If you’re hunting for Yummy Christmas Recipes that double as decor and disappear the second they hit the table… welcome to your new holiday obsession: Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread.

This warm, melty, garlic-buttery beauty is basically everything we celebrate about December—cozy, festive, shareable, and ridiculously fun to tear apart. It looks impressive (hello, centerpiece!), but secretly? It’s one of the easiest Easy Recipes For Christmas Party nights.

Made with store-bought pizza dough, mozzarella sticks, and a quick garlic-herb butter that makes your kitchen smell like the North Pole’s pizzeria, this Pizza Tree Pull Apart appetizer is the definition of holiday magic with minimal effort.

Let’s dive in.

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Every year when the holiday chaos hits—shopping, wrapping, forgetting where you hid the wrapping paper—you need a recipe that feels festive without adding stress. That’s exactly why this Pull Apart Tree Bread became one of my go-to December recipes.

One year, I needed something cute to bring to a last-minute party. I had pizza dough, mozzarella sticks (don’t we all?), and an unrealistic amount of herbs leftover from Thanksgiving. Thirty minutes later, I walked into the party holding a Bread Tree Christmas masterpiece… and people acted like I’d hand-carved it from gourmet bakery magic.

Plot twist: it took 10 minutes of prep.

And just like that, this cheesy little tree became a yearly tradition.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Because sometimes the holidays call for something that looks fancy but takes barely any effort.

Here’s what makes this Cheese Pull Apart Christmas Tree irresistible:

✨ Only a few ingredients (most are already in your fridge)
✨ Zero stress thanks to refrigerated pizza dough
✨ Kid-friendly + adult-approved
✨ Gooey mozzarella center in every bite
✨ Doubles as a Tree Bread Appetizer and table decoration
✨ Perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, and Christmas Eve snacking

IMO, it’s holiday hosting on easy-mode.

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Ingredients Needed (and Why They Matter)

Here’s what goes into your edible Christmas tree:

• Refrigerated pizza dough – The secret shortcut. Makes this a Pillsbury Pull Apart Christmas Tree–level ease.
• Mozzarella sticks – Quick, uniform, perfectly melty cheese bites.
• Egg + water – Your golden-brown, photo-ready finish.
• Butter (melted) – The base of your garlic-herb glaze.
• Parmesan cheese – Saltiness, flavor, and that final sprinkle.
• Garlic – Fresh and grated for max flavor.
• Herbs – Parsley, basil, rosemary; festive and aromatic.
• Marinara or pesto – The dipping trio we live for.

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How to Make This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread (Quick + Easy)

This is one of those recipes that looks complicated but is secretly simple.

1. Prep the pan. Oven at 400°F; line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Cut the dough. Slice into 30 small squares.
3. Fill the dough. Add a 1-inch piece of mozzarella to each square and roll into a ball.
4. Build your tree. Arrange the dough balls seam-side down in a Christmas tree shape.
5. Brush + bake. Add egg wash and bake 16–18 minutes.
6. Garlic butter time. Mix melted butter with herbs, garlic, and Parmesan.
7. Finish. Brush over the golden bread and add more Parmesan.

Serve warm with marinara and pesto. Prepare for applause.

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Pro Tips for the Best Outcome

Want your Garlic Knot Christmas Tree to come out perfect every time? Follow these:

⭐ Let the dough warm up. Cold dough = tears, stretching fights, and general chaos.
⭐ Don’t stress about perfect sizes. A lopsided tree is still adorable (and delicious).
⭐ Use parchment paper. Otherwise, your tree may become permanently attached to the pan.
⭐ Bake extra pieces on the side. This recipe makes 3 bonus balls—just pop them next to the tree.
⭐ Brush butter while hot. It absorbs way better.

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Variations to Try

Customize your Pull Apart Tree Bread like a festive food artist:

🎄 Stuffed With Spinach Ricotta – Like tiny calzones in tree form.
🎄 Cheddar + Jalapeño – A spicy Christmas moment.
🎄 Pizza Version – Pepperoni bits inside every dough ball.
🎄 Everything Bagel Tree – Use everything seasoning instead of herbs.
🎄 BBQ Chicken Filling – Holiday? Meet game day.

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Best Way to Serve

Serve your warm Bread Tree Christmas with:

• Marinara (classic)
• Pesto (green + festive)
• Ranch (no shame)
• Alfredo (for cheese lovers)

FYI, toothpicks make this easy for big crowds.

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Storage Tips

Because yes, leftovers do happen (sometimes):

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or air fryer until warm.
• Extra garlic butter? Use it on potatoes, toast, veggies, or garlic bread.

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FAQ

Can I make this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the stuffed dough balls and shape the tree up to 1 day ahead. Cover well and refrigerate. Brush with egg wash right before baking.

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of cheese sticks?
You can, but shred melt tends to ooze out more. Cheese sticks hold their shape better and give you that perfect melty center.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure the seams are fully sealed. Pinch well, roll tightly, and place seam-side down.

What are the best dipping sauces?
Marinara and pesto are classics, but ranch, Alfredo, garlic butter, or even a spicy arrabbiata are amazing alternatives.

Can I scale this recipe to make a bigger or smaller tree?
Yes! Add more dough balls for a larger “tree” or fewer for a mini one. Bake time stays nearly the same — just watch for golden tops.

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