Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread

Name: Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound pizza dough (thawed); 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (cubed or approximately 6 String cheese sticks); 1 egg; 1 tablespoon water; 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter); 1-2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper (optional); 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup marinara sauce ( for dipping); fresh herbs ( like parsley, thyme, or red pepper flakes)

By Rena Awada, nutritionally reviewed by Ella Davar RD

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Dec 11, 2024

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I love making this Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread for my family every holiday season. It is simple, pretty, and so tasty too! A great way to add some fun to your holiday appetizer display. It will be an impressive addition to serve your family or guests.

Christmas tree-looking baked pull-apart cheese bread with a bowl of marinara sauce and a bowl of grated mozzarella.

Making this pull-apart bread was so fun, and the kids thought it was the coolest thing ever. I am sure this Christmas tree pull-apart bread will impress your guests, too. It is festive and fun to make, and it is very easy to put together.

The ingredients are pretty simple. Even though I used frozen pizza dough to make it, you can either make your own or simply get the Pillsbury pizza dough which is not the best option especially if you can make your dough from scratch or buy premade dough that’s frozen and simply thaw it ahead.

Ingredients needed

Below is a list of ingredients you will need to make this Christmas tree pull-apart bread. Full measurements are found further down below in the recipe card.

I pound pizza dough
8 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed or approximately 6 string cheese sticks
egg and water
Olive oil, or butter
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Marinara Sauce
Optional garnishes: fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or red pepper flakes

ingredient to make the Christmas tree pull-apart cheese ball bread.

How to make it

Below, you will find the step-by-step process of how I made the Christmas tree pull-apart garlic bread. I also included a video for you guys if you prefer to watch that instead. I do have a few notes further below I suggest you read.

Preheat the oven to 375 F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. 2- Thaw the frozen dough beforehand, allow it to reach room temperature, and soften.

Dough being rolled out on a flat cutting board.

Step 1: Roll the dough flat on a lightly floured surface to prevent it from sticking.

dough cut into 30 sections to make balls.

Step 2: Cut the dough into even sizes. About 30-32 square pieces.

stuffed dough balls placed on a flat surface.

Step 3: Place a piece of mozzarella cheese into each one, close it up pinch the edges really well together, and gently roll them into balls to allow the dough to close fully.

dough before baking placed on a sheet pan in a tree-like manner.

Step 4: Place the cheese dough balls on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and form a tree-like design.

Egg wash is brushed over the cheese ball dough.

Step 5: To make the egg wash, combine the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Whisk to combine and brush the egg wash over the cheese balls.

Step 6: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the cheeseballs are golden brown.

herbed oil is brushed over the baked cheeseballs.

Step 7: To make the herb oil, mix the oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Then, brush the oil over the baked cheese balls.

parsley and parmesan cheese being garnished over the baked cheese ball tree.

Step 8: Top the cheeseballs with the grated parmesan and garnish with whatever fresh herbs you choose to use. Serve with marinara sauce and enjoy.

cheese ball bread being dipped in marinara sauce.

Recipe Notes

When you are rolling the ball, make sure you pinch the dough really well and roll it gently for the dough to fully close well, or else when the cheese balls are baking, they will open up slightly, and the cheese will melt out.
Place the dough balls seam down; it will also prevent them from opening while baking.
There is a really cool trick for when your dough hardens a bit or start to feel dry. If you run into this issue, which you shouldn’t place the dough in a bowl, cover it with a wet paper towel and microwave it at 10-second increments until it is soft enough. Its like magic!
You can use mozzarella string cheese sticks instead of fresh mozzarella. I’ve made them with both cheeses, and my kids have commented that they like it more with the string cheese.
For the herb oil to brush over the baked cheese balls, if you don’t mind butter, use melted butter instead of olive oil. Honestly, it tastes better, lol. But the olive oil is great, too.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use mozzarella Sticks instead?

Yes. You can certainly use mozzarella sticks instead of the fresh mozzarella. It will work out just fine and even better.

Can I use pillsbury pizza dough instead?

Even though it’s not the healthiest option out there, you can use it yes. Especially if you can’t get your hands on fresh dough frozen bread or pizza dough at the store.

How to store it?

If you have leftovers, either add them to a ziplock bag, wrap them with foil paper, or place them in a container and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Simply reheat in the microwave when ready to serve.