This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is the ultimate holiday appetizer that delivers on looks and flavor. Soft, fluffy dough is rolled into bite-sized balls, stuffed with gooey mozzarella, brushed with garlic butter, and arranged into a festive tree shape. It bakes up golden and pillowy with cheese oozing from the center, perfect for pulling apart and dipping into warm marinara sauce.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, bringing a festive dish to a potluck, or just adding cheer to a cozy night in, this pull-apart bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The buttery finish, sprinkled with parsley and Parmesan, gives it that extra sparkle—like edible holiday magic.
What Kind of Dough Should I Use?
You can use store-bought pizza dough, canned crescent roll dough, or even homemade bread dough if you’re feeling ambitious. Just make sure it’s a pliable dough that bakes up soft and golden. If you’re short on time, refrigerated pizza dough works like a charm!
Ingredients for the Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
- Pizza Dough: The base that forms the soft, golden bread balls. Homemade or store-bought, make sure it’s fresh.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Cubed mozzarella melts into a stretchy, gooey center that surprises in every bite.
- Butter: Melted and brushed over the bread for richness and golden color.
- Garlic Powder: Adds warm, savory flavor to the butter topping.
- Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped and sprinkled for freshness and festive color.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated over the top to finish with salty, cheesy flair.
- Marinara Sauce (for serving): Warm and perfect for dipping. Choose your favorite jar or make it homemade.
How To Make the Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Step 1: Prep the Dough and Cheese
Cut your pizza dough into equal pieces (about 20-25). Flatten each piece and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Seal the edges and roll into a ball.
Step 2: Shape the Tree
On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the dough balls into a tree shape, starting with one at the top and working your way down to form a triangle. Add two balls at the bottom for the trunk.
Step 3: Butter It Up
Melt the butter and stir in garlic powder. Brush over each dough ball generously. This adds flavor and helps them brown beautifully.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 18-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and puffed.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches
Once out of the oven, brush with a little more butter, sprinkle with Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve warm with a bowl of marinara sauce on the side.

Serving and Storing This Holiday Favorite
This bread is best served fresh out of the oven while the cheese is melty and the crust is warm. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to bring back that crisp edge and soft center.
What to Serve With Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
The ultimate dipper, perfect for chilly nights.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Add some greens and saltiness to balance the richness.
Charcuterie Board
Pair with meats, cheeses, and olives for a party spread.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Savory, bite-sized, and just as festive.
Caesar Salad
Crisp and refreshing with a garlicky punch.
Sparkling Cranberry Punch
Bring in some sweet and tangy holiday cheer.
Deviled Eggs
A timeless finger food that complements cheesy bread beautifully.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a touch of earthy caramelization.
Want More Appetizer Ideas?
If you’re loving this festive pull-apart bread, you’ll want to explore these other fun appetizers too:
- Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a cozy, gooey bite.
- Taco Ranch Bites that pack big flavor in small packages.
- Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes for a pizza twist your guests will devour.
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole if you’re into creamy, cheesy layers.
- Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a crunchy, golden, cheese-packed entree.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can make it again for every celebration.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use crescent dough or pizza dough? Did you go bold with extra garlic?
I love seeing your versions of my recipes. Questions welcome too—let’s make holiday cooking more joyful together.
Explore more festive appetizers and easy crowd-pleasers on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest and find your next holiday hit!
Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Turn your holiday table into a showstopper with this Irresistible Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread! Soft, golden dough balls stuffed with gooey mozzarella, brushed in garlic butter, and baked in the shape of a Christmas tree—this easy recipe is festive, fun, and packed with cheesy flavor. Whether you’re searching for easy appetizers, party food ideas, or holiday dinner inspiration, this bread will be your new go-to. Perfect for potlucks, cozy winter nights, or Christmas Eve snacks, this pull-apart bread is a guaranteed hit for anyone craving a savory, cheesy treat that’s easy to share.
Ingredients
1 lb pizza dough
4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
3 tbsp butter, melted
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
1. Cut the pizza dough into 20-25 equal pieces.
2. Flatten each piece and place a cube of mozzarella inside.
3. Seal the dough around the cheese and roll into balls.
4. Arrange dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree.
5. Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush over each dough ball.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes until golden.
7. Remove from oven and brush with additional butter.
8. Sprinkle with Parmesan and chopped parsley.
9. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Use fresh mozzarella for the best melty center.
Don’t skip the garlic butter—it adds unbeatable flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of bread
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: holiday appetizer, cheesy bread, Christmas tree bread, pull-apart bread, party food
