Name: Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 13 ounce 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 clove garlic grated; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped; 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped; 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil finely chopped; 1 jar marinara sauce for dipping; 1 jar pesto sauce for dipping (optional)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 17 reviews

If you’re looking to add a wow factor to your holiday spread, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe. It’s festive, fun to assemble, and oh-so-delicious with gooey mozzarella nestled inside soft, golden dough. Trust me, once you bake this beauty, it’s going to be the centerpiece everyone talks about—and the flavors will have everyone coming back for more!

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Why This Recipe Works

Easy Yet Impressive: It looks like a holiday masterpiece but is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for any skill level.
Melty Mozzarella Surprise: Each bite has that irresistible gooey cheese center that everyone loves.
Herb Butter Finish: Brushing savory herb butter over the warm bread adds layers of flavor and a gorgeous glossy finish.
Dipping Duo: Serving with marinara and pesto makes it versatile and keeps every bite exciting.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, festive holiday bread, Christmas bread ideas, cheese bread recipe, easy Christmas centerpiece - The image shows a Christmas tree-shaped pull-apart bread made of small golden brown dough balls. Each dough ball is topped with melted cheese and chopped green herbs, giving a mix of light yellow, white, and green colors on the surface. The dough balls are tightly packed to form the triangular tree shape with a small stem at the bottom. A few grated cheese pieces are scattered over the bread and some green herbs are sprinkled on the white marbled surface underneath. To the top right, there is a white bowl filled with thick red tomato sauce and a spoon nearby with sauce on it. A sprig of fresh rosemary lies to the left of the bread. Part of a white cloth with red stripes is visible in the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I’ve kept the ingredient list simple but impactful. The refrigerated pizza dough saves time without sacrificing texture, and fresh herbs add that festive brightness that truly sets this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe apart.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, festive holiday bread, Christmas bread ideas, cheese bread recipe, easy Christmas centerpiece - Flat lay of fresh unrolled pizza dough ball, several mozzarella cheese sticks, one large whole brown egg, small white bowl of water, small white bowl with melted butter, small white bowl with grated parmesan cheese, small white bowl with finely chopped fresh parsley, small white bowl with finely chopped fresh rosemary, small white bowl with finely chopped fresh basil, small white bowl with grated garlic, small white bowl of bright red marinara sauce, and small white bowl of green pesto sauce, all arranged symmetrically with perfect balance, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Refrigerated pizza dough: Easy to handle and bakes up soft and fluffy, perfect for pull-apart bread.
Mozzarella cheese sticks: These melt beautifully inside each dough ball, giving that satisfying cheesy stretch.
Egg (for egg wash): Helps create a shiny, golden crust that’s irresistible.
Butter (melted): Brushed over warm bread to add richness and help herbs stick.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella and herbs.
Fresh parsley, rosemary, basil: These herbs brighten the flavor and contribute to the festive look.
Garlic (grated): Gives that subtle savory punch that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
Marinara and pesto: The perfect dipping partners, offering both tangy and herbaceous notes.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This recipe is super flexible, so I encourage you to get creative! I love swapping out herbs based on what I have fresh or changing up the cheese for a different melty surprise.

Cheese Variations: Instead of mozzarella, try cubed havarti, fontina, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist—I tried pepper jack once, and it was a hit!
Herb Mix: Rosemary and basil are great, but adding thyme or oregano can give your bread a punch of extra herbal aroma.
Dietary Tweaks: Use gluten-free dough to cater to gluten sensitivities, and swap mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese if needed—just make sure it melts well.
Fun Shapes: While I stick to the tree shape, you can create wreaths or even snowflakes for different holiday parties.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dough

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets you up for easy cleanup and prevents sticking—which can be a lifesaver when you’re juggling holiday prep.

Step 2: Cut Dough and Cheese into Bites

I cut the 13-ounce pizza dough into about 30 equal squares—that way, each one bakes evenly. Then, slice mozzarella sticks into 1-inch pieces. This bite-sized cheese fits perfectly inside each dough portion, and if you cut the cheese too big, it can burst out during baking, so keep them small and manageable.

Step 3: Form the Cheese-Stuffed Dough Balls

Pop a mozzarella piece in the center of each dough square, then gently roll them into smooth balls, sealing the edges well. This step is crucial—if the edges aren’t sealed tight, the cheese can leak out while baking. A little pinch and tuck usually does the trick!

Step 4: Arrange into Tree Shape and Brush with Egg Wash

Place the balls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet, arranging them to form a classic Christmas tree shape. Make sure the balls touch so they’ll bake together into a pull-apart bread. Mix the egg with water and lightly brush the tops—this golden glaze makes all the difference in presentation.

Step 5: Bake and Brush with Herb Butter

Bake for 16-18 minutes until your bread turns golden brown and irresistible. While it’s baking, melt the butter and stir in half the parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs. Brush this savory mixture all over the hot bread as soon as it comes out—this locks in flavor and gives the loaf that festive aroma everyone will adore.

Step 6: Sprinkle Remaining Parmesan and Serve

Finish by sprinkling the remaining parmesan over the top. Serve your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread warm with marinara and pesto on the side for dipping. Watching your family pull away cheesy bites is pure holiday magic.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Perfect Sealing: I always brush my fingers with a bit of water before sealing dough edges—this helps them stick together better.
Even Baking: Using parchment paper ensures your bread won’t overbrown on the bottom.
Herb Freshness: If you can’t find fresh herbs, dried herbs work—just use half the amount and sprinkle them in the butter while it’s warm to bloom the flavor.
Cheese Temperature: Cutting mozzarella straight from the fridge makes it easier to slice and stuff without it getting too sticky.

How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, festive holiday bread, Christmas bread ideas, cheese bread recipe, easy Christmas centerpiece - A close-up image shows a white marbled surface with a white bowl filled with thick red sauce that has a chunky texture and glossy finish. Above the bowl, a woman's hand with red painted nails is dipping a small round light golden brown fried item into the sauce. The fried item looks soft with a slightly crisp surface and a few green spots inside. The background is softly blurred to focus on the dip action. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling an extra pinch of fresh parsley or finely chopped basil on top after baking—it adds a pop of color and fresh herb aroma that really complements the cheesy bread. Sometimes, I toss on a few red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, which my family surprisingly loves!

Side Dishes

This bread is a fantastic appetizer or side, but I especially enjoy pairing it with a warm bowl of tomato soup or a festive salad with cranberries and toasted pecans for holiday dinners. It’s also great alongside a charcuterie board, adding a cheesy comforting element.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I arranged mini decorative edible ornaments using bell pepper slices and olives on top of each dough ball before baking to look like Christmas tree baubles—it was a showstopper! You can also drizzle with a little balsamic glaze after baking for a sweet-savory twist that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover tree bread in an airtight container at room temperature if eaten within a day. Beyond that, I refrigerate it but let it come to room temp before reheating to soften the bread back up.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing the unbaked balls arranged on a tray, then transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready, I bake them straight from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can prep ahead and have fresh bread when you want it.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop pieces in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or microwave covered with a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds to avoid drying out. Then, I brush a little extra melted butter mixed with herbs to revive that fresh-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated pizza dough?

Absolutely! Homemade dough adds a wonderful personal touch and can elevate the flavor. Just make sure your dough is well-proofed and easy to handle for shaping—the key is to keep the dough elastic so it seals around the cheese nicely.
What are good alternatives for mozzarella cheese?

Mozzarella’s meltability is hard to beat, but provolone, Monterey Jack, or gouda are tasty substitutes. For a spicy kick, pepper jack is a fun option. Just cut the cheese into similar bite-sized pieces to keep the filling consistent.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

Sealing the dough balls well is essential. Lightly dampening your fingers with water before pinching the edges helps create a tight seal. Also, make sure not to overfill each ball with cheese—about a 1-inch piece is just right.
Can I prepare the bread in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the dough balls and arrange them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before putting them in the oven for even baking.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe has become a cherished holiday tradition in my kitchen—it’s not just about the taste but the joy of pulling it apart with loved ones around. It’s simple enough to throw together quickly but special enough to feel like a true centerpiece. I can’t wait for you to try it out—you’ll have a festive, flavorful crowd-pleaser on your hands in no time!