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Pull-apart bread rolls arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree, topped with grated cheese and herbs, on parchment paper. Nearby are a block of cheese with a grater and a bowl of marinara sauce.
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Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread

This festive cheesy pull-apart bread is shaped like a Christmas tree and filled with soft mozzarella cheese, brushed with garlic-herb butter, and baked until golden and melty. It’s the perfect holiday appetizer for cozy gatherings, family movie nights, or Christmas Eve snacking.
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Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: Christmas, farmhouse
Keyword: cheesy pull apart bread, Christmas tree bread, garlic bread, holiday appetizer, mozzarella stuffed bread
Servings: 1 tree bread

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Pastry brush
  • Sharp knife or dough cutter

Ingredients

  • 1 batch pizza dough
  • 30 pieces mozzarella cheese cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tbsp butter melted
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 clove garlic grated
  • 1 jar pizza sauce for dipping
  • 1 tbsp dried or fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and divide it into 30 even pieces. Flatten each piece slightly with your fingers.
  2. Add the cheese: Place a cube of mozzarella in the center of each dough piece and wrap the dough around it, pinching tightly to seal so the cheese stays inside while baking.
  3. Shape the tree: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the dough balls seam-side down in the shape of a Christmas tree—starting with one ball at the top and building rows that increase in width. Add a small row of two dough balls at the bottom for the tree trunk.
  4. Brush with garlic butter: In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, half of the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and grated garlic. Brush the mixture generously over the dough balls.
  5. Bake: Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 18–22 minutes or until the tops are puffed and golden with bits of melted mozzarella peeking out.
  6. Finish: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm with a bowl of pizza sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Keep dough pieces even for consistent baking.
  • Seal the dough well around the mozzarella to prevent cheese leakage.
  • Shape the tree directly on the baking sheet to avoid shifting.
  • Brush generously with garlic butter for the best flavour.
  • Let the bread rest 5 minutes before serving to help the cheese settle.