Hey y’all! There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh, cheesy bread wafting through your home during the holiday season. This Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread is a show-stopping centerpiece that’s irresistibly gooey, buttery, and fluffy—plus, it’s super fun to eat! Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a cozy get-together, or a festive brunch, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
- Super simple to make using store-bought dough—no kneading required!
- Melts in your mouth with a delightfully cheesy, garlicky flavor.
- Perfectly festive and Instagram-worthy for all your holiday parties.
- Easily customizable with your favorite cheeses and herbs.
- Fun for kids and adults to pull apart and share together.
Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread Ingredients
- 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade)
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese (block or whole milk, cut into ½-inch cubes)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce, warmed (for dipping)
How to Make Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
Step 1: Prep the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
Step 2: Shape and Fill the Balls
- Cut the dough into 22-24 squares (about 1½ x 1½ inches each).
- Place a cube of mozzarella in the center of each square, then pinch the dough around the cheese to seal into a ball.
Step 3: Arrange as a Christmas Tree
- On the prepared sheet, arrange the dough balls in a large triangle shape (tree form): start with 6 balls for the bottom row, then 5 above, and so on, ending in a single ball at the top.
Step 4: Brush and Bake the Bread
- Mix melted butter, minced garlic, rosemary, and parsley together. Brush half the butter mixture over the dough balls.
- Sprinkle Parmesan and sea salt on top.
- Bake 22-25 minutes, until golden brown and cheese is bubbling out.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Brush with remaining garlic herb butter, cool for 5 minutes, and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes for Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread Success
- For extra flavor, use a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar inside each dough ball.
- If making your own dough, check out this easy homemade pizza dough recipe from King Arthur Baking.
- Fresh herbs elevate your bread, but you can use dried versions in a pinch (use half the amount).
Variations on Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
- Spinach & Artichoke: Add a spoonful of spinach/artichoke dip inside each ball for a creamy surprise.
- Spicy Jalapeño Popper: Insert bits of jalapeño and cream cheese with mozzarella for a zesty kick.
- Pesto Party: Brush the dough balls with pesto instead of garlic butter for a fresh, herby twist.
Equipment Needed for Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Mixing bowl and spoon
Storage & Shelf Life
Store leftover Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop in a 325°F (163°C) oven for 8-10 minutes or microwave individual pieces for 15-20 seconds. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat as above.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with a rich, tangy homemade tomato sauce, or your favorite bottled marinara.
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a light, festive lunch or snack.
- Perfect with sparkling apple cider, mulled wine, or hot chocolate for a cozy touch.
Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
- Chill mozzarella cubes before stuffing for less cheese leakage while baking.
- Brush with extra butter right out of the oven for an irresistible glossy finish.
- Arrange dough balls tightly—the bread will puff up and connect, making it easy to pull apart!
For more tips on baking perfect pull-apart breads, visit Serious Eats’ monkey bread guide.
Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread FAQ
- Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?
- Yes! Crescent roll dough works for a lighter, flakier texture, but handle carefully as it’s more delicate.
- How can I prep this bread ahead of time?
- Assemble the bread (unbaked) and refrigerate, covered, up to 8 hours in advance. Bring to room temp before baking.
- Is this Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread vegetarian?
- Yes, as written! Just ensure your cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2Divide pizza dough into 32 equal pieces and flatten each piece slightly. Place about 1 teaspoon of shredded mozzarella inside each piece and pinch the dough to seal, forming balls.
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3Arrange the dough balls in the shape of a Christmas tree on the prepared baking sheet.
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4In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Brush the mixture evenly over the dough balls.
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5Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
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6Cool for a few minutes, then serve warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
220cal
Protein:
8 gg
Fat:
9 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
27 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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