If there’s one dish that guarantees a festive “wow” moment at your holiday gathering, it’s the Pull-Apart Christmas Tree. Shaped like a Christmas tree and loaded with fluffy, buttery bread filled with gooey cheese, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Each piece pulls apart effortlessly, offering a delightful burst of savory, cheesy goodness with every bite. The golden, garlicky crust and herb-infused aroma make this not just a side dish but a centerpiece for your holiday table.
This playful and delicious recipe is perfect for serving with a flavorful Pesto Sauce for dipping or pairing alongside a fresh and tangy Caprese Salad to round out your meal. It’s an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, offering both an impressive presentation and a communal, shareable experience. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or a cozy dinner, this Pull-Apart Christmas Tree will light up the table and everyone’s taste buds!
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- Festive fun: Its Christmas tree shape adds a decorative touch to your holiday spread.
- Simple yet impressive: A handful of ingredients create a show-stopping dish.
- Perfect for sharing: Everyone loves pulling apart the cheesy, garlicky bites!
- Crowd favorite: Whether it’s kids or adults, this dish is always a hit at the table!
Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Recipe
Equipment
- Large Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Rolling Pin
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 lb. refrigerated pizza dough
- 7 mozzarella sticks cut into 1” pieces
- Egg wash 1 egg whisked with 1 tbsp water
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp thinly sliced basil
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped rosemary
- Marinara sauce warmed (for serving)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Mozzarella:
- Cut mozzarella sticks into 1” pieces and set them aside.
Shape the Dough:
- On a floured surface, divide the pizza dough into two pieces.
- Roll and stretch each piece into a long rectangle.
- Cut the dough into 2” squares; you’ll need 33 squares in total.
Fill the Dough Balls:
- Wrap each dough square around a mozzarella piece, forming a tight, sealed ball.
- Place the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Make sure they are touching for a cohesive shape.
Bake the Tree:
- Brush the dough balls with the egg wash.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Make the Herb Butter:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Parmesan, basil, parsley, and rosemary.
Finish the Tree:
- Remove the pizza balls from the oven and immediately brush with the herb butter mixture.
Serve:
- Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 9g |
| Sugar | 0g |
Christmas Tree Mozzarella Pull-Apart Bread Tips:
- Pizza Dough: If you’re using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before working with it. This makes it easier to roll and shape.
- Cheese Sealing: Ensure each dough square is tightly sealed around the mozzarella pieces. This prevents the cheese from oozing out during baking. Pinch the seams well and place them seam-side down on the tray.
- Christmas Tree Shape: Start at the bottom with a wider row of dough balls and gradually make the rows smaller as you go up, forming a triangular tree shape. Use one dough ball for the “tree trunk.”
- Egg Wash: Brushing the dough balls with egg wash helps create a beautiful golden crust. Be thorough but gentle to avoid deflating the dough balls.
- Herb Butter: You can add a pinch of garlic powder to the herb butter for extra flavor. Brush it generously on the hot bread for maximum absorption.
- Serving Presentation: Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs to give the bread a more festive look. Serve on a large platter with marinara sauce in a small bowl at the base of the tree.
This pull-apart bread is perfect for holiday gatherings—fun to make, festive to serve, and irresistibly cheesy!
