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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
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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.