Name: Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 13 ounces 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 (for dipping); 1 jar pesto sauce (optional, for dipping)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

If you’re searching for a festive, fun, and utterly delicious treat to wow your holiday guests, this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine bite-sized, golden brown dough balls stuffed with gooey mozzarella, shaped into a stunning Christmas tree, and brushed with an irresistible blend of garlic butter and fresh herbs—perfect for sharing and dipping. It’s the kind of appetizer that not only fills your home with cozy scents but also brings everyone together around the table, making celebrations even sweeter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a group of 33 small, round dough balls arranged neatly on a white baking tray lined with parchment paper. The dough balls are placed in the shape of a Christmas tree with one dough ball at the top, increasing row by row to the base, which has seven dough balls, and a small stem made of two dough balls at the bottom. Each dough ball is golden and shiny, showing a slight glaze that makes the surface smooth and glossy. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients often make the most unforgettable dishes, and this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is no exception. Each component plays its part: the dough gives a fluffy base, mozzarella brings that delightful stretch of melty cheese, and herbs lift everything with fresh, vibrant flavors.

13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough: This convenient dough is soft and easy to shape, forming the perfect bread base.
Parchment paper: Essential for lining your baking sheet to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks: The ooey-gooey heart of every bread ball, delivering irresistible cheesy pulls.
1 large egg (+ 1 tablespoon water for egg wash): Gives the bread a lovely golden shine and helps herbs stick.
3 tablespoons butter (melted): Adds richness and carries the savory garlic and herbs beautifully.
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided): Adds a nutty, salty contrast—half goes into the buttery glaze, and half on top for extra flavor.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped): Brings a bright, herbaceous note that balances the richness.
1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped): Offers an aromatic pine-like essence, perfect for holiday vibes.
1/2 tablespoon fresh basil (finely chopped): Adds a sweet, slightly peppery taste to enhance the herb mix.
1 clove garlic (grated): Delivers that mouthwatering savory kick to the butter glaze.
1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping): Choose one or both for a variety of dipping options that pair perfectly with the cheesy bread.

How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), then line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your bread from sticking and to ensure an easy cleanup. Next, cut your refrigerated pizza dough into 30 approximately equal squares for uniform baking. This makes the process simple and ensures each bite is perfectly sized.

Step 2: Slice the Cheese

Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces, roughly one inch long. This size is just right to fit snugly inside each dough square, ensuring a gooey surprise inside every roll.

Step 3: Assemble Bread Balls

Place one piece of mozzarella in the center of each dough square. Then, carefully gather the edges of the dough around the cheese and roll it into smooth balls, sealing the edges completely. This prevents cheese from leaking out while baking and keeps every bite filled with melty goodness.

Step 4: Shape and Brush

Arrange the dough balls seam side down on the parchment-lined baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Make sure the balls touch to create a cohesive tree shape. Once arranged, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash and gently brush it over each ball. This step is key to getting that beautiful golden finish.

Step 5: Bake and Glaze

Bake the dough balls for 16 to 18 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown color. While the bread is baking, melt the butter and mix in half of the grated parmesan, grated garlic, parsley, rosemary, and basil to create a fragrant, savory glaze. As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, brush this herb butter generously over the warm rolls and sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately with your choice of marinara sauce or pesto for dipping — it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen!

How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

A Christmas tree shaped pull-apart bread made of small, golden brown dough balls topped with bits of melted cheese and chopped herbs, arranged in a triangular form with a short trunk of dough balls at the bottom right; a woman's hand dips one dough ball into a white bowl filled with thick red marinara sauce on the top right, next to a spoon with some sauce on it, all set on a wooden board with scattered herbs and a sprig of rosemary at the bottom right, and a red and white checkered cloth draped in the upper left corner, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance presentation and flavor by adding a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or chopped chives on top of the herb butter glaze. You can also add tiny edible glitter or red pepper flakes for a festive touch that mimics Christmas decorations.

Side Dishes

This cheesy bread pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a bowl of warm tomato soup. Both balance the richness of the bread and make for a complete and comforting holiday meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cheesy bread tree on a large wooden board or festive platter, surrounded by small bowls of marinara and pesto for easy dipping. You could even add some cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers as “ornaments” around your tree for added color and charm. Let your creativity shine; it’s all part of the festive fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though honestly, that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The bread may soften slightly, but warming it before serving brings back some of the fresh-baked magic.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled, unbaked bread balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet for a few hours until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with the egg wash and baking as usual.

Reheating

To revive the cheesy bread, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisped on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella offers the best melt and stretch, you can experiment with provolone or mild cheddar for unique flavors. Just be mindful that some cheeses melt differently and may alter the texture slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it uses no meat products. Just be sure your cheeses don’t contain animal rennet if strict vegetarianism is a concern.

How long can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can assemble the bread balls and freeze them for up to a month before baking. This makes it perfect for holiday prep when you want stress-free entertaining!

Can I make the herb butter glaze without fresh herbs?

Yes, dried herbs can be used if fresh aren’t available. Use about one-third of the amount stated, as dried herbs are more concentrated. The flavor will still be delicious albeit slightly different in freshness.

What’s the best way to shape the bread into a Christmas tree?

Arrange the dough balls with one at the top for the tree’s tip, then increase each row by a few balls below to create a triangular shape. Imagine the classic Christmas tree silhouette and place the rolls touching so they bake into a connected “tree.”

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is more than just a festive appetizer; it’s a joyful centerpiece for your holiday gatherings that invites everyone to slow down, share, and delight in simple, delicious bites. Its cozy blend of cheesy, buttery, garlicky flavors wrapped in soft dough will surely become a seasonal favorite. Give it a try and watch your holiday table light up with smiles and satisfied sighs!