Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and fun appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Filled with gooey mozzarella and fragrant herbs, it’s both delicious and visually impressive. Sharing this warm, cheesy bread will surely bring cheer to your celebration.

Ingredients

• 7 mozzarella sticks
• All-purpose flour, for dusting
• 1 lb. store-bought or homemade pizza dough, room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
• 1 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving
• 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
• 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 Tbsp. thinly sliced fresh basil
• Crushed red pepper flakes, for serving
• Warmed marinara, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C). Cut each mozzarella stick into 5 pieces.
2. Step 2: Lightly flour a surface and divide the dough in half. Roll each half into an 18″ x 4″ rectangle. Cut the dough into 2″ squares, about 33 pieces total. Wrap each square around a piece of mozzarella and seal tightly to form a ball.
3. Step 3: Place the dough balls seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, arranging them closely in a Christmas tree shape.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the dough balls.
5. Step 5: Bake the bread for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown.
6. Step 6: Whisk melted butter with Parmesan, parsley, rosemary, and basil in a small bowl. Brush this mixture over the warm bread. Sprinkle additional Parmesan, parsley, and red pepper flakes on top. Serve with warmed marinara for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the butter mixture.
• Use different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique twist.
• Try adding cooked sausage or pepperoni inside the dough balls for a hearty version.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the baked bread with a clean towel for a few minutes before serving.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh the crust and melt the cheese. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough balls and arrange them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Bring them to room temperature before baking for even cooking.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs can be used, but reduce the quantity to about one-third since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, omit herbs and serve with garlic butter for dipping.

Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 72 reviews

Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and fun appetizer featuring mozzarella stuffed dough balls arranged in a Christmas tree shape. Baked to golden perfection, then brushed with a flavorful herb butter and sprinkled with Parmesan and red pepper flakes, this delicious bread is perfect for holiday gatherings and sharing with family and friends.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 7 mozzarella sticks
• All-purpose flour, for dusting
• 1 lb. store-bought or homemade pizza dough, room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
• 1 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving
• 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
• 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 Tbsp. thinly sliced fresh basil
• Crushed red pepper flakes, for serving
• Warmed marinara, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Cheese: Arrange a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 450°F (232°C). Cut each mozzarella stick into 5 equal pieces to prepare for stuffing the dough.
2. Shape Dough and Stuff Cheese: On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough in half. Roll each half into an 18″ x 4″ rectangle. Cut the rolled dough into 2″ squares, totaling about 33 pieces. Wrap each dough square tightly around a piece of mozzarella, forming a sealed ball to keep the cheese inside during baking.
3. Arrange Balls in Christmas Tree Shape: Place the dough balls seam side down, touching each other on a parchment-lined baking sheet, carefully arranging them in the shape of a Christmas tree.
4. Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash gently over each dough ball to promote browning and shine as it bakes.
5. Bake Bread: Bake the arranged dough balls in the preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Make Herb Butter and Finish: While the bread is baking, whisk melted butter with Parmesan, parsley, rosemary, and basil in a small bowl. Once the bread is out of the oven, brush the herb butter mixture generously over the entire tree. Sprinkle additional Parmesan, parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes on top. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Ensure that the dough balls are sealed tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
• For a vegetarian version, confirm that the Parmesan used is vegetarian-friendly.
• Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, as the cheesy bread is best enjoyed warm.
• Use fresh herbs for vibrant flavor; dried herbs may not provide the same freshness.
• Marinara sauce can be warmed gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

Keywords: Pull Apart Bread, Christmas Bread, Mozzarella Bread, Holiday Appetizer, Stuffed Bread, Christmas Tree Bread, Herb Butter Bread, Party Food