Name: Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491699H36M2S
Total time: PT-491699H36M2S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 13 ounce canned refrigerator pizza dough; 6-7 mozzarella cheese sticks; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped; 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped; 1 clove garlic, grated; Parchment paper for lining baking sheet; 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water for egg wash; 1 jar marinara and/or pesto for dipping

I have to admit, the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread recipe is one of those festive treats that instantly brings a smile—and a little cozy anticipation for the holidays. It’s like a warm, cheesy hug shaped into a fun holiday icon that’s perfect for sharing at any Christmas gathering or even a casual family movie night. The best part? It’s simpler to make than you might guess, but looks incredibly impressive when you pull it out of the oven.

Personally, I love how this recipe adds a little magic to the appetizer table and doubles as a conversation starter. The flavors of gooey mozzarella paired with fresh herbs and garlic butter make it more than just a pretty shape. If you’re wondering what to bring to your next holiday party or want a festive carb-loaded snack to keep everyone happy, you’ll definitely want to try this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a way that’s both inviting and delicious. The pizza dough provides a soft, chewy base, while the cheeses and herbs really amp up the flavor. A quick shopping tip: grab fresh herbs and good-quality mozzarella sticks—they make all the difference in taste.

Refrigerator pizza dough: Using canned dough saves time—you get great texture without fussing over homemade dough.
Mozzarella cheese sticks: I prefer whole sticks here because they melt beautifully inside the bread and make pulling apart so satisfying.
Egg: For the egg wash, it helps the bread get that irresistible golden-brown shine.
Butter (melted): Butter brushed on top adds richness and keeps the herbs and parmesan stuck to the bread.
Grated parmesan cheese: This brings in a salty, nutty edge that balances the mozzarella’s creaminess.
Fresh parsley, rosemary, and basil: Chopping fresh herbs yields vibrant flavor. Dried would work, but fresh is the star here.
Garlic clove: Freshly grated adds a punch of flavor that perfumes the whole bread.
Marinara and/or pesto: These dips are perfect partners—spicy, tangy, and herbaceous—that complement the cheesy bread wonderfully.
Parchment paper: Makes clean-up easier and keeps the bread from sticking.

Variations

Whenever I make the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe, I like to mix things up depending on the mood or my pantry. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own—it’s all about enjoyment and sharing something special with loved ones.

Variation: I sometimes swap in pepperoni slices or sautéed mushrooms between the layers for a meatier or earthier bite, which everyone enjoys at my house.
Variation: For a vegetarian twist, adding roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes gives a delightful pop of color and flavor.
Variation: If you want to make it gluten-free, you can find gluten-free pizza dough alternatives—just keep an eye on baking times as they can vary.
Variation: Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack with mozzarella for a sharper bite.

How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface—that’s going to be your canvas! While the dough rests, gather your mozzarella sticks and finely chop the fresh herbs and grate the garlic to make sure everything is ready for the assembly.

Step 2: Layer the Cheese and Herbs

Lay one layer of mozzarella sticks over the dough, spacing them slightly but close enough for the cheese to melt together. Sprinkle half of your fresh herbs, garlic, and some grated parmesan over the cheese. Then top with another layer of dough rolled out to the same size to create a sandwich of dough-cheese-dough. Don’t skip the herbs—they give this bread a gorgeous aroma and fresh twist.

Step 3: Shape the Christmas Tree

Trim the dough edges to form a neat rectangle or square, then transfer it carefully onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into the shape of a Christmas tree—starting with a triangle for the tree’s body and adding a small rectangle at the bottom for the trunk. Then slice the branches outward into strips but don’t cut all the way through. This structure lets you twist the “branches” later, creating that beautiful tree effect.

Step 4: Twist the Branches and Brush the Toppings

Carefully twist each branch strip outward a couple of times to expose the cheesy layers inside—it’s the magical part where the bread becomes festive and fun! Beat your egg with water to make the egg wash, then brush it gently over the entire tree. Next, brush the melted butter all over and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan and herbs. This gives it that irresistible golden crust and herbaceous punch.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Melty

Pop your cheesy tree into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbling deliciously. Keep an eye on it toward the end to avoid burning. When it’s ready, let it cool for just a few minutes before serving so the cheese settles slightly—then you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

The image shows a Christmas tree shaped bread made of small round golden-brown rolls tightly placed together in rows forming the tree shape, each roll with a slightly shiny surface and sprinkled with green herbs and grated cheese. The tree has five rows, with the bottom row having five rolls and the top row having one, and a small round piece at the base acting like the tree trunk. The bread sits on a wooden board. Nearby, there is a white bowl filled with red sauce and a spoon slightly dipped in the sauce. A red and white striped towel and a sprig of rosemary are also placed around the bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to garnish the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a light dusting of parmesan right before serving to make it look just as festive as it tastes. Sometimes, I’ll add a few tiny cherry tomatoes or sliced olives “decorations” on the branches for a pop of color and fun. It turns the bread into a mini edible centerpiece!

Side Dishes

This cheesy bread pairs beautifully with a bowl of warm marinara or pesto for dipping, which also brings an extra layer of flavor. For sides, I like to serve it alongside a fresh green salad or a light soup—like tomato basil or butternut squash—which balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

One festive trick I’ve tried is placing the bread on a wooden board surrounded by sprigs of fresh rosemary and holly berries (real or faux) to highlight the Christmas tree theme. It’s great for holiday parties because people love snapping pictures before digging in. Another fun idea is adding small candy canes hanging from the bread’s edges to mimic ornaments—just for a cute photo moment before eating!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you probably will!), I recommend wrapping the bread tightly with plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. I store mine in the fridge for up to 2 days—this way it stays fresh and soft without drying out, especially the cheesy interior.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to make the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe in advance. Wrap it tightly first in parchment paper and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When I’ve done this, it keeps great for about a month. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, uncovered, on a baking sheet. This crisps up the crust again while melting the cheese inside nicely. Avoid the microwave—it tends to make the crust soggy, and no one wants that!

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough for this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully and gives you full control over flavors and textures. Just make sure your dough is rolled out evenly and not too thick to allow the branches to twist nicely and bake thoroughly.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?

You can substitute dried herbs, but use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Adding fresh garlic is especially important because it keeps the flavor bright and flavorful in this recipe.
Can this bread be made without the cheese sticks?

The cheese sticks are key for that gooey, pull-apart effect, but you could finely shred mozzarella or other cheeses and spread them evenly instead. Just expect slightly different textures and no cheese “strings” when pulled apart.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! Use vegan pizza dough, replace mozzarella sticks with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well, and swap butter for a vegan butter substitute. The herbs and garlic stay the same for that fresh flavor kick.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread recipe has become a holiday favorite in my home because it’s approachable, fun, and above all, delicious. It’s one of those recipes you feel proud to make and excited to share because it looks gorgeous and tastes incredible. I truly hope you give it a try this season—it’s the kind of dish that brings people together and makes those festive moments even more memorable.