Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your friends and family this holiday season, I’ve got a treat for you: the Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that not only tastes incredible but is just plain fun to make and share. Imagine tender, cheesy bites bursting with garlic butter goodness, all shaped into a festive Christmas tree. Perfect for holiday parties, cozy dinners, or even a last-minute appetizer that steals the show. Once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s a total game-changer.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a perfectly balanced cheesy garlic bread. I love how the canned biscuits save time, and the fresh garlic combined with Italian seasoning amps up the flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather before you start:

• Jumbo biscuits: Using store-bought jumbo biscuits is a brilliant shortcut—I always keep a can on hand for impromptu recipes like this.
• Mozzarella cheese sticks: Fresh string cheese melts beautifully, giving each bite that classic stretchy cheesy goodness.
• Butter (salted): Butter is so important here for richness and that golden crust.
• Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic offers an unbeatable aroma and flavor that bottled garlic can’t match.
• Italian seasoning: This blend ties everything together and gives it a cozy, herby vibe.
• Egg: Beaten egg helps the dough get that gorgeous golden color when baked.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): For a cheesy extra layer of flavor on top—totally optional but highly recommended.

Variations

I love playing around with this recipe! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. The key is to keep it cheesy and garlicky but feel free to add your twist.

• Spicy Kick: I once added a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mix, and it took the bread to the next level—my family couldn’t get enough.
• Herb Swap: Try fresh rosemary or thyme instead of Italian seasoning for a different herbal aroma.
• Vegan Version: Swap butter for vegan margarine, use vegan cheese sticks, and egg wash for a plant-based option that still gets golden crust.
• Cheese Blend: Mix in some sharp cheddar or pepper jack with the mozzarella for a more complex cheesy flavor.

How to Make Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep your dough and cheese

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper—it helps prevent sticking and keeps clean-up simple. Next, cut each biscuit into fourths; you’ll end up with 32 pieces, but you’ll only need 31 for the tree shape. Then, cut your mozzarella sticks into 31 small pieces—one for each dough piece. I always find this step super satisfying, like prepping little edible treasures.

Step 2: Stuff the dough balls with cheese

Place a small piece of mozzarella on each biscuit square and carefully seal the edges shut by pinching the dough around the cheese. Then, roll the sealed dough into a smooth ball with your hands. This sealing part is crucial—I learned early on that if you don’t pinch it tight, the cheese will leak out and create a mess in your oven.

Step 3: Arrange the tree and egg wash

On the prepared baking sheet, arrange your cheese-filled dough balls into a Christmas tree shape with the seams facing down. Make sure the balls are touching each other slightly—that’s what makes the bread pull apart so easily. Once your tree shape looks good, whisk a large egg and brush it gently over the dough to get that gorgeous golden finish.

Step 4: Bake and brush with garlic butter

Bake the tree for 15 to 17 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Keep a close eye on it because ovens vary—if it’s browning too fast, lightly cover it with foil. While the bread is baking, melt your butter and stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. When the bread comes out hot, brush this flavorful mix generously over the top, and sprinkle with Parmesan if you want that extra cheesy crust.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy!

Serve immediately with small bowls of marinara or pesto sauce for dipping. I also like to provide toothpicks when serving this at parties—it makes sharing even easier and keeps everyone’s hands clean.

How to Serve Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with some freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves sprinkled on top for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, a light dusting of extra grated Parmesan adds a nice touch, especially if you love that salty, nutty cheese flavor.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of warm soup—tomato basil is my go-to. For holiday parties, a variety of dipping sauces like classic marinara, pesto, or even a creamy ranch spread make this Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread recipe even more irresistible.

Creative Ways to Present

I once served this bread centerpiece surrounded by small bowls filled with colorful veggies and dipping sauces. Adding fairy lights around the serving tray brought an extra festive glow that everyone absolutely loved. You can also try stacking or layering smaller bread trees in tiers for a dramatic display at bigger gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container, then store it in the fridge for up to five days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just warm it up a bit and it tastes almost freshly baked!

Freezing

If I want to make this ahead of time, I freeze the unbaked dough balls arranged on the baking sheet with parchment. Once frozen solid, I transfer them to a freezer bag. When it’s time to bake, I let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual. This trick makes holiday prep super easy!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftover pieces in the air fryer for a few minutes to get that crisp exterior back, or simply heat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds—both work well depending on how much time you have.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe has become one of my absolute favorite holiday staples. It’s easy to throw together, looks stunning, and that combination of melty cheese with garlic butter is pure magic. I love how it brings people together—everyone reaches in, pulls apart a cheesy ball, and the whole room fills with happy chatter. If you want to add a bit of fun and fabulous flavor to your Christmas table this year, this is definitely the recipe to try. Trust me, you’ll be so glad you did!

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