Name: Christmas Tree Cheese Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: PT-489906H22M55S
Total time: PT-489906H22M55S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound prepared pizza dough; 8 mozzarella cheese sticks; 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon water; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup marinara sauce

If you’re looking for a festive appetizer that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, then you’re going to adore this Christmas Tree Cheese Pull Apart Bread Recipe. I absolutely love how it looks on the table—a pull-apart bread shaped like a Christmas tree and oozing with melty mozzarella. When I first made this, my family went crazy for the cheesy pockets and the gooey cheese pull was just irresistible. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step so you’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe the recipe too!).

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive & Fun Presentation: Shaped like a Christmas tree, it brings instant holiday cheer to any table.
Melty, Cheesy Goodness: Those pockets of mozzarella deliver the perfect cheese pull every bite.
Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find items like pizza dough and mozzarella sticks — no fancy prep needed.
Perfect for Sharing: Pull apart the bread and dip in marinara, making it a crowd-pleasing party favorite.

The image shows a triangular shape made with 27 golden-baked dough balls arranged in layers to form a Christmas tree shape, with the dough balls having a soft texture and sprinkled with green parsley and white grated cheese on top. To the top right of this triangle, there is a small white bowl filled with smooth red marinara sauce, placed on a wooden tray with warm brown tones and a brass handle, all set on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Christmas Tree Cheese Pull Apart Bread, festive cheesy bread, holiday appetizer, Christmas snack recipes, cheesy pull apart bread

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe sticks to simple, wholesome ingredients that work beautifully together — the pizza dough gives that soft, pillowy base, and the mozzarella melts to creamy perfection. Here are the essentials to grab before we get baking:

Flat lay of one ball of smooth, fresh pizza dough, eight whole mozzarella cheese sticks, a small white ceramic bowl of Italian seasoning, a small white ceramic bowl of garlic powder, one large whole egg with a clean, uncracked shell, a small white ceramic bowl with water, a small white ceramic bowl of melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of finely chopped fresh parsley, a small white ceramic bowl of grated parmesan cheese, and a simple white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red marinara sauce, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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 - Christmas Tree Cheese Pull Apart Bread, festive cheesy bread, holiday appetizer, Christmas snack recipes, cheesy pull apart bread

Prepared pizza dough: Using store-bought saves tons of time and still gives amazing texture.
Mozzarella cheese sticks: These are perfect for cutting into bite-sized melts inside each bread pull-apart.
Italian seasoning: A blend that adds herby warmth without overpowering the cheese.
Garlic powder: Just a bit enhances the savory flavor and pairs so well with the bread.
Egg: Used for the egg wash, giving the bread a gorgeous golden finish.
Water: Mixed with the egg for brushing on top — helps with that shiny crust.
Butter (melted): Brushed on hot bread to add richness and shine.
Fresh parsley: Chopped finely to add a burst of fresh color and flavor.
Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle on top gives a nice salty kick and a bit of texture.
Marinara sauce: Your go-to dipping sauce that ties all the flavors together.

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.

Variations

I love making this Christmas Tree Cheese Pull Apart Bread Recipe my own by switching up the cheeses or adding a little extra flavor kick. Feel free to customize it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs!

Cheese Swap: Once, I swapped mozzarella for a mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar — it gave the bread a beautiful tang and extra color that made it pop on the table.
Herb Boost: Adding fresh rosemary or thyme with the parsley adds a fragrant, earthy touch I’m obsessed with during the holidays.
Spicy Kick: For a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes inside before folding — it’s unexpected but so good.
Gluten-Free Dough: If you’re avoiding gluten, I’ve tried a gluten-free pizza dough, and it works just as well though a little more delicate when shaping.

How to Make Christmas Tree Cheese Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dough and Cheese

First, let your prepared pizza dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes—this makes it much easier to work with and stretch without tearing. Meanwhile, cut each mozzarella stick into 4 bite-sized pieces (you’ll end up with 32 cheese cubes). Getting this done ahead of folding makes the assembly quick and smooth.

Step 2: Shape the Cheese-Filled Dough Balls

Roll out the dough and slice it into 32 even squares. Place one mozzarella cube on each square, sprinkle a little Italian seasoning and garlic powder on top, then fold the edges toward the center. Pinch the seams tightly and roll each into a smooth ball. This sealing step is crucial — it keeps all that melty cheese inside while baking, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Arrange the Tree and Brush with Egg Wash

On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arrange the dough balls seam-side down in the shape of a Christmas tree—with a small trunk at the bottom. You’ll have a few extras, which you can bake off to snack on later. Whisk your egg and water together and use a pastry brush to lightly coat each ball; this gives the bread that glossy, golden-brown crust we all love.

Step 4: Bake and Add the Finishing Touches

Bake your bread at 400°F for about 16–18 minutes until golden and puffed, and the cheese is deliciously melted inside. As soon as it’s out of the oven, brush the melted butter over the entire tree and sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese. The butter adds moisture and flavor while the parsley and parmesan give it a perfect festive touch.

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Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Cheese Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Room Temperature Dough: I discovered that letting the dough rest at room temp for at least 15 minutes makes shaping so much easier and prevents tearing.
Seal the Edges Well: Pinching the dough firmly around the cheese stops leaks during baking—no one wants cheese oozing all over the pan!
Egg Wash Magic: Brushing the egg wash just before baking gives the bread that irresistible golden shine and slightly crisp crust.
Hot Butter Finish: Don’t skip brushing melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven—it locks in moisture and flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Cheese Pull Apart Bread Recipe

The image shows a round cluster of golden-brown pull-apart bread balls topped with small green herb bits and sprinkled with light grated cheese. The bread balls are soft and puffy, baked close together in one layer on a wooden surface. Two woman's hands are pulling one piece apart, revealing melted white cheese stretching between the separated parts. In the corner, there is a white bowl with bright red marinara sauce, partially visible. The whole scene sits on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Christmas Tree Cheese Pull Apart Bread, festive cheesy bread, holiday appetizer, Christmas snack recipes, cheesy pull apart bread

Garnishes

I always use fresh chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan to garnish — not only do they add a lovely pop of color, but the parsley brings a fresh note that balances the richness of the cheese. Sometimes, I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top for a subtle heat that guests adore.

Side Dishes

Serving this bread with warm marinara sauce is a no-brainer, but I’ve also paired it with a creamy spinach-artichoke dip or a tangy balsamic glaze for some variety. A crisp, fresh green salad or roasted veggies complement the richness beautifully if you’re looking to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve tried adding little olive “ornaments” stuck gently on top before baking, which made the tree look even more festive. You can also place some cherry tomatoes or bell pepper strips around the base like presents for a playful touch. Serving it on a wooden board enhances the rustic, cozy vibe everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The bread stays surprisingly soft, and when I reheat it, it’s still melty and delicious. Just make sure the bread has fully cooled before sealing it up to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing this Christmas Tree Cheese Pull Apart Bread Recipe works great if you want to prep ahead. I wrap the baked tree tightly in foil and then place it in a freezer bag. When I thaw it overnight in the fridge, it reheats perfectly without losing that fresh-baked texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop it in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warm throughout and the cheese is melty again. Microwaving can work but tends to make the bread a bit chewy, so I always recommend the oven method for best results.

FAQs

Can I make this Christmas Tree Cheese Pull Apart Bread Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dough balls and shape the tree a day before, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before baking for even cooking and perfect texture.
What other cheeses can I use if I don’t have mozzarella sticks?

String cheese or shredded mozzarella work well as alternatives. You can also try a combination with provolone or gouda for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to portion the cheese into bite-sized pieces to fit inside the dough.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking during baking?

Pinching the dough edges securely around the cheese is key to keeping it inside as it melts. Avoid overfilling and make sure your dough pieces aren’t too thin or stretched out—this helps contain the cheese perfectly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Using a gluten-free pizza dough substitute works well. Just be gentle when shaping as gluten-free dough is often more delicate. Keep in mind the texture might differ slightly but the cheesy goodness remains.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Tree Cheese Pull Apart Bread Recipe has become my holiday party secret weapon. It’s not just about the delicious, gooey cheese—it’s the fun of pulling apart each cheesy nugget with your hands, sharing laughs, and making memories around the table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and if you try any fun variations, I’d love to hear about them!