How long does this cheesy pull-apart Christmas tree bread stay fresh?

You can store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days, though it’s best enjoyed the same day for maximum gooey cheese pull and crisp crust. When you’re ready to serve leftovers, reheat in a 300–325°F oven until warmed through to retain the soft interior and crisp exterior.

Can I assemble the tree ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes — you can prepare the dough balls, arrange them in the tree shape, cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add the garlic-butter glaze right before or just after baking so the bread retains its “fresh-out-of-the-oven” appeal.

What is the best cheese to use for the “pull-apart” effect?

Go with a string mozzarella stick or cubes of low-moisture mozzarella for the ideal cheese-pull. If you like, you can mix in Monterey Jack or a blend of both for more stretch and flavor — this helps the melty center become the star of your holiday appetizer.

Can I freeze the unbaked or baked bread?

Freezing the baked bread is not highly recommended, since the texture may degrade (become soggy or uneven). For unbaked dough balls, you can freeze them: arrange on a tray, freeze solid, then bag. Thaw, arrange into the tree, then bake. Just note that baking time may require an extra 5–7 minutes if you start from semi-frozen.

cheesy pull apart christmas tree bread – 5 irresistible festive bites

Name: Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough; 8 mozzarella sticks, cut into 1-inch pieces; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or basil; Marinara, pesto, or ranch for dipping

Description

This cheesy pull-apart Christmas tree bread is a festive, golden, and gooey appetizer made with soft dough balls stuffed with mozzarella, brushed with garlic butter, and baked to perfection for your holiday table.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound refrigerated pizza dough
8 mozzarella sticks, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped parsley or basil
Marinara, pesto, or ranch for dipping

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll pizza dough into a 12×8-inch rectangle and cut into about 30 small squares.

3. Place one cube of mozzarella in the center of each square, seal edges, and roll into a ball.

4. Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree.

5. Mix melted butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning; brush half over the dough.

6. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.

7. Brush with remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.

8. Serve warm with dipping sauces.

Notes

For make-ahead: assemble the tree, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

To reheat leftovers, warm in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes for best texture.

For variety, add mini pepperoni, sun-dried tomatoes, or colored peppers as festive toppings.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 210
Sugar: 1
Sodium: 380
Fat: 11
Saturated Fat: 6
Unsaturated Fat: 3
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 21
Fiber: 1
Protein: 8
Cholesterol: 25