Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is the ultimate holiday appetizer that combines festive presentation with irresistible comfort food flavor. Made with soft dough layers brushed in garlic butter and stuffed with melty cheese, this pull-apart bread is shaped like a Christmas tree, making it perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, and Christmas Eve spreads.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is how simple it is to prepare while still looking impressive on the table. Using basic ingredients and minimal prep time, Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread delivers maximum visual impact and crowd-pleasing flavor.

Why Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Is a Holiday Favorite

Holiday entertaining often calls for dishes that feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen. This recipe checks all the boxes: festive, easy, and universally loved. The pull-apart style encourages sharing, while the buttery garlic flavor and stretchy cheese appeal to both kids and adults.

Shaped like a Christmas tree, this bread doubles as edible décor — a centerpiece that disappears quickly once guests start pulling off warm, cheesy pieces.

What Makes This Recipe Stand Out

Eye-catching Christmas tree shape
Soft, fluffy bread with gooey cheese layers
Uses store-bought dough for convenience
Perfect for dipping in marinara or ranch
Easily customizable with different cheeses or herbs

Ingredients

2 cans refrigerated pizza dough or biscuit dough
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Marinara sauce, for serving

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dough
Roll out dough slightly and cut into strips or small rectangles.
Add Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar evenly over half the dough pieces, then stack or fold.
Shape the Tree
Arrange stacked dough pieces in the shape of a Christmas tree, leaving space for expansion.
Garlic Butter Topping
Mix melted butter with garlic and parsley. Brush generously over dough.
Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Finish
Sprinkle with parmesan cheese immediately after baking.
Serve
Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Pull-Apart Bread

Don’t overstuff with cheese to avoid leakage
Leave small gaps for dough expansion
Brush butter generously for flavor and browning
Serve warm for best cheese pull

Flavor Variations

Italian Style: Add pepperoni slices and Italian seasoning
Herb & Cheese: Use rosemary, thyme, and fontina
Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes
Garlic Lover’s: Double the garlic and add garlic powder

Serving Suggestions

As a Christmas Eve appetizer
On a holiday charcuterie board
Alongside soups or salads
For potlucks and office parties

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 12 hours
Bake fresh before serving
Store leftovers refrigerated up to 2 days
Reheat in oven for best texture

Why This Recipe Is Always a Hit

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread combines visual charm with irresistible flavor. It’s fun to eat, easy to share, and perfect for creating memorable holiday moments around the table.