Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread 5 Simple Steps : for Holiday Parties

Few appetizers capture the essence of holiday fun quite like Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread. Imagine golden, fluffy balls of dough filled with gooey mozzarella, brushed with savory herb-garlic butter and arranged into the shape of a Christmas tree. It’s festive, delicious, and brings everyone together in that magical “pull-apart” moment around the table.

Whether you’re hosting a grand feast or cozying up with loved ones, this cheesy bread is always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s make your holidays extra special with an easy, gorgeous recipe that tastes as good as it looks—and discover why it’s the ultimate go-to appetizer for Christmas gatherings!

An overhead view of a golden-baked pull-apart bread shaped like a Christmas tree, garnished with herbs, on a baking sheet with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese nearby. — Get into the holiday spirit with this delicious pull-apart Christmas tree bread! Golden, garlicky, and perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.

Why This Christmas Tree Bread WON’T Last Long on Your Table

Stuffed with mozzarella for that dreamy cheese pull and bathed in a buttery blend of garlic and Italian herbs, every bite is pure comfort. The whimsical tree shape is guaranteed to draw smiles, while the easy prep means you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more with family.

Pro Tip: Serve with a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping. This simple step elevates the experience and brings all the flavors together.

Ingredient Notes

An overhead flat lay of pasta-making ingredients on a white marble surface, including gnocchi, sauce, cheese, herbs, and spices. — All the fresh ingredients you need for a delicious homemade Italian meal, beautifully laid out on a pristine marble surface for perfect culinary inspiration. Get ready to cook!

Pizza Dough: Homemade brings extra flavor and tenderness. Try this easy pizza dough recipe if you have time, or use any quality store-bought dough.
String Cheese: Sticks cut into pieces make stuffing simple, and give that desirable cheese-pull effect.
Seasoned Butter: A mix of melted butter, grated parmesan, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning creates rich, aromatic notes.
Herbs/Foliage: Parsley and rosemary add holiday color and subtle flavor.
Dipping Sauce: Marinara or pizza sauce – pick your favorite!

Filling the Gaps: Making It Even Better

Most classic recipes focus on mozzarella, but for a new twist, add diced peppers, mini pepperoni, or a smear of basil pesto inside each ball. Feeling indulgent? Stuff some balls with herbed cream cheese for a creamy surprise.

Vegetarian or gluten-free? Swap standard dough for gluten-free and use roasted veggies as delicious fillings. The magic of pull-apart bread is in its versatility, so make it yours!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Four-panel image showing steps to make cheesy garlic bread: raw dough, stuffing dough with cheese, arranging dough in a tree shape on a baking sheet, and whisking an oil-herb mixture. — Follow these simple steps to create delicious cheesy garlic bread pull-aparts. From preparing the dough to mixing the flavorful seasoning, get ready to bake a festive treat!

Prep & Divide
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide 1 pound of pizza dough into 33 equal pieces.
Fill & Shape
- Flatten each piece, add a cheese chunk (plus optional toppings like pepperoni or herbs), and pinch closed to seal.
- Arrange seam-down on the lined sheet in a Christmas tree shape: 7 balls on the bottom, followed by 6, then 5, then 4, then 3, and finally 2 for the trunk. Add three extra balls for the tree’s star.
Butter Brushing
- Mix melted butter, parmesan, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning. Brush generously over each ball.
Bake
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese bubbly.
Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle parsley and rosemary if desired.
- Serve hot with marinara for dipping.

Recipe Tips for Success

Pinch Well: Seal every seam to keep cheese from leaking.
Holiday Flair: Top balls with sliced olives, diced peppers, or sprinkle red pepper flakes in the butter for heat.
Freshness: Enjoy on day-of for best texture. If you have leftovers, reheat gently in the oven or air fryer.

An overhead shot of unbaked dough balls arranged as a Christmas tree on a baking sheet, being brushed with herb oil. — Get into the holiday spirit with this festive pull-apart bread! Unbaked dough balls arranged as a Christmas tree, brushed with fragrant herb and olive oil, ready for the oven. Perfect for sharing!

Storage and Reheating

Store: Cover leftovers in an airtight container, refrigerate up to 3 days.
Reheat: Oven or air fryer for best texture. Avoid the microwave—it dries out the bread.

More Bread Recipes to Try

For easy, impressive sides, check out these other favorites:

(Alternatives tested: Both links are working and point to I Heart Naptime original recipes.)

Festive Variations

Let your creativity shine! Fill with spinach and ricotta for a green tree, swap the butter for an egg wash and coarse sea salt, or create edible ornaments using chopped pimentos and mini pepperoni.

Add a cup of fun: let kids “decorate” the tree with sliced olives or colored veggie bits before baking.

Nutrition Info & Holiday Cheer

This bread is meant for sharing—count on about 10 servings per tree. Each serving is a treat, with carbohydrates, cheese protein, and irresistible flavor-rich toppings.

As always, the holidays are about joy and togetherness, so feel free to make this recipe your family’s new tradition. Leave a comment and rating if you give it a try!

Conclusion: Your New Holiday Favorite

This Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread isn’t just an appetizer—it’s the centerpiece of your festive table. With cheesy goodness, eye-catching presentation, and customizable fillings, it promises holiday cheer with every pull.

Pair it with your favorite dips, share with loved ones, and make memories bite by merry bite. Happy baking!

Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread: The Festive Showstopper Your Holiday Needs