Nothing kicks off holiday gatherings quite like warm, buttery bread filled with gooey cheese and garlicky goodness. This Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a centerpiece that'll wow your friends and family. Trust me, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
From the very first time I pulled apart this bread with friends, I knew it would become a holiday tradition. It's not only delicious but brings everyone together — literally, around a shared, festive treat.
- Fun & Interactive: Pull-apart bread invites everyone to grab a cheesy bite — making your holiday cozy and memorable.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for last-minute holiday plans.
- Show-Stopping Presentation: Shaped like a Christmas tree, it adds instant festive cheer to your table without any fancy skills.
- Customizable Flavors: You can jazz it up with your favorite herbs, cheeses, or dips to make it truly your own.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe comes from simple, delicious ingredients working in harmony. Each element—soft biscuit dough, melted mozzarella, rich garlic butter—combines for a comforting party hit. I always recommend fresh garlic and quality cheese for maximum flavor impact!
- Jumbo biscuits: Using store-bought jumbo biscuits saves time and creates perfect little dough pockets, soft yet sturdy enough to hold melted cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese sticks: The go-to for melty, stretchy cheese inside each bite, string cheese works wonderfully here.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps the garlic and herbs infuse the dough while keeping it buttery and moist.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a punch of flavor that’s way better than garlic powder in this recipe.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements garlic beautifully, giving the bread that classic, cozy flavor.
- Large egg: Brushed on top, this helps the bread develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): For a salty, nutty garnish that adds extra depth and crunch if sprinkled on top.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often switch up the cheeses or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick — it’s all about making it feel like your own holiday masterpiece.
- Variation: I love adding chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the garlic butter for an extra herbal punch — it really makes the aroma irresistible as it bakes.
- Diet-friendly tweaks: If you want a gluten-free version, try gluten-free biscuit dough and swap mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Make it festive: Sometimes I sprinkle colorful festive edible glitter or finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top for a pop of color.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your workspace and preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper — trust me, cleanup gets so much easier with the parchment. Also, gather all your ingredients so you’re not scrambling halfway through. It really sets a calm, organized vibe for baking.
Step 2: Cut the biscuits and cheese
Cut each biscuit into fourths — you’ll end up with 32 pieces, but you only need 31. Slice your mozzarella sticks into 31 matching pieces. This step is key because each shard needs enough cheese inside to remain gooey but still be easy to handle.
Step 3: Stuff and seal the dough balls
Place a small piece of mozzarella on each dough square, then pinch all the edges tightly to seal the cheese inside. Roll them gently between your hands to shape smooth balls. Make sure the seams are sealed well, or cheese might burst out while baking.
Step 4: Form the Christmas tree shape
Arrange your dough balls on the baking sheet with the seams facing down. Position them slightly touching to encourage a pull-apart effect, shaping them into a Christmas tree silhouette. Use a visual reference if you want—trust me, it looks festive and impressive!
Step 5: Apply egg wash and bake
Whisk the egg and gently brush it over the dough, giving it that beautiful golden finish. Bake for 15-17 minutes, but keep a close eye in the last few minutes to prevent over-browning. If you notice it browning too fast, tent some foil over the bread.
Step 6: Garlic butter and final touches
While baking, melt your butter and stir in the freshly minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Once the bread emerges golden, brush this flavorful garlic butter all over. If you’re a parmesan fan, sprinkle some grated parmesan on top for that extra cheesy, salty finish.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy!
Serve immediately—this bread is best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is perfectly gooey. I usually provide basil pesto and marinara on the side for dipping, but whatever floats your boat works just fine!
Top Tip
After making this recipe several times, I realized a few little tricks make all the difference for perfect pull-apart bread every time. Here are my top tips to help you nail it and impress your guests:
- Seal those edges well: Pinch and smooth the dough completely around the cheese to avoid leaks and messes while baking.
- Use fresh garlic: It gives a vibrant, bold flavor that dried garlic simply can’t match.
- Keep the dough balls close but not squished: This helps them bake into a cohesive tree that still pulls apart easily.
- Watch your oven carefully: Every oven bakes differently – check a few minutes before the minimum time to prevent over-browning.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little grated parmesan on top right after brushing on the garlic butter because it melts perfectly and adds a lovely salty crunch. Sometimes, I add chopped fresh parsley or rosemary to brighten it up visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with simple salad greens dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or a bowl of hearty tomato soup to dip into. I also like serving it alongside a charcuterie board for a full festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try placing the bread on a wooden board with mini bowls of pesto, marinara, and ranch dressing for dipping. Add some twinkling fairy lights or mini ornaments around for that truly festive touch that wows your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Christmas tree bread in an airtight container refrigerated for up to five days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or air fryer, keeping the outside crisp and the cheese melty inside — perfect for snacks or leftovers the next day.
Freezing
If I want to prep in advance, I assemble the entire unbaked Christmas tree on the baking sheet, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze it before baking. When ready to bake, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and then proceed with egg wash and baking.
Reheating
Leftovers get a quick zap in the microwave to soften the cheese, followed by a couple of minutes in the air fryer or oven to crisp the crust. This combo keeps it tasting fresh, almost like straight from the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully and gives that classic stretchy cheese pull, you can experiment with cheddar, provolone, or even a mix of cheeses. Just choose cheeses that melt well so the filling stays gooey.
Start by arranging the dough balls in a broad base and tapering upwards in layers, similar to a triangle or tree shape. Keep the balls slightly touching so they bake into one piece but still pull apart easily. There are plenty of templates online or you can eyeball it—it’s pretty forgiving!
Yes, you can assemble the unbaked bread on a lined baking sheet, cover it well with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. When ready, brush with egg wash and bake as directed. This makes it great for holiday prep!
I love serving this bread with classic marinara and vibrant basil pesto. Ranch or garlic aioli are also delicious options. Really, pick your favorite sauces—there’s no wrong choice here!
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe holds a special place in my holiday kitchen because it’s easy, festive, and brings people together in the best way. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do—with a glass of wine, lots of laughs, and a warm heart. Give it a try and watch it disappear fast!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 31 cheese balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread is a fun and festive appetizer made with jumbo biscuits filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, seasoned garlic butter, and Italian herbs. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this easy-to-make bread is shaped like a Christmas tree and served warm with marinara or pesto dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Biscuit and Cheese
- 16 oz can jumbo biscuits, each biscuit cut into fourths
- 7-8 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into 31 pieces
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoon salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
Finishing
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Optional: grated parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Biscuit Dough and Cheese: Cut each biscuit into fourths to yield 32 pieces, but use only 31 pieces. Cut the mozzarella sticks into 31 pieces as well.
- Form Cheese-Stuffed Dough Balls: Place a small portion of mozzarella cheese onto each dough square. Seal the edges securely by pinching, then roll each sealed dough piece between your hands to form smooth balls.
- Arrange Dough Balls: On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the dough balls in a Christmas tree shape, placing the seams downward and ensuring the balls slightly touch each other. Brush the surface with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 17 minutes or until the bread is golden brown. Watch closely to avoid over-browning; cover with foil if it browns too quickly.
- Make Garlic Butter & Brush: While baking, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Once the bread is out of the oven, brush this garlic butter mixture generously over the rolls. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately with marinara sauce or pesto for dipping, making it a delightful holiday appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can prepare the shaped, unbaked Christmas tree ahead of time by covering it on a baking sheet and refrigerating it up to one day before baking.
- Serve with pesto and marinara sauces for a variety of dipping options, and provide toothpicks for easy sharing at parties.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer.
- Garlic butter leftover from brushing can be stored in a covered small bowl and reused for other recipes like baked potatoes or garlic bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
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