Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread with Mozzarella Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and utterly delicious appetizer to wow your guests this holiday season, you absolutely have to try my Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread with Mozzarella Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings cheesy, buttery goodness wrapped in fluffy dough—plus, it looks like a beautiful Christmas tree on your table! Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a new seasonal tradition.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread with Mozzarella Recipe is in the simple, fresh ingredients working in harmony. I always recommend grabbing good-quality mozzarella since it really makes the cheese pull satisfying and melty.

• Pizza dough: Using store-bought dough is a lifesaver, but homemade works beautifully too.
• Mozzarella cheese: I use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and texture — pre-shredded is okay if you’re in a pinch.
• Butter: Melted butter soaks into the crust, giving it a rich, golden finish.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick that pairs wonderfully with the mozzarella.
• Garlic powder: Don’t skip this; it infuses that classic garlic bread aroma.
• Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that bring out that familiar Italian flavor we all love.
• Marinara sauce: The perfect tangy dip to complement the cheesy bread—homemade or store-bought works great.

Variations

I love that this Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread with Mozzarella Recipe is so versatile—you can tweak it to fit your mood, dietary needs, or whatever you have in your fridge. It’s a recipe that really invites your creativity!

• Cheese swaps: I’ve experimented with adding provolone or a bit of sharp cheddar mixed with mozzarella, and honestly, it’s a cheesy dream come true.
• Herb boost: Sometimes I sprinkle fresh rosemary or basil on top before baking, and that fresh herb aroma takes it to another level.
• Gluten-free version: Using gluten-free pizza dough works just as well for those with sensitivities—I tried it last year and my gluten-intolerant friend was thrilled.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mix if you want a little heat; it’s unexpected but delicious.

How to Make Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread with Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Space and Dough

First things first: preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—that makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your bread edges perfectly golden. Then, lightly flour your countertop and place your pizza dough right on it. I find that flouring the surface helps keep the dough from sticking while you cut and shape the pieces.

Step 2: Cut Dough and Cheese into Small Pieces

Next, cut the pizza dough into 33 equal pieces—you want them small but big enough to fully wrap around a chunk of mozzarella. Then, cut your mozzarella into 33 matching small cubes. This part is pretty satisfying; it almost feels like crafting little edible ornaments.

Step 3: Wrap Cheese in Dough Balls

Take one piece of dough, flatten it out gently, then place a cube of mozzarella right in the center. Gather the edges of the dough up around the cheese and pinch to seal it tightly—this helps keep the cheese from leaking out while it bakes. Repeat this for all 33 dough balls. I like to keep my hands lightly floured to make wrapping easier.

Step 4: Shape Your Christmas Tree on the Pan

Arrange your dough balls on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree: start by placing seven balls in a line for the bottom row, then six above that, then five, four, three, two, and one at the top—like a pyramid. After the single ball at the top, cluster three more balls around it to form a star shape. Finally, place the last two balls at the bottom as the tree trunk. This step takes a bit of patience but the result is totally worth it!

Step 5: Brush with Flavored Butter

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning until well combined. Using a pastry brush, generously coat each dough ball with this flavorful butter mix. This brush-on step is what gives the bread that irresistible golden color and savory punch.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Bake your tree in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the dough balls are puffed and a deep golden brown. Keep an eye on it toward the end to avoid over-browning. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool just a bit—they’ll be hot and melty! Serve warm alongside a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping and prepare for everyone to go wild.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread with Mozzarella Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or basil over the baked tree just before serving—it adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the rich, cheesy bread perfectly.

Side Dishes

This pull-apart bread pairs wonderfully with a hearty salad or bowl of soup. My go-to sides are a simple Caesar salad or tomato basil soup—both complement the cheesy bread without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday party, try placing the tree bread on a wooden board surrounded by festive garnishes like cranberries or rosemary sprigs. Kids especially love when I add small edible decorations, like mini pepperoni slices or olives, to mimic Christmas ornaments on the bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pull-apart bread keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh. My family often heats it up for a quick snack the next day, and it still tastes fantastic.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance, you can freeze the dough balls individually on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, assemble the tree, brush with butter, and bake as usual. Freezing works surprisingly well without sacrificing texture.

Reheating

To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. This brings back the fresh-baked softness and melty cheese without drying it out. Microwave reheats tend to make the bread chewy, so I avoid that method.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread with Mozzarella Recipe is one of my all-time favorites during the holidays. It’s easy enough for a weeknight snack but special enough for festive gatherings. Every time I make it, my family goes crazy for that melty cheese center and buttery, herb-infused crust. I’m excited for you to try it out—once you do, I’m sure it’ll become a beloved tradition in your home, just like it did in mine!

Print