Christmas tree pull-apart bread is a festive and fun twist on traditional holiday bread. Loaded with gooey cheese, buttery dough, and a sprinkle of Italian seasonings, it makes the perfect centerpiece for any holiday table.
It’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re short on time, and kids and adults alike will love pulling apart the bread to reveal the cheesy center. This versatile recipe works as a snack, a side, or a fun appetizer for holiday parties. Topped with fresh parsley and served with marinara sauce, it’s both flavorful and irresistible.
Ingredients for Pull-apart Cheese Bread Christmas Tree
- 1 refrigerated pizza dough (I used a 13.8 oz. Pillsbury classic pizza crust)
- 8 cheese sticks
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
- marinara sauce, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Unroll the store-bought pizza dough and cut it into 32 pieces (8 rows of 4).
Cut each cheese stick into 4 pieces and place them in a bowl.
Place the cheese sticks onto the pizza dough and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
Wrap each dough piece around a cheese stick, pressing the seams to seal.
Arrange the dough balls seam side down on the parchment paper to form a Christmas tree.
Before baking, whisk the egg and brush it over the top of the dough.
Bake for 16-18 min.
Once golden-brown, remove from the oven, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Serve with marinara sauce and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Pull-Apart Christmas Tree
- Seal the Cheese: Press seams tightly to keep cheese inside.
- Add Extra Flavor: Mix spices like garlic, paprika, or red pepper into the butter.
Serving Ideas
- Holiday Appetizer: Serve as a cheesy centerpiece for your Christmas table.
- Family Snack: Perfect for kids to pull apart and enjoy during holiday movie nights.
- Dipping Fun: Pair with marinara, ranch, or garlic butter, or any favorite dip for extra indulgence.
- Party Platter: Add alongside mini sliders, charcuterie, or fresh veggies for a festive spread.
Recipe Variations to Try
- Greek Flavors: Add roasted red peppers or olives with the cheese.
- Extra Cheesy: Add pepper jack, feta, or your favorite cheese blend.
- Savory: Add cooked bacon bits or chopped herbs.
- Mini Trees: Make a smaller pull-apart Christmas tree appetizer.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store: Keep the cheesy Christmas tree pull-apart leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
- Do Not Freeze: Cheese and dough won’t keep their texture.
One Last Thing
This pull-apart Christmas tree bread recipe is the perfect way to add a festive and interactive touch to your holiday table.
It’s cheesy, buttery, and fun to serve, making everyone gather around to pull apart the bread. Once you make it, you’ll see why this recipe becomes an instant holiday favorite.
Don’t be surprised if it disappears before dinner even begins!
Your Turn
If you make this pull-apart cheese bread Christmas tree, please take a moment to let me know how you liked it by leaving a rating and a comment below on the recipe card. Follow me on Pinterest and Facebook for more easy and tasty recipes!
More Christmas Appetizers to Try Next
Cheesy Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread Recipe for the Holidays
Ingredients
- 1 refrigerated pizza dough store brand pizza crust
- 8 cheese sticks
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
- marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Unroll the store-bought pizza dough and cut it into 32 pieces (8 rows of 4).1 refrigerated pizza dough
- Cut each cheese stick into 4 pieces and place them in a bowl.8 cheese sticks
- Place the cheese sticks onto the pizza dough and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Wrap each dough piece around a cheese stick, pressing the seams to seal.
- Arrange the dough balls seam side down on the parchment paper to form a Christmas tree.
- Before baking, whisk the egg and brush it over the top of the dough.1 egg
- Bake for 16-18 min.
- Once golden-brown, remove from the oven, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley.2 tbsp melted butter, 2 tbsp grated parmesan, 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- Serve with marinara sauce and enjoy!marinara sauce
Notes
- Seal the Cheese: Press seams tightly to keep cheese inside.
- Add Extra Flavor: Mix spices like garlic, paprika, or red pepper into the butter.
Nutrition
Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting, a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things P A R E N T I N G.
Comments & Reviews
Karolyn Huitron says
Awesome blog.
Tamara Tsaturyan says
Thank you, Karolyn! I appreciate your kind comment 🙂