Introduction

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a fun and festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft dough balls filled with a creamy cheese mixture are arranged into a tree shape, then baked to golden perfection. Serve warm with marinara sauce for a delicious crowd-pleaser.

A Christmas tree-shaped pull-apart bread is shown on a wooden board with a white marbled surface underneath. The bread consists of many small, round dough balls arranged in a tree form with five layers, starting wide at the base and narrowing to a single ball at the top. Each ball is golden brown with melted, slightly browned cheese on top and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. Next to the bread, there is a white ramekin filled with red tomato sauce, and a metal spoon sticks out of the sauce. The background has soft warm lights and blurred green pine branches. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tube refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent dough sheet)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined to create a flavorful cheese filling.
Step 3: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean surface and cut it into 32 equal squares using a knife or pizza cutter, ensuring each piece is roughly the same size for uniform baking.
Step 4: Place about 1 teaspoon of the prepared cheese filling in the center of each dough square, being careful not to overfill to avoid leakage.
Step 5: Fold each dough square around the filling by bringing the corners together, then pinch the edges firmly to seal, creating a filled dough ball.
Step 6: Arrange the filled dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree, starting with a single ball at the top and then adding rows beneath to form the tree shape.
Step 7: Brush the arranged dough balls lightly with the beaten egg to achieve a shiny, golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 8: Once baked, optionally sprinkle the bread tree with fresh chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese to add flavor and festive color.
Step 9: Serve the cheesy Christmas tree bread warm alongside marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar or provolone for extra flavor variation.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese filling.
Brush the dough with garlic butter instead of egg wash for a richer taste.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pizza dough if available.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat by warming in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

A tree-shaped pull-apart bread made of small round dough balls baked with melted cheese and herbs, each ball golden brown with crispy cheese spots and green herb flecks, placed on a round wooden board. Beside the bread is a white ramekin filled with thick red marinara sauce. The background shows soft warm fairy lights and blurry green pine branches on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this bread in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the dough balls and arrange them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just allow extra baking time if baking directly from the fridge.

What other dipping sauces work well with this bread?

Besides marinara or pizza sauce, try ranch dressing, garlic butter sauce, or a spicy arrabbiata sauce for different flavor options.