The Crispy, Cheesy Showstopper That Turns Dinner into a Holiday Miracle!

If there’s one dish that guarantees a festive “wow” moment at your holiday gathering, it’s the Pull-Apart Christmas Tree. Shaped like a Christmas tree and loaded with fluffy, buttery bread filled with gooey cheese, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Each piece pulls apart effortlessly, offering a delightful burst of savory, cheesy goodness with every bite. The golden, garlicky crust and herb-infused aroma make this not just a side dish but a centerpiece for your holiday table.

This playful and delicious recipe is perfect for serving with a flavorful Pesto Sauce for dipping or pairing alongside a fresh and tangy Caprese Salad to round out your meal. It’s an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, offering both an impressive presentation and a communal, shareable experience. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or a cozy dinner, this Pull-Apart Christmas Tree will light up the table and everyone’s taste buds!

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)

The festive pull-apart Christmas tree bread sits on a decorative platter on the white marble cooktop. A small bowl of warm marinara sauce is placed nearby for dipping, completing the inviting presentation.

  • Festive fun: Its Christmas tree shape adds a decorative touch to your holiday spread.
  • Simple yet impressive: A handful of ingredients create a show-stopping dish.
  • Perfect for sharing: Everyone loves pulling apart the cheesy, garlicky bites!
  • Crowd favorite: Whether it’s kids or adults, this dish is always a hit at the table!
The festive pull-apart Christmas tree bread sits on a decorative platter on the white marble cooktop. A small bowl of warm marinara sauce is placed nearby for dipping, completing the inviting presentation.

Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Recipe

This festive pull-apart bread combines golden-brown pizza dough balls filled with gooey mozzarella, topped with buttery Parmesan and herbs. Serve with warm marinara for dipping—perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in!
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine american italian
Servings 8
Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Baking Sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife or pizza cutter
  • Rolling Pin
  • Mixing bowl
  • Pastry brush

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. refrigerated pizza dough
  • 7 mozzarella sticks cut into 1” pieces
  • Egg wash 1 egg whisked with 1 tbsp water
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp thinly sliced basil
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped rosemary
  • Marinara sauce warmed (for serving)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Mozzarella:

  • Cut mozzarella sticks into 1” pieces and set them aside.
    A cutting board on the white marble cooktop features mozzarella sticks sliced into 1-inch pieces. A sharp knife rests nearby, with neatly cut cheese pieces arranged in an orderly manner.

Shape the Dough:

  • On a floured surface, divide the pizza dough into two pieces.
    A floured surface on the white marble cooktop displays refrigerated pizza dough rolled out into two long rectangles. The dough is ready to be cut into uniform 2-inch squares.
  • Roll and stretch each piece into a long rectangle.
  • Cut the dough into 2” squares; you’ll need 33 squares in total.

Fill the Dough Balls:

  • Wrap each dough square around a mozzarella piece, forming a tight, sealed ball.
    On the white marble cooktop, pizza dough squares are being filled with mozzarella pieces. Each square is wrapped tightly around the cheese, forming sealed dough balls, neatly placed in preparation.
  • Place the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Make sure they are touching for a cohesive shape.
    A parchment-lined baking sheet on the white marble cooktop holds the dough balls arranged seam-side down in a Christmas tree shape. The balls touch one another, creating a festive design.

Bake the Tree:

  • Brush the dough balls with the egg wash.
  • Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Make the Herb Butter:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Parmesan, basil, parsley, and rosemary.
    A small glass bowl on the white marble cooktop contains melted butter mixed with Parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, and rosemary. A brush lies next to the bowl, ready for use.

Finish the Tree:

  • Remove the pizza balls from the oven and immediately brush with the herb butter mixture.
    The freshly baked Christmas tree-shaped pull-apart bread rests on the white marble cooktop as a brush applies the herb butter. The golden dough balls glisten under the fragrant mixture.

Serve:

  • Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping
    The festive pull-apart Christmas tree bread sits on a decorative platter on the white marble cooktop. A small bowl of warm marinara sauce is placed nearby for dipping, completing the inviting presentation.

Nutrition Info:

NutritionValue
Calories290kcal
Carbohydrates27g
Sodium0mg
Fat15g
Protein9g
Sugar0g

Christmas Tree Mozzarella Pull-Apart Bread Tips:

  1. Pizza Dough: If you’re using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before working with it. This makes it easier to roll and shape.
  2. Cheese Sealing: Ensure each dough square is tightly sealed around the mozzarella pieces. This prevents the cheese from oozing out during baking. Pinch the seams well and place them seam-side down on the tray.
  3. Christmas Tree Shape: Start at the bottom with a wider row of dough balls and gradually make the rows smaller as you go up, forming a triangular tree shape. Use one dough ball for the “tree trunk.”
  4. Egg Wash: Brushing the dough balls with egg wash helps create a beautiful golden crust. Be thorough but gentle to avoid deflating the dough balls.
  5. Herb Butter: You can add a pinch of garlic powder to the herb butter for extra flavor. Brush it generously on the hot bread for maximum absorption.
  6. Serving Presentation: Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs to give the bread a more festive look. Serve on a large platter with marinara sauce in a small bowl at the base of the tree.

This pull-apart bread is perfect for holiday gatherings—fun to make, festive to serve, and irresistibly cheesy!

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Noah Baker

Hi! I’m Noah Baker

I have been a professional chef and restaurant owner for the past 20 years! I love to cook and bake, and I want to share my enthusiasm.

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5 thoughts on “The Crispy, Cheesy Showstopper That Turns Dinner into a Holiday Miracle!”

  1. 5 stars
    This recipe is so fun and festive! It was a big hit at our holiday party. I used garlic butter for extra flavor, and it turned out amazing!

    Reply
  2. 5 stars
    What a creative idea for Christmas! I made it with pesto and mozzarella, and it disappeared in minutes. Can’t wait to make it again.

    Reply
  3. 5 stars
    This pull-apart Christmas tree is not only adorable but also super tasty! My kids had a blast helping me make it, and we all enjoyed eating it too.

    Reply
  4. 5 stars
    Absolutely loved this recipe! It’s easy, festive, and perfect for a holiday appetizer. I added a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for extra cheesiness.

    Reply
  5. 5 stars
    This recipe was a showstopper at our family dinner! It was so easy to make but looked super impressive. Thanks for sharing such a fantastic idea!

    Reply

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