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If you’re looking to wow your guests with something festive, fun, and irresistibly cheesy, this Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread Recipe is your new holiday hero. Imagine warm, soft bites of dough hugging gooey mozzarella, seasoned with fragrant Italian herbs and garlic, all arranged in the shape of a twinkling Christmas tree. It’s not just a treat for the eyes but an absolute crowd-pleaser that invites sharing, laughter, and the joy of the season at any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each plays a crucial role to create that perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and festive color that makes this bread truly special.
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough: Provides the soft, fluffy base that effortlessly melts in your mouth.
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks: The gooey, melty center that makes every bite a cheesy delight.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that adds warm, savory notes.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle punch of flavor that complements the cheese perfectly.
- 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon water: Whisked together to create an egg wash that gives the bread a beautiful golden sheen.
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted): Adds richness and helps carry the fresh flavors on top.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped): Brightens the bread with a hint of fresh color and earthiness.
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for an extra layer of cheesy, savory goodness.
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving): The perfect tangy dip that pulls everything together.
How to Make Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Step 1: Get Ready and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your bread from sticking. Let the prepared pizza dough rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes — this gives it the perfect texture to roll and shape.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese and Dough
Cut each mozzarella stick into four bite-sized pieces, giving you a total of 32 cheesy nuggets. Then roll out your dough and cut it into 32 squares, matching each cheese piece so every square gets a cheesy heart.
Step 3: Season and Shape
Place one mozzarella piece on top of each dough square. Lightly sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder for bursts of flavor in each bite. Next, fold the edges of the dough squares toward the center, carefully pinching them closed before rolling them into neat little balls that hide the cheesy surprise inside.
Step 4: Arrange Into a Tree
Place each dough ball seam-side down onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, arranging them in the shape of a Christmas tree complete with a small trunk at the bottom. You should have a few extras to bake alongside. Whisk the egg and water to create an egg wash, then brush this over the dough balls for that gorgeously glossy, golden finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bread for 16 to 18 minutes until the exterior is golden brown and the cheese inside is perfectly melted. Once out of the oven, brush the bread with melted butter and sprinkle over fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese for an irresistibly rich and festive touch.
Step 6: Serve with Love
Serve your Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread warm with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. This makes every bite a flavorful, festive experience to savor with family and friends.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like extra freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of parmesan right before serving elevates not only the flavor but also the presentation of this pull apart bread. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a subtle kick for those who like a little heat with their cheesy bites.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with fresh green salads, hearty soups, or even a rich lasagna. The softness and cheesiness of the pull apart bread complement a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to any holiday spread or casual get-together.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress up your table by placing the bread on a festive wooden board or a colorful serving platter to highlight the tree shape. For extra fun, sprinkle some edible gold dust or place tiny decorative picks in the bread balls to mimic Christmas ornaments. This transforms your bread into not just a snack, but a centerpiece everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh, but be sure to enjoy them quickly because the cheese centers are best warm and melty.
Freezing
You can freeze any leftover bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it at room temperature before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your pull apart bread in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This refreshes the golden crust and revives the gooey cheese inside, making each bite taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works beautifully in this Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread Recipe. Just make sure your dough is well rested and soft enough to roll and fold around the cheese cubes.
What if I don’t have mozzarella cheese sticks?
You can substitute mozzarella cheese sticks with other cheese types like string cheese or even small cubes of block mozzarella. The goal is meltiness, so choose a cheese that melts well.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and vegan butter to make this recipe dairy-free. It won’t be quite the same, but it still brings that festive pull apart fun and flavor.
How far in advance can I assemble the bread?
You can assemble the bread balls and arrange them on the baking sheet up to a day ahead. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate, but bring them back to room temperature before baking.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids love pulling apart the soft dough and enjoying the gooey cheese. You can even get little hands involved in shaping the dough balls to make it a fun family activity.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about gathering around this Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread Recipe — the way the cheese stretches, the herbs delight your nose, and everyone reaches in to grab a warm bite. It’s easy enough to make on a busy holiday, yet special enough to become a tradition. I’m excited for you to try it and see just how simple ingredients can transform into a festive feast brightening your table and holiday spirit.
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Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 41 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread is a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft pizza dough is filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, then baked into a charming tree shape. Brushed with buttery garlic parsley topping and served with marinara sauce, it’s an irresistible treat for sharing.
Ingredients
Dough and Cheese
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
Seasonings and Toppings
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
For Serving
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Let the prepared pizza dough rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to make it easier to work with.
- Cut Cheese and Dough: Slice each of the 8 mozzarella sticks into 4 bite-sized pieces, totaling 32 pieces. Roll out the dough and cut it into 32 equal squares to match the cheese pieces.
- Assemble Cheese in Dough: Place one mozzarella piece on each dough square. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the cheese. Fold the dough edges up around the cheese, pinch to seal, and gently roll into balls to encase the cheese completely.
- Shape the Tree: Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree with a small trunk at the bottom, leaving 3 extra balls placed separately for baking on the side. Whisk the egg with water and brush each ball with the egg wash to ensure a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside has melted completely.
- Add Finishing Touches: Once out of the oven, brush the warm bread with melted butter, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor and a festive look.
- Serve: Serve immediately with marinara sauce or your choice of dipping sauce to enjoy the melty cheesy goodness.
Notes
- Make sure the dough is at room temperature before cutting to avoid tearing.
- The egg wash helps create a shiny, golden crust but can be omitted for an egg-free version.
- Use fresh mozzarella sticks for best melting and texture.
- These pull-apart rolls are best enjoyed warm on the day they are baked.
- You can add red pepper flakes or extra garlic powder inside for a spicy twist.
