Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

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This Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a showstopper appetizer that will steal the spotlight at your holiday gathering. Imagine buttery, golden-baked rolls, layered with gooey melted cheese and a kiss of garlic, all arranged in the whimsical shape of a Christmas tree. It’s festive, fun, and incredibly satisfying.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or contributing to a potluck, this pull-apart bread is the perfect combination of comfort and celebration. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a warm, cheesy centerpiece that’s not only delicious but also delightfully interactive for guests to enjoy together.

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Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

• Festive presentation: Shaped like a Christmas tree, it doubles as decor and a dish.
• Cheesy and flavorful: Packed with mozzarella, Parmesan, and herbs for a savory punch.
• Easy to make: Uses refrigerated dough for quick assembly with maximum impact.
• Perfect for sharing: A pull-apart bread that’s ideal for groups.
• Customizable: Add your favorite cheeses, spices, or even cooked bacon bits.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the baking fun, gather these essential tools:

• Baking Sheet: A large rimmed baking sheet allows enough space to shape the bread into a tree form without crowding.
• Parchment Paper: Keeps the dough from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Pastry Brush: Helps evenly coat the dough balls with melted butter and garlic.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For combining butter, garlic, and seasonings.
• Sharp Knife or Kitchen Scissors: If you’re cutting cheese cubes or portioning dough.
• Measuring Spoons: To accurately add garlic, herbs, and butter.

Each tool plays a vital role in getting that golden-brown, cheesy finish. The right preparation ensures your tree holds its shape, bakes evenly, and looks as impressive as it tastes.

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Ingredients for the Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

• Refrigerated Pizza Dough: The base of this recipe. It offers a soft, fluffy texture and saves time compared to making dough from scratch.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that classic stretchy, melty cheese pull in every bite.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty edge to balance the mozzarella’s creaminess.
• Butter: Melted and brushed over the bread for a golden crust and rich flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic elevates the aroma and taste of the buttery topping.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings warmth and complexity to the overall flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional but adds a bright, festive pop of color when sprinkled on top.
• Marinara Sauce (for dipping): Complements the cheesy, garlicky bread with a tangy contrast.

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How To Make the Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a floured surface. Cut it into equal square portions. Aim for 20–24 squares to shape your tree.

Step 2: Stuff and Roll

Place a cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each dough square. Fold the dough around the cheese and pinch the seams to seal, forming a ball.

Step 3: Shape the Tree

Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Start with one dough ball at the top and add more in increasing rows (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) until it resembles a tree. Add a few at the bottom for the trunk.

Step 4: Add Buttery Flavor

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture generously over each dough ball.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling slightly at the seams.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley while still warm. Serve with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.

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Serving and Storing Your Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Serve this pull-apart bread warm, straight from the oven, when the cheese is gooey and the crust is perfectly crisp. It makes a stunning centerpiece for holiday parties, brunches, or cozy family dinners. Pair it with a bowl of marinara or ranch dip and watch it disappear!

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop the bread in a 300°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, or microwave individual pieces for 30 seconds until the cheese is melted again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make this bread?

You can assemble the dough balls and shape the tree a few hours ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake.

Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated pizza dough?

Absolutely! Homemade dough works beautifully if you have time and want an extra touch of love.

What other cheeses can I use?

Try sharp cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavor profiles.

Can I freeze this bread?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the unbaked, shaped dough balls. Thaw in the fridge, brush with butter mixture, and bake as usual.

How do I keep the tree shape from spreading too much while baking?

Make sure the dough balls are sealed tightly and spaced just slightly apart. This allows them to puff and connect without losing the overall tree shape.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes, just use a gluten-free pizza dough. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

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Want More Bread & Appetizer Ideas?

If you love this Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, you’ll definitely want to try these festive and flavorful favorites:

• Warm Gooey Cheesy Pretzel Bites for the ultimate party snack.
• Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Cheesy Breadsticks for a meaty, melty twist.
• Cheesy Rotel Ranch Queso as a spicy, creamy crowd-pleaser.
• Spicy Ranch Taco Dip to pair with chips or veggies.
• Avocado Boat Dip for a fresh and creamy addition to your spread.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it during the holiday season.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add different cheeses or herbs? Maybe a sprinkle of red chili flakes?

I love seeing your creative spins on this holiday classic. Feel free to ask questions too—let’s make entertaining easier and more delicious together.

Looking for more recipes to brighten up your holiday table? Follow along on my Pinterest page, Kitchen By Kate, where I share daily inspirations straight from my kitchen.

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