Pull Apart Christmas Tree

Pull Apart Christmas Tree is made with fluffy cheese-stuffed bread rolls, parmesan cheese, and spices. A savory and delicious way to add some fun to a holiday meal. Just the right touch of butter, herbs, and melted cheese make these little dough balls a favorite appetizer or side dish during the holiday season. 

Dip these delicious rolls into our creamy and rich Beer Cheese Dip made with cream cheese and beer. Try this Christmas tree cheese bread as a side to our Cheesy BBQ Chicken Taquitos made with sweet corn, Greek yogurt, and barbecue sauce. 

This recipe is perfect for a new Christmas tradition with the kids or grandkids. Let them roll the cheese up into the balls, spread on the egg wash, and then let them decorate the top before cooking.

Try using thinly sliced orange peppers for garland, cherry tomatoes for lights, and make ornaments and a star using a cookie cutter and yellow and red peppers. 

Another bread dish for holidays is this Peanut Butter Nutella Danish, which makes a great Christmas breakfast. 

Ingredients needed:

Check out our step-by-step instructions and precise measurements on our recipe card at the bottom of the page. But these are the main ingredients you will need:

• Refrigerated pizza dough: Or homemade dough that has been chilled.
• Egg wash: One tablespoon of water mixed with one whisked egg.
• Mozzarella cheese: Cut into one-inch cubes. 
• Melted butter: Salted or unsalted are both fine. 
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded for best results but you can use the prepared type from the grocery store.
• Spices: We used basil and parsley with rosemary for garnish.

How do you make pull apart Christmas tree rolls?

1. Preheat: First, heat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. 
2. Cut: Then, cut each piece of mozzarella into a one-inch cube.
3. Divide: Next, divide pizza dough into two pieces on a floured surface and make each piece of dough a long rectangle.
4. Cut: Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut dough into two-inch squares. 
5. Wrap: After, wrap each dough square around a piece of cheese and make it into a tightly sealed ball. 
6. Make the tree: Then, place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet seam sides down, in the shape of a Christmas tree. Make sure they are touching. 
7. Bake: Finally, brush egg wash over the top of each ball and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.
8. Melted butter mixture: While you wait, microwave butter in a small bowl until it is melted and then add parmesan and herbs. 
9. Serve: Last, brush mixture on the tops of biscuits with a pastry brush and serve it warm with dipping sauce. 

How to serve:

This amazing dish will make the perfect Christmas appetizer at a holiday party. Or use it as a side dish for any meal during the holiday season. 

• Serve these is with a variety of veggies like olives, pepperoni, and green peppers in small bowls, and let your guests decorate the tree. It is so much fun. 
• Try dipping in our creamy warm spinach artichoke dip. 
• For a different holiday, feel free to make a different shape such as a heart for Valentine’s Day or a pumpkin for Halloween. 
• Another idea is to top these with shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good dips for this recipe?

Although the first dip that comes to mind is marinara sauce, there are many others that would also work well with this dish. Pizza sauce, spinach dip, and ranch dressing are also a few of our favorites.

You could also try salsa, sweet mustard sauce, sour cream and onion dip, barbeque sauce, or even cheese dip. 

Can I use homemade bread dough? 

Homemade bread dough or pizza dough is a great way to make these delicious pull apart rolls. All you need is water, active dry yeast, olive oil, flour, and salt.

You can add your own flavors as you like such as oregano, garlic, and thyme to make the bread even tastier. 

How do you know when it is done?

With our easy recipe, your Christmas tree bread should be done in 15 to 20 minutes baked at 450 degrees F. However, because ovens differ, yours may get done faster or take longer.

You can use your eyes to tell when it is done. Once the top is turning golden brown, it should be done. 

How to store leftovers:

1. Store: Although these are best eaten warm, you can store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will be good for about three days. However, you will probably have to take it apart to get it to fit in the container. 
2. Freeze: Your Christmas tree pull-apart bread will stay fresh in the freezer in a freezer bag for up to 90 days. 
3. Thaw: Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results. 
4. Reheat: For best results, reheat in the oven at 400 degrees F for about five minutes. 

More Christmas appetizers: