have on hand—you’ll have fun experimenting too!

Cheese Variation: I sometimes swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar or gouda for a twist on the classic flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: You can use gluten-free pizza dough if needed; just watch the baking time as it may vary slightly.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb butter gives it a nice warmth without being overpowering.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Then, cut your pizza dough into roughly 30 equal squares. This might seem like a lot, but it really helps the bread shape beautifully. Don’t worry about perfection here—it’s rustic and charming either way.

Step 2: Stuff Each Dough Square with Cheese

Slice your mozzarella sticks into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Place one piece in the center of each dough square. Carefully fold and pinch the dough around the cheese, rolling it into a smooth ball to seal in all that melty goodness. It can be a bit sticky, so lightly flour your hands if needed.

Step 3: Shape the Christmas Tree

Arrange the dough balls seam side down on the baking sheet, shaping them into a Christmas tree—start with a large row at the bottom and work your way up to a single ball at the top, so they touch snugly. This way, when baked, the tree holds together and looks super festive.

Step 4: Egg Wash & Bake

Whisk together one large egg with a tablespoon of water, then brush it lightly over all the dough balls. This gives that gorgeous golden-brown finish. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the bread is puffed and golden. Keep an eye on it toward the end to avoid overbaking.

Step 5: Herb Butter Glaze

While the bread is baking, microwave your butter until just melted. Stir in half of the grated parmesan, all the grated garlic, and freshly chopped herbs (parsley, rosemary, basil). When the bread comes out of the oven, brush this glorious mixture over the warm rolls and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan. Yum!

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Even Dough Pieces: Try to keep your dough pieces similar in size so the bread bakes evenly and the tree shape looks balanced.
Seal the Cheese Well: Don’t rush when sealing the dough around the cheese—this avoids leaks during baking for perfectly gooey bites.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh herbs instead of dried really brings flavor and aroma that dried just can’t match.
Serve Warm: I always serve this bread right from the oven for that perfect melty, soft texture. Reheating properly helps too!

How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, Christmas Tree Bread, Festive Cheese Bread, Holiday Appetizer, Christmas Bread Recipe - A close-up image shows a white marbled surface with a white bowl filled with thick red sauce that has a chunky texture and glossy finish. Above the bowl, a woman's hand with red painted nails is dipping a small round light golden brown fried item into the sauce. The fried item looks soft with a slightly crisp surface and a few green spots inside. The background is softly blurred to focus on the dip action. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra parmesan or freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving—it adds a nice pop of color and flavor. If you want to get festive, a few halved cherry tomatoes around the platter look like little ornaments and bring freshness to the plate.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or serve alongside a bowl of warm marinara and some roasted veggies for a more substantial snack or light meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve laid the bread tree on a wooden cutting board surrounded by little bowls of different dips—pesto, spicy arrabbiata, and even a creamy ranch. Sometimes I add tiny edible flowers or fresh rosemary sprigs for a beautiful, natural decoration that’s sure to wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it from drying out, I recommend wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel before sealing it.

Freezing

I usually freeze the baked bread on a tray first, then transfer the frozen tree bread to a resealable plastic bag. It stays great for up to 3 months, perfect if you want to prep ahead for the holidays.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the bread back into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the crust crisps up again. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the bread chewy or soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and assemble the dough balls up to a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Just cover the assembled tree loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! While mozzarella melts best, feel free to experiment with cheeses like provolone, gouda, or a sharp cheddar. Just be aware some cheeses may change the melting texture slightly.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

The key is sealing the dough edges well around the cheese piece. Press firmly and pinch the seams tightly. If the dough is sticking too much, a light dusting of flour on your hands helps.
Can I make this bread vegan or dairy-free?

Definitely! Use vegan mozzarella sticks and substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. Just double-check your dough is vegan-friendly as well.

Final Thoughts

Every holiday season, I look forward to making this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe because it brings smiles and warmth to the table — there’s something magical about pulling apart those little cheesy bites with friends and family. I truly hope you give it a try, and when you do, enjoy the fun process and the fantastic flavors that make this simple recipe feel so special. Believe me, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again!