Festive Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Joyful Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe: A Festive Delight

Festive gatherings call for showstopping appetizers that spark conversation, and this cheesy christmas tree bread turns heads with its stunning presentation.

Dough shaped like an evergreen becomes a centerpiece that wows guests from the first glance.

Layers of melted cheese and herbs weave through golden pastry, creating an irresistible pull-apart treat.

Soft, buttery segments invite hungry hands to break off each delectable piece.

The aroma of warm bread and sharp cheese fills the room with holiday cheer.

Sharp cheddar and herbs blend perfectly in this crowd-pleasing snack that transforms an ordinary appetizer into a spectacular seasonal delight.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and watch your holiday table come alive with delicious excitement.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 7

Full Ingredient List For Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

For Base Ingredients:
  • Refrigerated Pizza Dough: Delivers the perfect soft and stretchy foundation for your festive bread creation.
  • Olive Oil: Provides a silky golden sheen and helps achieve beautiful browning.
For Filling and Flavor Boosters:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into irresistible stringy layers that create delightful cheesy pulls.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy depth and beautiful golden color when baked.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty, sophisticated undertone to complement other cheeses.
  • Fresh Basil Leaves: Offers bright, aromatic freshness that cuts through the rich cheesiness.
  • Dried Oregano: Introduces a classic Italian herbal note that enhances overall savory profile.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Garlic Powder: Infuses a warm, pungent background flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers a subtle, zesty kick for those who enjoy a hint of heat.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a vibrant green garnish that adds visual appeal and fresh herbal notes.

Cooking Tools For Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dough ingredients with plenty of mixing space.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Rolling pin: Helps shape and flatten dough evenly.
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter: Needed for precise cutting of dough into tree shape.
  • Baking sheet: Provides stable surface for baking bread.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy bread removal.
  • Pastry brush: Great for applying egg wash or butter on bread surface.
  • Cooling rack: Allows bread to cool without getting soggy on the bottom.

How To Shape Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

  • Christmas Tree Foundation

Spread out a large piece of parchment paper on your baking surface, creating a clean workspace for your festive bread creation.

  • Dough Preparation

Roll out your soft, pillowy dough into a beautiful triangular shape that resembles a classic pine tree silhouette.

  • Cheese Landscape

Generously scatter your favorite cheeses across the dough, allowing them to create a delicious, melty terrain that will bring your bread to life.

  • Decorative Details

Cut strategic lines along the sides of your dough to mimic tree branches, giving your bread a whimsical and authentic holiday appearance.

  • Herb Embellishments

Sprinkle fresh herbs across the surface, adding vibrant green touches that enhance both visual appeal and flavor profile.

  • Baking Magic

Slide your carefully crafted tree into a preheated oven, watching as the cheese bubbles and the dough transforms into a golden, aromatic masterpiece.

  • Presentation

Remove from oven and let cool slightly, then transfer to a festive serving platter that highlights the bread’s unique Christmas tree shape.

Tips To Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Shine

  • Tree-Trim Texture Tip: Brush the bread edges with melted butter before baking to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown finish that looks as stunning as your Christmas tree decoration.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional wheat flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this festive bread accessible for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the cheesy goodness.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the bread dough up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, which allows flavors to develop and saves precious holiday cooking time.
  • Cheese Lover's Twist: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, or tangy gouda to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences and make the bread extra luxurious.
  • Vegan Variation: Replace dairy cheese with plant-based cheese alternatives and use dairy-free butter to transform this recipe into a delightful vegan-friendly treat that still captures the festive spirit.

Serving Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread With Style

  • Festive Feast Companion: Pair this cheesy Christmas tree bread with a warm tomato soup or creamy bisque for a comforting holiday meal that brings cozy vibes to the table.
  • Holiday Party Platter: Slice the bread into triangular segments and arrange on a decorative board with festive holiday spreads like cranberry jam, herbed butter, or olive tapenade for an impressive appetizer centerpiece.
  • Dipping Delight: Serve alongside marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or herb-infused olive oil for guests to enjoy extra flavor and create an interactive dining experience that encourages sharing and conversation.
  • Wine and Cheese Pairing: Complement the rich, cheesy flavor with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir to enhance the bread's savory notes and create a sophisticated holiday moment.

Store Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Without Drying Out

  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover bread wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic wrap for up to 3-4 days, keeping its delightful cheese and herb flavors intact.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough and shape the Christmas tree up to 12 hours before baking, covering it tightly and refrigerating until ready to cook.
  • Freezing Option: Carefully wrap the fully cooled bread in double layers of plastic wrap and freeze for maximum 1 month, ensuring you thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Serving Temperature Tip: Enjoy this festive bread slightly warm for maximum flavor and gooey cheese experience, reheating gently in a 300F oven for 5-7 minutes if needed.
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Festive Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Festive Christmas Tree Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Cheesy Christmas tree bread brings festive cheer to holiday tables with its delightful spiral design. Cheese lovers will appreciate this showstopping appetizer perfect for seasonal gatherings and celebrations. You can easily impress guests with this simple yet elegant dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (13.8 oz/392 g) can refrigerated pizza dough
  • 14 mozzarella cheese cubes (about ½-inch each)
  • 3 tbsps butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp flour (for dusting)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • ¼ cup marinara sauce, for dipping

Instructions

  1. Dough Prep: Roll out dough into a large triangle, creating a Christmas tree silhouette with a broad base and pointed top.
  2. Cheese Layer: Spread soft cheese mixture evenly across dough, leaving a small border for sealing and creating a rich, creamy base.
  3. Herb and Cheese Decoration: Strategically layer additional cheese and herbs, generating a festive green and white pattern reminiscent of holiday colors.
  4. Branch Formation: Precisely cut dough sides into tree-like branches using a sharp knife, creating angled strips that mimic pine branches.
  5. Texture Development: Twist each branch gently, allowing cheese to peek through and establishing a rustic, textured appearance.
  6. Glaze Application: Thoroughly brush the entire surface with egg wash to achieve a glossy, golden finish that enhances the bread’s visual appeal.
  7. Baking Process: Transfer the tree-shaped bread to a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in a preheated oven, baking until golden brown and cheese becomes melted and bubbly.
  8. Finishing Touch: Remove from oven, allow brief cooling to set cheese, then garnish with additional herbs or grated cheese for a final festive presentation.

Notes

  • Manage Dough Temperature: Keep dough slightly chilled to maintain structural integrity and prevent cheese from oozing during twisting process.
  • Control Cheese Spread: Use cold, firm cheese to prevent excessive melting and ensure clean, defined branch patterns when cutting and twisting.
  • Perfect Egg Wash Technique: Apply egg wash sparingly with a soft brush to achieve glossy, even golden-brown color without saturating the dough.
  • Precision in Cutting: Use a sharp pizza cutter or surgical knife for clean, symmetrical branch cuts to maintain the Christmas tree’s intricate shape.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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