The holidays are magical, but let’s be honest, they can also be chaotic. Between wrapping gifts and decorating, you need a win in the kitchen. You need something that looks incredibly impressive but is actually secretly easy to make. That is exactly why I created this Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread.
I remember the first time I made this for a holiday potluck. I was running late and had some pizza dough in the fridge. I quickly stuffed the dough balls with mozzarella, arranged them like a tree, and brushed them with garlic butter. When I walked in, everyone gasped. It looked like a masterpiece! But the real magic happened when they started eating. It was gone in five minutes flat.
This recipe is more than just food; it is an edible centerpiece. It brings people together as they tear off a piece of warm, fluffy dough exploding with gooey cheese. It is joyful, delicious, and guaranteed to make you the star of the party.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 Minutes: Using store-bought pizza dough makes this incredibly fast.
- Fun for Kids: Little hands love rolling the dough balls and building the tree.
- Show-Stopping Look: It looks like a professional bakery item but requires zero fancy skills.
- Customizable: You can switch up the fillings and herbs to match your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Who can say no to garlic, butter, bread, and cheese?
The Secret Ingredients for an Unforgettable Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread
To make the best Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread, you don’t need expensive items. You just need the right combination of simple flavors. Here is what we are using:
- Pizza Dough: This is the base. You can use homemade dough if you have time, or store-bought refrigerated dough (like Pillsbury or a local bakery ball) to keep it easy.
- Mozzarella Cheese: You want the block kind, cut into cubes. This gives you that epic “cheese pull” when you tear the bread apart. Mozzarella pearls work too!
- Egg Wash: One egg beaten with a splash of water. This is the secret to that shiny, golden-brown crust.
- Unsalted Butter: We melt this down to create a garlic herb bath for the finished bread.
- Fresh Parsley & Rosemary: These green herbs make the “tree” look authentic and fresh.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for that savory punch.
- Marinara Sauce: For dipping. It turns this appetizer into a fun pizza experience.
Bringing Your Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread to Life, Step by Step
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to build your delicious tree.
Prep Your Station: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Cut the Dough: Take your pizza dough and divide it into 33 equal pieces. They don’t have to be perfect, just roughly the same size.
Stuff and Roll: Take a piece of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of cheese in the center. Pull the edges of the dough up over the cheese and pinch them shut tightly. Roll it in your hands until it forms a smooth ball.
Note: Make sure the seams are sealed tight so the cheese doesn’t leak out!
Build the Tree: Place the balls on the baking sheet seam-side down. You want to arrange them in a triangle shape to look like a Christmas tree. I like to do a row of 7, then 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 on top. Use the remaining dough balls to make a little trunk at the bottom.
Brush and Bake: Brush the egg wash all over the dough tree. This gives it a beautiful shine. Bake for 15-20 minutes until it is puffy and golden brown.
Garlic Butter Bath: While it bakes, mix your melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped herbs. As soon as the tree comes out of the oven, brush this mixture generously over the hot bread.
Serve: Sprinkle with a little parmesan cheese if you like, and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.
A Few Pro-Tips for a Perfect Result
Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to ensure your tree is perfect every time.
- Room Temperature Dough: Let your dough sit on the counter for 20 minutes before using it. It stretches much easier and won’t shrink back.
- Don’t Overstuff: A small cube of cheese is plenty. If you put too much in, the dough will rip, and cheese will explode in the oven.
- Pinch Tight: I can’t stress this enough! Pinch those seams tightly. If you leave gaps, you will have a cheesy mess on the pan instead of inside the bread.
- Touch the Balls: When building the tree, place the dough balls so they are just barely touching. They need room to expand and puff up as they bake.
- Add Color: Chopped red bell peppers or halved cherry tomatoes placed between the dough balls look like ornaments!
- Garlic Power: If you love garlic, mix some garlic powder into the dough before rolling it for a double dose of flavor.
- Food Safety: Cheese is a perishable food. According to the USDA Food Safety Guidelines, you should not leave perishable foods out at room temperature for more than two hours. Keep this in mind during your party!
Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread Variations to Try
Cooking is all about creativity, so feel free to make this recipe your own! If you want a spicy kick, try adding a slice of pickled jalapeño inside the dough ball along with the cheese. It adds a surprise heat that pairs perfectly with the marinara.
For my vegetarian friends, this recipe is already safe, but if you want to make it Vegan, it is very simple. Use a vegan pizza dough (most store brands are vegan) and swap the mozzarella for a high-quality vegan cheese cube. Use olive oil instead of butter for the topping.
If you have a sweet tooth, you can totally flip the script. Skip the cheese and garlic. Instead, stuff the dough with a piece of chocolate or a marshmallow. After baking, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. It becomes a sweet dessert tree!
How to Store & Reheat Your Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), you can save them. Place the leftover bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, do not use the microwave! The microwave will make the bread chewy and rubbery. Instead, place the bread on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Pop it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This will melt the cheese inside and crisp up the outside again.
Perfect Pairings for Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread
This bread is rich and savory, so it pairs well with things that cut through that heaviness. I love serving this alongside a crisp, fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The acid in the salad balances the buttery cheese perfectly.
If you are looking for a main course, this soup pairs perfectly with our Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe. The combination of grilled cheese vibes and tomato soup is classic comfort food. For drinks, a warm mug of mulled wine or a sparkling cranberry mocktail adds to the festive holiday spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best dough for pull apart bread?
I find that standard pizza dough works best. It has the right chewiness and structure to hold the cheese. You can use biscuit dough in a pinch, but the texture will be flakier and less like a breadstick.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the tree, cover it loosely with plastic wrap, and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 hours before baking. Just let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes while the oven preheats so it bakes evenly.
Why did my cheese leak out?
This usually happens if the seams weren’t pinched tightly enough or if the dough was rolled too thin in some spots. Make sure the dough creates a thick, secure wall around the cheese cube.
Can I use cheddar instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely. Cheddar has a stronger flavor which is delicious. However, cheddar releases more oil when it melts, so your bread might be slightly greasier. Pepper Jack is also a great option for some heat.
How do I make the bread golden brown?
The egg wash is the key here. Brushing that beaten egg over the dough promotes browning. If you don’t use egg, the dough will look pale even when it is fully cooked.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not naturally, but you can make it gluten-free! Simply swap the standard pizza dough for a gluten-free pizza dough blend. Be careful when rolling, as GF dough can be more fragile.
Can I freeze the baked bread?
I don’t recommend freezing the baked bread. The texture changes, and the cheese doesn’t melt the same way twice. It is much better to freeze the unbaked dough balls if you need to prep that far in advance.
What size pan should I use?
A large standard baking sheet (usually 18×13 inches) works perfectly. If your tree is smaller, a regular cookie sheet is fine. Just ensure there is about an inch of space around the tree for air circulation.
Can I add meat to this?
Yes! wrapping the cheese cube in a slice of pepperoni before stuffing it into the dough is a game-changer. It tastes just like a pepperoni pizza bite.
My bread is burning on the bottom, what do I do?
If the bottoms are getting too dark before the top is done, try doubling up your baking sheets (stacking one inside the other). This insulates the bottom of the bread from the direct heat.
Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread (Christmas Tree Style)
Equipment
- Large Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
- 2 cans 13.8 oz) Refrigerated Pizza Dough (or 1.5 lbs homemade dough)
- 8 oz Mozzarella cheese block, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large Egg, beaten (for wash)
- 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp Fresh Rosemary, chopped
- 1 cup Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the pizza dough into 33 equal pieces.
- Flatten each piece of dough, place a cheese cube in the center, and pinch the edges tightly to seal. Roll into a smooth ball.
- Arrange the balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in a tree shape (rows of 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1). Use extra dough for the trunk.
- Brush the dough tree with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until puffy and golden brown.
- Whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and rosemary.
- Brush the garlic butter over the hot bread immediately after removing from the oven. Serve warm with marinara.
Notes
Conclusion
This Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread is the perfect way to add some joy to your holiday table. It is fun to make, beautiful to look at, and incredibly delicious to eat. Whether you are hosting a big party or having a cozy movie night, this tree will be a hit.
Ready for your next kitchen adventure? Explore more delicious recipes here at SpoonnSpice!