Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive appetizer that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’ll absolutely adore this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe. It’s a showstopper for holiday gatherings, with cheesy little bread balls arranged like a sparkling Christmas tree. I remember the first time I made these—they disappeared faster than I could say “Merry Christmas!” Trust me, whether you’re baking for a crowd or an intimate family dinner, this recipe will make your table shine.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe plays a role to balance flavor and texture. Using refrigerated pizza dough saves time but gives that light-yet-chewy bite. And trust me, the combo of mozzarella and parmesan with fresh herbs is pure magic—don’t skip them!

• Refrigerator pizza dough: It’s effortless and perfect for this recipe because it’s easy to shape and bakes evenly.
• Mozzarella cheese sticks: I love cutting these into bite-size pieces that ooze cheesy goodness when baked inside the dough.
• Large egg + water for egg wash: This gives the bread a gorgeous golden-brown finish and helps the herbs stick.
• Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps infuse all the herby-garlic flavor right onto the bread.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled inside the butter and over the top for a salty, crispy crust.
• Fresh parsley, rosemary, basil: These herbs bring a bright, festive aroma that takes the bread to the next level.
• Garlic clove (grated): Garlic is key here—it makes the herbed butter irresistible.
• Jarred marinara and/or pesto: Your dipping sauces! I like to offer both for variety and that extra flavor boost.

Variations

The best thing about the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you love or have on hand. I often switch up the herbs depending on my garden haul or try different cheeses for a fun twist. Feel free to personalize this – that’s the beauty of it!

• Cheese Swap: I once used sharp cheddar and gouda instead of mozzarella and loved the extra depth of flavor—try mixing cheeses you enjoy.
• Herb-Free Version: If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried Italian seasoning is a good substitute, just reduce the quantity for balance.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cheese sticks and vegan butter, and skip the egg wash or swap for a plant-based milk glaze.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the herb butter for a subtle heat your guests will remember.

How to Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this helps keep the bread from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. While the oven’s warming up, open your refrigerated pizza dough so it softens slightly and cut it into about 30 equal squares; this ensures each cheesy bite is perfectly sized. Then, chop your mozzarella sticks into 30 one-inch pieces—it’s a little like prepping tiny edible ornaments for your tree!

Step 2: Assemble the Cheese-Filled Dough Balls

Here’s where the magic happens. Place a piece of mozzarella on each dough square and fold the edges up, pinching to seal into smooth little balls. I like to roll them gently between my palms to get a nice round shape without any cracks (those cracks are where cheese can escape during baking). Lining them up seam side down on your baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape really brings that festive vibe.

Step 3: Add the Egg Wash and Bake

Mix your egg with water to create an egg wash, then brush each ball lightly—this step is worth it because it gives your bread a beautiful golden color and helps the herb butter stick later. Pop the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them near the end so they don’t overbake.

Step 4: Coat with Herb Garlic Butter and Serve

While the bread bakes, melt the butter in the microwave and mix in half of the parmesan, grated garlic, and fresh herbs. When the bread is out and still warm, brush this flavorful butter all over the rolls; it makes a huge difference in taste and aroma. Sprinkle on the remaining parmesan cheese, and serve immediately with marinara and/or pesto on the side for dipping. Your guests will love pulling apart these cheesy, herb-butter bombs!

How to Serve Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley right before serving for a pop of green that brightens the plate. Sometimes, I add a few cherry tomatoes around the tree for festive red accents—you can even dot the top with sliced olives or roasted peppers to resemble ornaments. It’s those small touches that really elevate the presentation and get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp Caesar salad or a vibrant arugula and pomegranate salad to contrast the rich cheese. Warm bowls of tomato soup or a hearty minestrone work wonders too if you’re serving this for a cozy Christmas Eve dinner. And of course, having both marinara and pesto available lets every guest choose their favorite dip.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I laid the cheesy bread tree on a large rustic wooden board, surrounded by festive nuts and fresh rosemary sprigs, which made it look like a winter forest scene. Another time, I wrapped the baking sheet with twinkling fairy lights (battery powered, of course), and that fun glow was a hit. You can also serve mini “gift boxes” of bread balls wrapped in colorful napkins—such a cute surprise for kids and adults alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I store any leftover cheesy bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The texture stays soft, and reheating later brings back that fresh-from-the-oven vibe. If you’re keeping the bread overnight, wrapping it in foil before placing in the container helps retain moisture.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option if you want to prepare this ahead of time. I recommend assembling the dough balls, placing them on a tray lined with parchment, and freezing them until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, just arrange them in the tree shape on the baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and add extra baking time as needed—around 20-22 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat, pop leftover bread balls in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until warm and slightly crisp on the outside. You can brush a little melted herb butter again for freshness. Microwave works too for speedy reheating, but the oven keeps that delightful texture better.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe brings everyone together around food and festive cheer. It’s one of those dishes that’s impressive without being intimidating, and once you get your hands in that dough and cheese, you’ll feel like a holiday baking pro. Whether it’s a casual get-together or part of a bigger feast, I know you’ll enjoy sharing this warm, cheesy delight with your loved ones as much as I do. Go ahead, give it a try—you might just start a new holiday tradition!

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