Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive appetizer that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’re going to want to make this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe ASAP. Seriously, it’s a stunning centerpiece for any holiday gathering and so ridiculously tasty that your guests won’t stop sneaking bites before the meal even starts. You’ll find that this recipe is surprisingly easy, with golden, gooey cheese tucked inside soft, buttery dough that beautifully mimics a Christmas tree. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through each step for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that perfect blend of cheesy, herby, and buttery flavors. Plus, using pre-made pizza dough is a little secret I love — it saves time and guarantees a soft, pillowy texture.

• Refrigerator pizza dough: I use canned dough because it’s quick and consistent — no kneading required!
• Mozzarella cheese sticks: These melt beautifully and fit perfectly into each dough square.
• Egg for egg wash: Brushing the dough with this helps the bread brown beautifully and get a nice shine.
• Butter: Melting this adds richness and helps the herbs stick.
• Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan brings that salty, nutty finish I love on top.
• Fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, basil): Using fresh herbs gives this bread an extra festive, aromatic touch.
• Garlic: Fresh, grated garlic adds a gentle kick and savory depth.
• Marinara and/or pesto: Perfect for dipping — gives you options depending on what flavors you prefer!

Variations

One of the best things about the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own — I love swapping things up based on who’s coming over or what I have in the fridge.

• Add some spice: Sometimes I’ll sprinkle a bit of crushed red pepper inside the cheese for a little zing — my family goes crazy for that twist!
• Make it vegetarian-friendly: Stick to cheese and herbs or toss in some finely chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor pop.
• Swap the cheese: Feel free to experiment with provolone, gouda, or even a little sharp cheddar mixed in with the mozzarella for a different melty texture.
• Gluten-free option: You can try gluten-free pizza dough — just watch the baking time carefully since it might vary.

How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough Squares

First, preheat your oven to 400°F — don’t skip this because you want it hot and ready for perfect golden-brown bread. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things from sticking. Then, cut your pizza dough into about 30 equal squares. I like to use a pizza cutter or sharp knife, pressing down firmly for clean edges. Next, slice your mozzarella sticks into roughly 1-inch pieces — the size should match your dough squares to keep things tidy.

Step 2: Wrap and Shape Your Cheese-Filled Dough Balls

Pop a piece of mozzarella onto each dough square, then gently bring the sides up and pinch to seal, rolling lightly between your hands to make a smooth ball. This sealing step is key so the cheese doesn’t leak out while baking — I’ve seen it happen, and it makes a mess! Arrange these balls on your baking sheet seam side down to keep them sealed tight.

Step 3: Shape the Tree and Brush on Egg Wash

Arrange your dough balls in the shape of a Christmas tree — a broad base narrowing to a point at the top. I like to get a rough triangle shape with the balls touching to help them rise up together. Then, mix your large egg with a tablespoon of water and lightly brush this egg wash on each ball — this gives the bread its gorgeous glossy finish once baked.

Step 4: Bake and Add Herb Butter

Pop the tree into your preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese is melted inside. While it’s baking, melt your butter and stir in half of the parmesan cheese, garlic, and all the chopped herbs — this mix is what really sets this bread apart flavor-wise. As soon as the bread comes out, brush the buttery herb mixture all over, then sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese to finish.

How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I love to add a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes on top right before serving— it adds a little spark of flavor and looks super festive. Sometimes I toss on a few fresh basil leaves around the base of the tree for a pop of fresh green.

Side Dishes

Pairing this bread with a bowl of warm marinara sauce and some pesto on the side lets everyone choose their favorite dip. I also love serving it with a fresh green salad or roasted holiday vegetables to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged the finished bread tree on a large wooden board, surrounded it with small bowls of dipping sauces, and added some cranberry sprigs for festive flair. Adding a few red pepper slices as “ornaments” on the bread balls also makes it look extra cute and colorful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When leftovers happen (and they often do!), I wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. I find it stays soft for 2-3 days if you reheat it properly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the shaped, unbaked dough balls on a tray first, then transferred them to a freezer-safe container. When I want to bake, I just let them thaw fully in the refrigerator overnight before stacking into the tree shape and baking as directed.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked softness, I pop leftover bread in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes — this refreshes the crust and melts the cheese slightly without drying it out. Avoid microwaving if you can; it tends to get soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe brings everyone together over something simple, warm, and delicious. It’s one of those recipes where the beautiful presentation meets seriously satisfying taste — it never fails to be a conversation starter and a family favorite. If you’re looking for a festive food that’s easy to make yet feels special, definitely give this a try. I promise, you’ll be obsessed just like me!

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