Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread Recipe | Festive Party App
I recently made this adorable Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread Recipe, and it instantly became one of my favorite festive treats. The smell of freshly baked dough and melted cheese filled the kitchen, making it feel like Christmas morning. It’s warm, gooey, and shaped like a tree — perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings.
I couldn’t resist pulling apart those soft, cheesy bites right out of the oven. If you love simple yet show-stopping recipes, this one will win your heart too — and if you enjoy savory holiday snacks, you might also like this Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs Recipe.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this beautiful pull-apart bread — and why each ingredient matters.
- 4 string cheese mozzarella sticks — Fresh string cheese melts beautifully and stretches perfectly when pulled apart.
- 4 Colby-Monterey Jack cheese sticks — Adds a mild tang and creamy flavor that balances the mozzarella.
- 16 oz can large biscuits (8 biscuits total) — Store-bought biscuits save time while keeping the dough soft and fluffy.
- 2 tablespoons butter — Brushed on top for a rich, golden crust.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder — Adds that irresistible garlicky aroma and depth.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning — Infuses the bread with classic herbs that feel cozy and festive.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley — Brings a pop of color and freshness that ties the Christmas theme together.
- 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan — Adds a salty, nutty layer of flavor that enhances every bite.
- 1 cup pizza or marinara sauce — Perfect for dipping; warm and comforting with each cheesy piece.
Note: This recipe makes several servings, ideal for 6–8 people depending on portion size.
Variations
Want to change things up or make it fit your dietary preferences? Try these fun alternatives:
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese sticks, vegan butter, and plant-based Parmesan.
- Low-Sugar: Pick a pizza sauce with no added sugar or make your own with crushed tomatoes and herbs.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked, chopped chicken or pepperoni inside the dough balls for a hearty twist.
- Herb Upgrade: Swap Italian seasoning with rosemary and thyme for a more aromatic, wintery flavor.
- Cheese Lover’s Version: Mix in sharp cheddar or gouda cubes for a stronger cheese flavor and melty texture.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long this festive bread will take from start to finish:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15–17 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Equipment You Need
A few simple tools make this recipe easy and fun to prepare:
- Baking sheet — To arrange and bake your Christmas tree shape.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat — Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Pastry brush — Helps evenly spread butter and seasonings on top.
- Mixing bowl — To combine butter, garlic, and herbs for brushing.
- Knife and cutting board — For slicing cheese sticks and cutting biscuits into smaller pieces.
How to Make Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread
Let’s go step-by-step through the process so your bread turns out perfect every time.
Prepare and cut the cheese and dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut each cheese stick into four smaller pieces, giving you 32 cheese chunks. Separate the biscuits and cut each one into four smaller dough pieces — that’s 32 total.
Stuff the dough balls and shape the tree
Take one dough piece, flatten it slightly, and place one piece of cheese inside. Pinch the edges tightly to seal, then roll it into a ball. Arrange all the balls seam-side down on the baking sheet, forming a Christmas tree shape. Keep them close but not overlapping.
Brush and bake
Melt the butter and mix in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush the mixture generously over the dough balls. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–17 minutes or until golden brown. Once baked, sprinkle fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese on top. Serve warm with pizza or marinara sauce for dipping.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
After trying this recipe a few times, here are my favorite little tweaks that make a big difference:
- I make sure to seal the dough balls tightly so the cheese doesn’t leak out during baking.
- I let the butter mixture sit for a minute before brushing — it allows the herbs to bloom and enhances flavor.
- I always serve the bread warm, right out of the oven. The cheese is at its gooey best!
- I preheat the pizza sauce in a small bowl so it’s ready for dipping as soon as the bread comes out.
- A quick extra sprinkle of Parmesan right after baking gives the bread a slightly crispy, cheesy crust.
You can also enjoy other creative savory ideas like this Hot Honey Chicken Flatbread Recipe for a flavor-packed treat that’s just as easy and crowd-pleasing.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread
The presentation makes this dish extra magical! Arrange your golden pull-apart tree on a large serving platter or wooden board. Add small sprigs of parsley around it for a “greenery” effect, and place a bowl of warm marinara or pizza sauce at the base like a “tree trunk.”
You can also decorate the bread with halved cherry tomatoes or small pepper pieces for colorful “ornaments.” It’s festive, fun, and the perfect centerpiece for any Christmas table.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content per serving (approximate values):
- Calories: ~82
- Protein: ~3 g
- Carbohydrates: ~8 g
- Fat: ~5 g
These values may vary slightly depending on the brand of ingredients used.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bread stays soft and flavorful when stored properly.
Freezing
It’s best to bake and eat this bread fresh, but you can freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the bread in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5–8 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving — it can make the dough rubbery and the cheese unevenly melted.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why I think this Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread will become a holiday staple at your house:
- Super easy to make: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and beginner-friendly steps.
- Festive and fun: The Christmas tree shape makes it perfect for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
- Gooey and cheesy: Every bite gives you that irresistible combination of warm dough and melted cheese.
- Customizable: You can switch up the cheeses, seasonings, or even the dip to fit your taste.
- Crowd-pleasing: It’s shareable, interactive, and guaranteed to disappear quickly!
This Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread isn’t just a recipe — it’s a holiday experience. The aroma, the look, and the cheesy pull make it a showstopper every single time. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or a casual get-together, this festive bread will spread joy and smiles all around.
Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut each cheese stick into four smaller pieces, giving you 32 cheese chunks. Separate the biscuits and cut each one into four smaller dough pieces — that’s 32 total.
- Take one dough piece, flatten it slightly, and place one piece of cheese inside. Pinch the edges tightly to seal, then roll it into a ball. Arrange all the balls seam-side down on the baking sheet, forming a Christmas tree shape. Keep them close but not overlapping.
- Melt the butter and mix in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush the mixture generously over the dough balls. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–17 minutes or until golden brown. Once baked, sprinkle fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese on top. Serve warm with pizza or marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- I make sure to seal the dough balls tightly so the cheese doesn’t leak out during baking.
- I let the butter mixture sit for a minute before brushing — it allows the herbs to bloom and enhances flavor.
- I always serve the bread warm, right out of the oven. The cheese is at its gooey best!
- I preheat the pizza sauce in a small bowl so it’s ready for dipping as soon as the bread comes out.
- A quick extra sprinkle of Parmesan right after baking gives the bread a slightly crispy, cheesy crust.