Description

A festive pull-apart bread shaped like a Christmas tree, stuffed with gooey cheese and topped with garlic butter. This easy cheesy Christmas tree bread is perfect as a holiday appetizer or party snack.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound refrigerated pizza dough
24 small cubes mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
Marinara sauce for serving (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Divide the pizza dough into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each piece and wrap around a cube of mozzarella cheese, pinching the edges to seal.
Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Brush the mixture over the dough balls.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 20–22 minutes, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

Notes

You can mix in shredded cheddar cheese with the mozzarella.
Olive oil can be used instead of butter.
Garlic powder can be substituted for fresh garlic.
Basil can be used instead of parsley.
Crushed red pepper flakes can be added for a little heat.
Ranch or pesto can be served for dipping instead of marinara.
If you forget to pinch the balls closed, you will get cheese puddles, which some people enjoy.
Store-bought dough is generally easier to shape than homemade.
Swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.
Add sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a more decorated tree appearance.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days and reheated.
The bread can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 6 hours before baking.
Other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or feta can be used.
Doubling the recipe is possible with an additional baking sheet.
Freezing is possible but may result in a drier texture.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 210 calories
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg

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