Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive, pull-apart loaf shaped like a Christmas tree and filled with garlicky butter and melting cheeses. It’s a show-stopping appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to pull together for holiday parties or cozy family dinners. I’ve made this several times for gatherings and love how the crispy edges and gooey centers disappear first.
Why Make This Recipe
- It’s a crowd-pleaser: gooey cheese and garlic flavor appeal to kids and adults alike.
- Fun presentation: the tree shape makes it a centerpiece for holiday tables and parties.
- Quick to assemble: uses pantry staples and can be made in under an hour of active time.
- Versatile: you can swap cheeses, herbs, or add fillings like cooked sausage or pesto.
- Personal insight: I love this recipe because it turns ordinary dough into a festive, interactive appetizer that keeps guests chatting while they pull pieces off the tree.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 10 minutes chilling if using warm dough)
- Cook time: 20–25 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
- Total time: about 50 minutes including cooling and assembly
- Servings: 8–10 as an appetizer
- Difficulty: Easy–Medium (requires simple shaping and twisting)
- Method: Roll and cut dough, brush with garlic butter, layer cheeses, twist strips, shape on a baking sheet, then bake until golden and bubbly.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this version several times using both store-bought pizza dough and homemade yeast dough. The biggest discovery was that chilling the shaped tree for 10 minutes before baking helps the twists keep their shape and prevents excessive cheese runoff. I also learned that a mix of cheeses—mozzarella for melt and cheddar or gouda for flavor—gives the best results.
How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Start with two round dough discs (about 12-inch each) or one large ball of pizza dough rolled into a circle. Spread a thin layer of garlic-herb butter, then sprinkle shredded cheeses and chopped herbs evenly between layers. Cut the dough into concentric rings and then into tree-shaped wedges, twist each strip 2–3 times, and arrange them into a tree on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and cheese is bubbly. Let cool 5 minutes before serving so the cheese sets slightly.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use a bench scraper or sharp pizza cutter for clean, even cuts; ragged edges leak cheese.
- Chill the assembled tree 10 minutes in the fridge before baking; it helps maintain the tree shape.
- Choose a mix of cheeses: low-moisture mozzarella for stretch and a sharper cheese (cheddar, gouda) for flavor.
- Brush the exposed dough with egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) for a golden, glossy crust.
- Bake on a middle rack on parchment or a silicone mat; for a crisper bottom, preheat a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet.
(For another pull-apart cheese bread technique I like, see this Cheesy Garlic Bliss pull-apart bread recipe.)
How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
- Pull-apart appetizer: place on the table and let guests tear pieces, pairing with marinara or pesto for dipping.
- Party platter: serve with sliced cured meats and roasted veggies for a full grazing board.
- Kid-friendly snack: include small bowls of marinara and ranch for dipping.
- Presentation tip: place a small ramekin of warm dipping sauce in the “trunk” area and sprinkle chopped parsley or chives for color.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 24 hours, or refrigerate up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from refrigerated: bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–12 minutes, covered loosely with foil to avoid over-browning. From frozen: thaw in fridge overnight, then reheat the same way; if reheating directly from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes covered, then uncover to brown.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: use a reliable store-bought gluten-free pizza dough or make a gf yeast dough, but expect a denser texture and handle dough lightly.
- Dairy-free: replace butter with olive oil garlic spread and use dairy-free shredded cheeses that melt well.
- Herb & spinach: mix chopped cooked spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the cheese for color and flavor.
- Spicy: add thinly sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper with the cheese for heat.
Nutritional Highlights
- High in protein from cheese, which helps keep portions satisfying.
- Rich in calcium and fat—this is an indulgent appetizer, so consider portioning (1–2 twists per person).
- Allergen info: contains gluten and dairy; modify for GF or dairy-free diets as noted above.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dough won’t rise or puff: make sure yeast dough is not overworked and that the kitchen isn’t too cold; allow 30–60 minutes room proofing.
- Cheese oozing and burning on the pan: use parchment and place a rimmed baking sheet underneath to catch drips; tighten twists so cheese is enclosed.
- Bottom browns too fast: move the oven rack up one position or bake on an inverted sheet to reduce direct heat to the bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the tree, wrap tightly, and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking. Bring it to room temperature 20–30 minutes before baking and then bake at 375°F (190°C) for the usual time.
Q: What cheeses melt best without getting oily?
A: Low-moisture mozzarella melts cleanly for stretch; combine it with a firmer cheese like sharp cheddar or gouda for flavor without excess oil. Avoid very aged cheeses that separate.
Q: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
A: Absolutely. Store-bought dough saves time and works well; if it’s cold from the fridge, let it sit 20–30 minutes to relax for easier rolling and shaping.
Q: How do I keep the twists from unwrapping during baking?
A: Twist each strip firmly (but not so tight you tear the dough), press the base of each twist slightly onto the tree center, and chill the assembled tree for 10 minutes before baking to help hold shape.
Conclusion
For more step-by-step inspiration and variations, check this classic Best Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Recipe from Delish.
If you want a version focused on gooey cheese and simple steps, see Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread – easy recipe! – A Gouda Life.
For a garlic-forward take with health-minded tips, this Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe – Healthy … has useful ideas.
If you prefer a plated, styled approach, the Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread on Urban Bliss Life offers great photos and tips.
For another tested holiday pull-apart option, try Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread – Amanda’s Cookin’.
- Best Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Recipe: Delish pull-apart tree
- Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread – easy recipe! – A Gouda Life: A Gouda Life cheesy tree
- Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe – Healthy …: Healthy Little Peach cheesy garlic tree
- Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread – Urban Bliss Life: Urban Bliss Life tree bread
- Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread – Amanda’s Cookin’ – Christmas: Amanda’s Cookin’ tree bread
Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive, pull-apart loaf shaped like a Christmas tree, filled with garlicky butter and melting cheeses. Perfect for holiday parties and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 round dough discs (about 12-inch each) or 1 large ball of pizza dough
- 1/2 cup garlic-herb butter
- 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or gouda cheese
- Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or basil)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Start with dough discs or one large ball of pizza dough rolled into a circle.
- Spread garlic-herb butter over the dough.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese and chopped herbs evenly.
- Cut dough into concentric rings and tree-shaped wedges.
- Twist each strip 2–3 times and arrange them into a tree shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush with egg wash.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Chill the assembled tree for 10 minutes before baking to help maintain the shape. Use a mixture of cheeses for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American