Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

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Hi I'm Stacy

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on 17 October 2025

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Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

As the holidays approach, kitchens around the world begin to fill with delightful aromas and festive recipes. This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight, perfectly capturing the spirit of the season. Imagine a charming tree-shaped bread studded with gooey mozzarella and brushed with fragrant herbs; it’s an irresistible centerpiece for your holiday gatherings.

With its simple ingredients and playful presentation, this bread is bound to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Perfect for sharing, it invites everyone to pull apart fluffy, cheesy bites while dipping them in rich marinara or fragrant pesto. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that embodies the joys of holiday cooking.

Ingredients

13 ounces canned refrigerator pizza dough
The star of this recipe, the pizza dough creates a fluffy and soft base for the cheesy bites. Canned variety saves time and effort; it’s ready to roll, making this dish easy and approachable, even for novice bakers.
6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks
These cheese sticks melt beautifully, providing that delightful gooeyness that makes this bread so irresistible. Their size is perfect for wrapping in dough, ensuring every pull reveals a satisfying stretch of cheese.
1 large egg (+ 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
The egg wash gives the bread a shimmering golden hue once baked, elevating its presentation. The addition of water thins the egg slightly, allowing for a more even application over the dough balls.
3 tablespoons butter (melted)
Melted butter adds a rich flavor and glossy finish to the bread. It will infuse the rolls with a savory taste while also adding moisture to the outer layer, making each bite more enjoyable.

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
Parmesan cheese contributes a savory depth that complements the mozzarella, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Dividing it allows for initial flavoring during baking and a delightful finishing touch.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color along with a mild, herby flavor that brightens the richness of the cheese and butter. It’s a delightful addition that also highlights the festive vibe of the dish.
1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
The woody and fragrant notes of rosemary bring a warming element to the bread, making it feel extra comforting and seasonal. Just a small amount goes a long way in imparting its distinct flavor.

1/2 tablespoon fresh basil (finely chopped)
Fresh basil offers a sweet and slightly peppery taste that balances the richness of the bread. Its aromatic qualities add an uplifting essence to each cheesy bite.
1 clove garlic (grated)
Garlic adds depth and warmth, filling the kitchen with an inviting aroma as it bakes. Its bold flavor complements the other ingredients beautifully, ensuring each mouthful is packed with goodness.
1 jar marinara and/or pesto (for dipping)
These sauces serve as the perfect accompaniment, providing a contrasting tanginess that enhances the cheesy, buttery bread. Dipping elevates the eating experience, inviting creativity in flavor combinations.

Parchment paper (for lining baking sheet)
Using parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures that your bread comes off the baking sheet easily and intact. It also aids in even baking, keeping the bottoms from burning.

Directions & Preparation

Preheat the oven to 400° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Preheating the oven ensures that your bread will bake evenly and rise properly. Lining the baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, which is a win during busy holiday preparations.
Cut the dough into approximately 30 equal squares and cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into bite-sized pieces.
Making uniform squares allows for even baking, while the bite-sized cheese pieces fit perfectly into the dough. This ensures that every roll has just the right amount of filling, creating consistent, cheesy goodness.

Add a piece of mozzarella to each square of dough, form a ball, and seal the edges.
Sealing the edges tightly is crucial; it keeps the cheese from leaking out during baking and helps maintain a beautiful shape. This step ensures that every pull-apart bite is filled with gooey cheese.
Arrange the balls on the baking sheet in the shape of a tree, with the balls touching.
Arranging the balls in a tree shape not only makes it visually appealing but also allows the bread to rise and bake together, creating a cohesive loaf. The touching dough creates a lovely pull-apart texture.
Blend the egg and water, then lightly brush each ball with the egg wash.
Applying the egg wash gives your bread a beautiful golden crust. It also adds moisture, helping to achieve that coveted flaky texture and enhancing the overall flavor as it bakes.

Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown.
Baking in the middle of the oven allows for even heat distribution, resulting in a perfectly baked bread. Keeping an eye on the color helps prevent over-baking, ensuring a delightful, soft inside.
While baking, microwave the butter until melted and stir in half of the parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs.
This mixture not only infuses the bread with flavor but also sets the stage for a delicious topping. Brushing this herb-infused butter onto the warm bread enhances the aroma and adds rich flavors.
Brush this mixture onto the rolls, sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese, and serve with marinara and/or pesto.
Drizzling the butter mixture provides a shiny finish and layers of flavor. The final sprinkle of parmesan creates a glorious crust, and serving with dipping sauce adds an exciting interactive element to the experience.

The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is not just a delightful dish; it brings joy to the holiday table. Its playful shape and delicious flavors encourage sharing and laughter, making it a standout at any festive gathering. As your friends and family pull apart the cheesy bits, their faces will light up at this deliciously creative treat.

Customizing Your Cheesy Bread

Feel free to play with flavors and fillings! Swap mozzarella for pepper jack for a spicy kick, or mix in cooked sausage or spinach for a heartier version. The base recipe is versatile, allowing you to adapt it to suit your taste or to showcase seasonal ingredients you love. Creativity will add even more festive cheer!

Making It a Holiday Tradition

Imagine making this bread a yearly tradition, where each holiday season brings new variations or stories behind the creation. It’s not just about the finished product; it’s about the memories made in the kitchen. Whether you involve the whole family or keep it as your personal holiday ritual, this bread can become a warm, cherished memory each year.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pizza dough instead of canned?
Yes! If you have fresh pizza dough, you can definitely use it. Just ensure it’s rolled out to a similar thickness for even baking.

What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese sticks?
You can substitute mozzarella with any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or gouda. Just cut it into similar-sized pieces to ensure even melting.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free pizza dough alternative available in stores, following similar preparation methods.

What can I do if the dough is sticky?
If your dough is sticky, lightly flour your hands and the work surface. This helps with handling and shaping, preventing it from sticking to your hands or the countertop.

What if I want a cheesier bread?
Feel free to add more cheese! Just make sure you still seal the dough well to prevent leaks while baking.

Can I scale this recipe to make a larger or smaller version?
Yes! Adjust the quantity of dough and cheese sticks accordingly, keeping the same ratios. Just remember that baking time may need to be adjusted for size.

My bread turned out overcooked. What should I do next time?
Ensure your oven temperature is accurate, as an oven that runs hot can cook bread too quickly. Consider using a lower temperature and a longer baking duration to achieve the perfect golden crust.

Can I add other herbs to the butter mixture?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs, such as thyme or oregano, for a personal twist on the flavor.

Conclusion

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread embodies the warmth and joy of the holiday season, serving as both a delightful treat and a conversation starter. Its charming presentation and delicious flavor make it a perfect addition to any festive table.

As you gather with loved ones, sharing this bread will not only fill bellies but also hearts—creating delicious memories that will linger long after the last cheesy bite. Embrace the fun of holiday cooking, and let this recipe become a cherished part of your seasonal traditions!

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Hi I'm Stacy

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Ingredients

Directions & Preparation

The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece

Customizing Your Cheesy Bread

Making It a Holiday Tradition

FAQs

Conclusion