Description
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is the ultimate holiday appetizer! Shaped like a festive Christmas tree, this pull-apart bread is filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and topped with a flavorful herby garlic butter. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or Christmas dinners. Serve it warm with marinara or pesto for a crowd-pleasing treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (13 oz) can refrigerated pizza dough
- 6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 large egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- 3 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tbsp fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tbsp fresh basil (finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- Marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dough and Cheese
- Cut the pizza dough into 30 equal squares.
- Slice the mozzarella sticks into 30 bite-sized (1-inch) pieces.
- Assemble Bread Balls
- Place a piece of mozzarella in the center of each dough square.
- Fold the dough around the cheese, sealing the edges, and roll into a smooth ball.
- Shape the Christmas Tree
- Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape. Ensure the balls touch to form a pull-apart design.
- Apply Egg Wash
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
- Lightly brush the tops of the dough balls with the egg wash.
- Bake
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Topping
- While the bread bakes, melt the butter in the microwave.
- Mix in half of the Parmesan cheese, grated garlic, and chopped herbs.
- Finish and Serve
- Once the bread is baked, brush generously with the garlic butter mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve warm with marinara or pesto for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if needed (reduce quantity by half).
- Ensure the dough is tightly sealed around the cheese to avoid leakage during baking.
- Customize with your favorite cheeses, like cheddar or gouda.
- This recipe is freezer-friendly: freeze unbaked balls and bake directly from frozen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bread ball
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg