Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about holiday baking, especially when it involves melted cheese and warm, fluffy bread. This Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread combines all your favorite flavors — garlic, cheese, and soft bread — into one festive masterpiece.

Here’s why it’s a holiday must-try:

• Festive & Fun: The Christmas tree shape adds instant holiday spirit to your table.

• Cheesy & Garlicky: Every bite is gooey, buttery, and bursting with flavor.

• Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients and basic dough techniques (or shortcut dough).

• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for sharing and pulling apart at parties.

• Customizable: Fill with your favorite cheeses or add herbs for a flavor twist.

This bread is not just food — it’s an edible centerpiece that gets everyone talking!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You can make the dough from scratch for homemade flavor or use store-bought pizza dough for a shortcut. Either way, it’s delicious!

For the Dough

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

• ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Shortcut Option: Use one pound of store-bought pizza dough for convenience.

For the Filling

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or mozzarella pearls)

• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for inside)

For the Garlic Butter Topping

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (for topping)

• Pinch of salt

For Serving

• Marinara sauce or garlic butter dip

• Extra parsley for garnish

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Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Wooden spoon or dough hook mixer

• Rolling pin

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Pastry brush

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. This means the yeast is alive and ready to make your dough rise.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, add flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead the dough for about 6–8 minutes on a lightly floured surface (or with a mixer and dough hook) until it’s smooth and elastic.

Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Shortcut: If using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, shred or cube the mozzarella cheese. Combine it with a bit of parmesan and parsley if desired.

Step 4: Shape the Dough Balls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Divide it into 33 small pieces (each about 1 inch in diameter).

Flatten each piece slightly, place a small bit of cheese in the center, and pinch the edges together to seal. Roll into a smooth ball.

Repeat with remaining dough and cheese.

Step 5: Arrange in a Christmas Tree Shape

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Start forming the base of the tree with six balls, then build up each row with one less ball until you reach the top with a single ball. Add one ball at the bottom as the “tree trunk.”

It should resemble a triangular Christmas tree shape.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the assembled bread with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 15–20 minutes. This ensures the rolls bake up fluffy and light.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the bread for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Step 8: Make the Garlic Butter

While the bread bakes, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.

Step 9: Brush and Garnish

Remove the bread from the oven and immediately brush it generously with garlic butter. Sprinkle extra parmesan and parsley over the top for a festive, flavorful finish.

Step 10: Serve

Serve warm with a bowl of marinara sauce or garlic butter for dipping. Watch as everyone pulls apart the tree — it’s a fun and delicious moment!

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Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Dough: Whether homemade or store-bought, make sure it’s soft and elastic.

2. Seal the Cheese Inside: Pinch tightly to prevent melting cheese from oozing out.

3. Brush While Warm: The butter melts beautifully into the rolls when they’re hot.

4. Serve Immediately: The bread is best enjoyed warm and fresh.

5. Customize: Add herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, or different cheeses for variety.

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Flavor Variations

Make your Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread unique with these creative twists:

Cheesy Herb Tree

Mix mozzarella, cheddar, and a pinch of Italian seasoning inside each dough ball. Brush with herb butter for extra aroma.

Spinach & Cheese Tree

Fill with a mixture of spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella for a gooey, green-filled version that fits the festive theme.

Pizza Tree

Add a bit of marinara and shredded mozzarella inside each ball for mini pizza flavor bombs. Serve with extra sauce on the side.

Caprese Tree

Add mozzarella, diced tomatoes, and basil for a fresh and colorful Mediterranean-inspired bread.

Garlic & Olive Tree

Mix chopped green olives and roasted garlic with cheese for a savory twist.

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Serving Ideas

This Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread isn’t just an appetizer — it’s a holiday showpiece!

• Serve as a centerpiece for Christmas dinner or buffet tables.

• Pair with soups like tomato basil or creamy mushroom for cozy comfort.

• Add it to a charcuterie board for a fun twist on classic breadsticks.

• Serve with marinara, pesto, or cheesy dips for extra indulgence.

For an extra festive touch, decorate the tree with:

• Cherry tomato “ornaments”

• Small mozzarella pearls as “snowballs”

• Fresh basil leaves for “garlands”

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Make-Ahead Tips

You can easily prepare this bread ahead of time:

• Assemble Ahead: Shape the dough balls and arrange them into a tree. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Bring to room temperature before baking.

• Freeze Before Baking: Freeze the shaped, unbaked bread on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw, rise, and bake fresh.

• Reheat: If baked ahead, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. Brush again with garlic butter before serving.

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Store: Wrap tightly or place in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.

• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes or microwave briefly.

• Freeze: Store individual pieces in a freezer bag for up to a month. Reheat directly from frozen for a quick snack.

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Nutritional Information (per serving)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 150

• Carbohydrates: 16g

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 7g

• Sodium: 190mg

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the Dough Balls: Too much cheese can cause leaking. Use about a teaspoon per ball.

• Skipping the Second Rise: It’s crucial for soft, fluffy rolls.

• Overbaking: Keep an eye on it — golden brown, not dark brown, is the goal.

• Using Cold Butter: Melted butter blends flavors better when brushed on warm bread.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-made pizza dough?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut and saves time. Just let it rest before shaping.

Can I make this without yeast?
Yeast gives the bread its soft, airy texture, so it’s essential for this recipe.

What cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you can mix in cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack for variety.

Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes, use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough and follow the same steps.

Can I prepare it the day before?
Absolutely! Assemble the tree and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh before serving.

Can I freeze it after baking?
Yes! Freeze the cooled bread, then reheat at 350°F until warm.

How do I keep the bread soft?
Cover it with foil after baking to trap steam and keep it tender.

Can I make mini versions?
Yes! Shape into smaller trees or even wreaths for individual servings.

How long can it sit out at a party?
It’s best served warm, but can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.

How to Decorate the Christmas Tree Bread

Turn your pull-apart bread into a centerpiece by adding edible “decorations”:

• Parmesan flakes for a snow-dusted effect.

• Cherry tomatoes for red ornaments.

• Fresh parsley or basil for green “garlands.”

• Star-shaped cheese cutout at the top!

For extra sparkle, serve it on a wooden board surrounded by cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and fairy lights.

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The Magic of Holiday Baking

The joy of baking during the holidays isn’t just about the food — it’s about the moments. The smell of garlic butter filling the kitchen, the sight of melted cheese stretching between hands, the laughter shared as everyone pulls apart the bread together.

This Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread captures the spirit of the season: warm, comforting, and full of love. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together — and becomes a tradition year after year.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a festive, easy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer, this Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread is your answer. It’s soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and loaded with gooey cheese and garlic butter. Every piece is a little bite of holiday joy.

Serve it at your next Christmas party or dinner and watch it disappear in minutes. With its beautiful tree shape and irresistible flavor, it’s sure to become one of your most requested holiday recipes!