There’s something undeniably magical about holiday baking. The kitchen fills with the warmth of melted cheese, the aroma of buttery garlic, and the sight of golden, fluffy bread fresh from the oven. If you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your Christmas gathering, this Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread is it.
Made with soft pizza dough, gooey mozzarella, and a blend of Italian herbs, this festive bread is shaped into a stunning holiday tree—perfect for sharing. Every bite is a delightful mix of crispy crust, warm, melty cheese, and a buttery garlic finish. It’s a dish that disappears fast, so be sure to make extra!
This recipe is trending because it’s easy, fun, and incredibly satisfying—ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Plus, cheese-based appetizers like this are always crowd-pleasers. Pair it with a warm bowl of Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup for a comforting meal or a crisp Caesar Salad for a fresh contrast.
Holiday cooking should be joyful, not stressful. So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-time host, this recipe is foolproof. Just a few simple ingredients, a little shaping, and you have a beautiful, cheesy masterpiece. Trust me, this will be the first dish to vanish from your holiday table.
The Secret to Loving Every Bite!
- It’s festive and fun – Shaped like a Christmas tree, it’s both delicious and decorative. Perfect for impressing guests!
- Minimal effort, maximum reward – With store-bought pizza dough, this comes together in no time.
- That perfect cheese pull – The gooey mozzarella inside makes every bite irresistibly melty.
- Customizable for every taste – Add your favorite seasonings or a mix of cheeses for a personalized touch.
- Pairs well with holiday favorites – Serve it alongside soup, salad or even as a side to your Christmas dinner.
Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
- Pastry brush
- Small mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the mozzarella sticks into small cubes and divide the pizza dough into equal pieces.
- Wrap each cheese cube inside a piece of dough, rolling it into a smooth ball.
- Arrange the dough balls in a Christmas tree shape on the baking sheet.
- Whisk the egg and water together, then brush the dough balls with the egg wash.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Brush the warm bread with melted butter, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, parmesan, and fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 265kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 818mg |
Helpful Tips For This Recipe!
- Use cold dough for easy handling. Warm pizza dough can get too stretchy and sticky. If it feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before shaping.
- Don’t overstuff with cheese – It’s tempting to go all-in, but too much cheese can cause leaks. A small cube per dough ball ensures the perfect melty bite without the mess.
- Layer flavors inside – For extra depth, sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning inside each dough ball before sealing. A little goes a long way!
- Shape and space wisely – Leave slight gaps between dough balls; they’ll puff up while baking. Too close, and you’ll lose the tree shape!
- Bake on the middle rack – This ensures even browning. If the tops brown too fast, loosely cover with foil for the last few minutes.
- Let it rest before serving – Hot cheese can be lava-like! Give it 5 minutes before digging in to avoid burning mouths and to let the flavors settle.
- Swap the marinara for a twist – Try ranch, pesto, or a spicy honey drizzle for a fun flavor variation!
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
