The Best Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive, irresistibly gooey holiday treat, you’ve just found it in The Best Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe. This fun, pull-apart bread shaped like a Christmas tree isn’t only a feast for the eyes but also a warm, cheesy delight that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends around the holiday table. With its golden crust, herb-kissed butter, and melty mozzarella centers, it’s bound to be a new holiday tradition that everyone asks for year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in the simplest way to create a masterpiece that bursts with flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role, from the stretchy dough that forms the base, to the melty cheese that surprises with every bite, and the fresh herbs adding that perfect festive note.

• 13 ounces canned refrigerator pizza dough: Provides a soft, chewy base that’s easy to work with and bakes up beautifully golden.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze when lining your baking sheet.
• 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks: The star ingredient, delivering creamy, gooey pockets of cheesy goodness inside each roll.
• 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water: Mixed to make a shiny egg wash that gives the bread a gorgeous golden finish.
• 3 tablespoons butter (melted): Adds rich flavor and moisture, especially when infused with herbs and garlic.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided): Enhances the buttery topping with a salty kick and beautiful texture contrast.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped): Brings a fresh, bright herbal note that lights up the flavor profile.
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped): Adds warm, woodsy undertones that feel so festive and aromatic.
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil (finely chopped): Infuses a subtle hint of sweetness and depth to the butter topping.
• 1 clove garlic (grated): Gives a gentle punch of savory warmth that melds beautifully with the herbs and cheese.
• 1 jar marinara and/or pesto: Perfect for dipping, these sauces amp up the experience with tangy or fresh notes that complement the bread’s richness.

How to Make The Best Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s hot enough to give your bread a golden crust. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easier to transfer the bread later. Setting these foundations makes the whole process smoother and the final presentation flawless.

Step 2: Cut the Dough and Cheese

Divide the pizza dough into 30 evenly sized squares—this little step is the secret to perfectly portioned bites that melt in your mouth. Next, slice the mozzarella cheese sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces, about one inch each. This guarantees each dough piece gets a gooey, cheesy heart that surprises every eater.

Step 3: Shape the Cheese-Filled Dough Balls

Place a piece of mozzarella on each dough square, then gently roll the dough around the cheese. Use your hands to smooth and seal the edges, creating neat little cheese-stuffed balls that won’t leak during baking. This is where the magic really starts!

Step 4: Arrange and Brush the Dough

On your parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the cheese-filled dough balls seam side down, forming a Christmas tree shape. This visual is what makes The Best Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe a showstopper at any holiday gathering. After shaping, mix the egg and water to create the egg wash, then lightly brush each ball to ensure a shiny, perfectly browned final crust.

Step 5: Bake and Finish with Herb Butter

Bake the tree for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the bread turns delightfully golden. While baking, melt the butter in the microwave and stir in half of the Parmesan cheese, along with the garlic and fresh herbs. The moment the bread comes out of the oven, brush this fragrant herb butter over the rolls, then sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with marinara and/or pesto for dipping to add incredible layers of flavor to each cheesy pull-apart bite.

How to Serve The Best Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a little garnish can make your cheesy Christmas tree bread even more festive and inviting. A light sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or basil leaves immediately before serving adds a dash of color and freshness. For a final holiday touch, consider sprinkling a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dusting of smoked paprika for subtle heat and a hint of smokiness that beautifully contrasts the cheese.

Side Dishes

The Best Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic tomato-based sides like a robust marinara or fresh, vibrant pesto for dipping. Beyond sauces, serving it alongside a crisp salad with citrus vinaigrette or a warm bowl of soup like tomato basil or roasted red pepper will balance the richness and create a well-rounded meal perfect for holiday entertaining.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is part of the fun! Place your cheesy bread tree on a festive wooden board or a bright holiday-themed plate. Surround it with cherry tomatoes or colorful bell pepper strips to mimic ornaments. For a whimsical touch, stick small rosemary sprigs as “needles” in the dough balls after baking or tie a ribbon around the baking sheet to turn it into an instant gift. This bread is as much about looks as it is about taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you just might), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. The bread stays soft and the cheese delightfully gooey, but if you want to keep the crust crisp, consider reheating briefly before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the shaped dough balls before baking! Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, let thaw in the fridge overnight, then proceed with the egg wash and herb butter post-bake for the best results.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, warm the bread in a 350-degree oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. This reheats the cheese perfectly and revives the golden crust. Avoid microwaving as this can make the bread soggy and rubbery. A quick reheat keeps your cheesy Christmas tree bread tasting just as amazing as when it first came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is ideal for its meltability and mild flavor, feel free to experiment with cheddar, gouda, or even a mix. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the herb butter topping.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Since this recipe uses canned pizza dough, which contains gluten, it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free pizza dough and adjusting baking times accordingly for a similar festive treat.

How do I shape the tree evenly?

Using a visual guide or photo reference helps a lot. Arrange the dough balls in rows that get progressively wider from the top to the base, making sure the balls touch one another to create that recognizable tree shape.

Can I skip the herbs in the butter?

You can, but the fresh herbs add so much flavor and a festive flair to the bread. If you don’t have them, a bit of garlic powder or Italian seasoning can be a decent substitute to keep the butter topping flavorful.

What’s the best way to serve dips alongside?

Serve marinara warm in a small bowl placed right next to the bread tree or drizzle pesto over some rolls for added variety. Offering multiple dipping options gives everyone a chance to customize their cheesy bites.

Final Thoughts

Making The Best Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is a joyful way to bring everyone together this holiday season. It’s fun to prepare, delightful to eat, and incredibly satisfying to share. Once you try this festive, cheesy masterpiece, you’ll understand why it earns the title as one of the most beloved holiday treats. So gather your ingredients, invite the family into the kitchen, and make some delicious memories that will last a lifetime.

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