Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
If you’re looking to make something festive, fun, and absolutely addictive for the holidays, this Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread might just steal the show. It’s buttery, garlicky, and oozing with melted cheese in every bite. Shaped like a Christmas tree and made for pulling apart with ease, it’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Perfect for gatherings or holiday movie nights, this bread combines soft rolls with an herby garlic butter and melty mozzarella that keeps everyone reaching for “just one more.” Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to put together, even if you’re not much of a baker.
Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
This holiday bread isn’t just adorable on your table—it’s a flavor bomb. Every pull-apart piece is stuffed with cheese and brushed with a buttery blend of garlic and herbs. The whole thing bakes into a golden showstopper that fills your kitchen with cozy, irresistible aromas.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer, a side, or the centerpiece of a snack board. Kids love it, adults devour it, and it disappears fast.
What Kind of Dough Should I Use?
Refrigerated pizza dough is your shortcut hero for this recipe. It’s easy to work with and fluffs up beautifully when baked. But if you have the time and love a from-scratch approach, homemade dough works wonders too. Just make sure it’s soft and pliable so it’s easy to shape into that iconic tree.
Ingredients for the Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
The beauty of this bread is that you don’t need many ingredients to make something magical. Each one plays a part in building flavor and texture.
- Pizza dough: The base of our tree. Soft, stretchy dough that bakes into tender rolls.
- Mozzarella cheese: For those gooey, cheesy pockets that make this bread pull-apart worthy.
- Butter: Melted and used for brushing—rich, golden, and full of flavor.
- Garlic: Minced and stirred into the butter for that classic garlic bread punch.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a herby, festive flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled for a pop of green and freshness.
- Parmesan cheese: A salty finish that crisps up beautifully when baked.

How To Make the Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Step 1: Prep the Dough and Cheese
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into about 32 equal squares. Cut the mozzarella into small cubes.
Step 2: Shape the Tree
Take one dough square, place a piece of mozzarella in the center, and pinch the edges to seal it into a ball. Repeat with all the dough and cheese. Arrange the stuffed dough balls on the baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape, starting with one ball at the top and gradually building out the branches.
Step 3: Brush with Garlic Butter
Melt the butter and stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture generously over the dough balls.
Step 4: Bake
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and puffed.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Right after baking, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve warm so the cheese stays melty inside each bite.
How to Serve and Store This Bread
This Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread feeds about 8 to 10 people as a snack or appetizer. It’s best served fresh and hot, right out of the oven. If you need to reheat it, pop it in a warm oven for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese inside is gooey again.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. While it won’t be quite as magical as the first bake, a quick reheat does bring it back to life.
What to Serve With Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?
Marinara Sauce
A small bowl of warm marinara makes the perfect dipping partner to balance the richness.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Pair this bread with a creamy dip for double the indulgence.
Tomato Soup
Serve it alongside soup for a cozy lunch that feels like a holiday hug.
Charcuterie Board
Add this tree to a cheese and meat board for an eye-catching centerpiece.
Holiday Punch
Balance the savory richness with a refreshing fruity holiday drink.
Creamy Alfredo Sauce
A decadent drizzle of Alfredo adds creamy, cheesy depth.
Balsamic Glaze
A little tangy sweetness goes a long way with the savory herbs and cheese.
Want More Holiday Bread Ideas?
If you love this festive tree-shaped appetizer, here are more deliciously warm and cozy recipes to try:
- Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread with a soft, sweet crust and a beautiful braided shape.
- Pumpkin Bread with Maple Cream Cheese Filling for a fall twist you’ll crave year-round.
- Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly if you love savory with a hint of sweet heat.
- Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread for more gooey cheese-meets-fruit deliciousness.
- Butter Pecan Cheesecake as a sweet follow-up to this savory bread.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can bake it all season long.
Let me know in the comments if you made it and how fast it disappeared! Did you try a different cheese inside? Maybe add some red pepper flakes?
I love hearing how you make these holiday recipes your own. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask—let’s get baking together.
Explore more festive and comfort-filled creations on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest—your next cozy obsession might just be a click away!
Conclusion
This Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is more than a recipe—it’s a holiday moment waiting to happen. From its golden crust to its cheesy center, it brings people together with every pull-apart bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or cozying up at home, it adds that perfect touch of joy and indulgence to the season.

Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is the ultimate holiday appetizer. Soft pizza dough is stuffed with mozzarella, brushed with garlic-herb butter, and baked into a golden pull-apart Christmas tree. Perfect for festive gatherings, this cheesy bread is fun, flavorful, and totally crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
1 lb pizza dough
8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
4 tbsp butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the pizza dough and cut into about 32 small squares.
3. Place a cube of mozzarella in each square, fold dough around it, and pinch to seal into a ball.
4. Arrange the balls into a Christmas tree shape on the baking sheet.
5. Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush over the dough balls.
6. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
7. Remove from oven, sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
Use block mozzarella for best gooey texture.
Don’t overcrowd the tree shape to ensure even baking.
Make ahead by prepping dough balls and refrigerating before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg


