Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

I can’t tell you how much fun I have making this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe every holiday season! It’s such a festive and interactive dish that brings everyone to the kitchen, especially when the bread is warming up and that amazing cheese pull starts happening. This bread isn’t just pretty to look at—it’s packed with gooey mozzarella, fresh herbs, and a crispy parmesan crust that’s downright addictive.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a crowd-pleaser to bring along to a potluck, this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is a guaranteed winner. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to pull together with simple ingredients you might already have on hand. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your festive traditions—just wait until you dip that cheesy pull-apart into marinara or pesto!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. The pizza dough offers a soft, pillowy base, while the fresh herbs and garlic pack a punch of aroma. Choosing high-quality cheese and fresh herbs really steps up this recipe, making it shine.

• Refrigerator pizza dough: Using canned pizza dough saves so much time—no kneading or rising needed!
• Mozzarella cheese sticks: These give the bread that signature melty, stretchy cheese surprise in every bite.
• Large egg + water (for egg wash): Brushing the bread with egg wash gives it a gorgeous golden-brown, shiny crust.
• Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps the herbs and parmesan stick to the bread.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkling this on top adds a salty, crispy finish that’s so satisfying.
• Fresh parsley, rosemary, and basil: These fresh herbs bring a vibrant, holiday feel and complement the cheese beautifully.
• Garlic clove (grated): Just a hint of garlic imparts warm, savory notes without overpowering the bread.
• Marinara and/or pesto: Perfect for dipping—feel free to mix or match based on what you love.

Variations

I love how flexible the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is—you can easily tweak the herbs or cheeses to fit your mood or dietary needs. It’s really about making the recipe your own, which always makes the experience more enjoyable for me (and for whoever’s lucky enough to eat it!).

• Herb swap: Sometimes I like to swap out rosemary for thyme or add a pinch of oregano for an Italian twist.
• Cheese combo: Try mixing mozzarella with sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a little kick—my family goes wild for spicy variations!
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pizza dough if you need to cut gluten—you’ll still get that cheesy, pull-apart fun without missing a beat.
• Vegan tweak: There are excellent dairy-free cheese sticks now, and vegan butter works great in a pinch for this recipe.

How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep your dough and herbs

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your refrigerated pizza dough onto a piece of parchment paper so it’s about 12 inches wide and 16 inches tall—a rectangle that’s easy to shape. Next, finely chop your parsley, rosemary, and basil, then mix them together with the grated garlic and melted butter. This herb-butter mixture is what gives the bread its amazing flavor and aroma.

Step 2: Assemble the tree layers

Slice your mozzarella sticks in half lengthwise, so they spread out evenly. Brush the dough with the herb butter, sprinkle half the parmesan over it, then lay the mozzarella halves horizontally over the dough, leaving space at the edges to fold later. Now, give the top of the dough another light brush with herb butter and sprinkle the remaining parmesan on top.

Step 3: Shape into a Christmas tree and cut the branches

Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a log about 16 inches long, sealing the edges by pinching the dough. Place the log on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Now, with a sharp knife, make horizontal cuts about 1 inch apart along the log—but don’t cut all the way through, leave about a half-inch uncut on each side so the “branches” stay connected. Twist each strip twice gently away from the center to reveal the cheese inside—and watch those festive layers take shape!

Step 4: Add egg wash and bake

Whisk together the egg and water for a simple egg wash, then brush it all over your twisted tree. This helps it turn that perfect golden brown in the oven. Bake on the middle rack for about 20-25 minutes, until the bread is cooked through, the cheese is bubbly, and the top is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overbrown—every oven’s a little different!

How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this, I like to sprinkle a bit more fresh parsley and parmesan over the top for an extra pop of color and flavor. Sometimes, I’ll drizzle a little olive oil or a balsamic glaze for a touch of elegance that my guests always ask about. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds great warmth if you want a slight bite to balance the richness.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs perfectly with a light salad, such as arugula or mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette, to cut through the richness. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside warm soup—tomato basil or a roasted red pepper soup complement the cheesy bread beautifully. And don’t forget plenty of dipping sauces like marinara or pesto—they take this bread from delicious to unforgettable.

Creative Ways to Present

Aside from the classic tree shape, I’ve sometimes made mini versions for appetizers or a brunch spread, which are just as cute and perfect for sharing. Another fun idea is to place the bread on a large platter surrounded by holiday-themed garnishes, like rosemary sprigs or cherry tomatoes, to mimic ornaments. Trust me, it’s as festive as it is tasty!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed inside an airtight container on the counter for up to two days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for around 4-5 days. When ready to eat, just reheat it gently to revive that melty, cheesy texture.

Freezing

If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, it freezes beautifully! Wrap the baked (and cooled) bread tightly in foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It keeps well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat leftover Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. This ensures the crust gets crispy again and the cheese melts perfectly, just like when it was fresh. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely texture—it can end up soggy and chewy instead.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe has easily become one of my favorite holiday go-tos—not just because it looks incredible, but because it brings people together around the table sharing warm, comforting bites. I encourage you to try making it this season; it’s amazing how this simple recipe can light up your festivities and impress guests without hours of prep. Once you see that golden, cheesy tree on your plate, you’ll understand why I keep coming back to this recipe year after year.

Print