Name: Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Italian
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 and/or pesto for dipping

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 3 reviews

I’m so excited to share my fan-freaking-tastic Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe with you today! This pull-apart bread shaped like a festive tree isn’t just adorable—it’s packed with melty mozzarella, fragrant herbs, and a buttery, cheesy finish that will make any holiday gathering unforgettable. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, and I promise you’ll impress everyone at your table. Keep reading and I’ll walk you through every step so your bread turns out perfectly golden and cheesy every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find, pantry-friendly items like pizza dough and mozzarella sticks that save you prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Interactive and Fun: Assembling the bread balls and shaping them into a tree is a great activity to do with family or friends, adding to the festive mood.
Loaded with Cheese and Herbs: Fresh herbs and garlic mixed with parmesan and butter create a rich, savory coating that elevates the bread to next-level yum.
Perfect Pull-Apart Texture: The balls stay soft inside but get golden crispy on the outside for the ideal balance every bite wants.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, Christmas pull-apart bread, festive cheesy bread, holiday bread recipes, easy Christmas bread ideas - 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

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe plays a key role in creating that irresistible pull-apart bread experience. I love using refrigerated pizza dough because it’s soft and stretchy, making it super easy to shape. And the combination of mozzarella and parmesan gives me that gooey cheese pull with a nice umami punch. Fresh herbs bring that festive aroma you just can’t beat.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, Christmas pull-apart bread, festive cheesy bread, holiday bread recipes, easy Christmas bread ideas - 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

Refrigerated pizza dough: Ready to go and super easy for shaping the bite-sized balls without fuss.
Mozzarella cheese sticks: These little cheese bites melt perfectly inside, so each piece oozes glorious melted cheese.
Large egg + water (egg wash): Creates that beautiful golden finish and helps the bread balls stick together.
Butter: Brushing the finished bread with melted butter adds richness and helps herbs and parmesan stick.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor and a delightful baked-on crust topping.
Fresh parsley, rosemary, and basil: These herbs bring fragrant, seasonal freshness to balance the richness.
Garlic: Just a hint adds savory depth in every buttery, herby bite.
Marinara and pesto: The perfect dippable companions for a bit of tang and an herbal punch to cut through the cheese.

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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 things about this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I often swap out herbs or cheeses depending on the season or what I have in my fridge. You can totally make it your own, and trust me, your guests will love whatever version you create.

Herb swaps: I’ve used thyme and oregano instead of rosemary and basil for a slightly earthier flavor, and it works beautifully.
Cheese variations: Try mixing mozzarella with sharp cheddar for an extra kick or use smoked mozzarella for a cozy smoky vibe.
Spicy twist: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter brush gives the bread a subtle warmth that’s unexpected but amazing.
Diet-friendly option: Use a dairy-free cheese and butter substitute to make this recipe vegan-friendly without losing the festive feel.

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

Step 1: Prep your dough and cheese

First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I like this step because it saves cleanup time later. Next, cut your pizza dough into about 30 equal squares. Don’t stress if they’re not perfect; I’ve learned that a roughly even size ensures even baking and cheesy goodness in every bite. Then slice your mozzarella sticks into 30 one-inch pieces—these little bites of cheese are what makes this bread irresistible.

Step 2: Assemble the cheesy bread balls

Place a mozzarella piece onto each dough square, then roll it up to enclose the cheese and shape it into a smooth ball. Try to pinch the edges tightly to avoid cheese leakage during baking. It can take a few tries to get comfortable with rolling, but once you do, it’s kind of fun! Place each ball seam-side down onto the parchment in the shape of a Christmas tree—this means arranging the balls so they touch and form that classic triangular “tree” shape.

Step 3: Brush with egg wash and bake

Whisk together one large egg with a tablespoon of water for a quick egg wash. This will help your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread turn golden brown and shiny when baked. Gently brush each ball with the egg wash, making sure to cover them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes until they’re puffed and beautifully golden on top. Keep an eye on the bread starting at 15 minutes—you want golden, not burnt!

Step 4: Brush with buttery herb parmesan and serve

While the bread bakes, melt the butter in the microwave and stir in half the parmesan cheese, grated garlic, and chopped fresh herbs. As soon as the bread comes out hot from the oven, brush this irresistible mixture generously over each bread ball. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor and crunch. Serve immediately alongside warm marinara and/or pesto for dipping—trust me, this combo is pure magic.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Don’t overfill the dough balls: Too much cheese can burst out and make a mess; just one piece per dough square keeps it neat and cheesy.
Seal edges well: Pinching the dough tightly prevents leaking and helps maintain the pretty tree shape during baking.
Fresh herbs matter: I strongly recommend using fresh parsley, rosemary, and basil for vibrant aroma rather than dried herbs—it really makes a difference.
Bake on parchment paper: Keeps your bread from sticking and makes cleanup effortless, especially when brushing on the buttery herb mixture.

How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, Christmas pull-apart bread, festive cheesy bread, holiday bread recipes, easy Christmas bread ideas - 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 love finishing this cheesy Christmas tree bread with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a pinch of fresh parsley for a pop of green. Sometimes I add a few cherry tomato halves around the plate to mimic “ornaments”—it’s festive and adds a fresh bite that balances the cheesy richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

For a cozy holiday spread, I like pairing this with a big bowl of garlicky marinara or homemade pesto for dipping. A simple mixed green salad with a bright vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. If you’re serving dinner, roasted veggies or soup complement it beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

One Christmas, I placed the bread tree on a large wooden platter, garnished it with fresh rosemary sprigs to look like pine, and added edible gold dust on the parmesan for a little sparkle—it impressed my guests big time! You could also serve smaller individual trees as festive place settings or turn this into a fun appetizer centerpiece the whole family can pull apart together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which I sincerely hope you do), wrap the bread tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays soft and delicious for 2-3 days—perfect for quick snacks or late-night bites.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the unbaked dough balls laid out on a parchment-lined tray, then transferred them to a freezer bag once firm. When I want to bake, I let them thaw slightly and then bake as usual. This makes it easy to prep in advance for holiday entertaining—just shape ahead and bake fresh when you’re ready.

Reheating

Reheat leftover bread in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to refresh that golden crust and melty interior. Avoid the microwave if you can; the oven keeps that wonderful texture better.

FAQs

Can I make the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe with homemade dough?

Absolutely! If you prefer making your own pizza dough from scratch, that will work wonderfully here—and you’ll get even fresher flavor. Just be sure your dough is pliable and not too dry so you can easily wrap the cheese without tearing.
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese sticks?

You can cut mozzarella blocks into small cubes or try string cheese sticks for convenience. Another great option is provolone or fontina for slightly different flavor, but mozzarella gives the best stretchy, melty texture.
How do I achieve the perfect tree shape?

I recommend laying out the balls on the parchment in rows that get progressively smaller, like a triangle—start with 6 or 7 balls at the bottom, then 5 or 6 above that, and so on—until you make a nice tapered “tree.” Keep the balls close together so they bake into one pull-apart loaf.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! Substitute vegan pizza dough, use your favorite plant-based cheese sticks, vegan butter, and omit or replace parmesan with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. It won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious and festive.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe holds a special place in my holiday heart—it’s fun to make, delightful to share, and basically guarantees smiles at the table. Whether it’s your first time tackling pull-apart bread or you’re a seasoned pro, I believe you’ll love how approachable and tasty this recipe is. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, roll up those cheesy balls, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this festive cheesy masterpiece. I promise it’ll be the star of your holiday spread!