Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated pizza dough?

Absolutely! If you have the time, homemade dough works beautifully. Just make sure it’s rolled out to a similar thickness.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and melty again.

Yes! Assemble the tree and freeze it before baking. When ready to serve, bake straight from frozen (add 5-7 minutes to the baking time).

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread: 4 Easy Steps to Impress

Description

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive pull-apart appetizer that’s buttery, cheesy, and impossible to resist. Made with pizza dough and mozzarella, it bakes up golden brown and delicious—perfect for Christmas parties, potlucks, or cozy family nights. Serve it warm with marinara or pesto for the ultimate holiday crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

13 oz canned refrigerator pizza dough
Parchment paper for lining baking sheet
6–7 mozzarella cheese sticks
1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1/2 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, grated
1 jar marinara and/or pesto for dipping

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the dough: Cut pizza dough into 30 equal squares. Slice mozzarella sticks into 30 one-inch pieces.
Fill and shape: Place a cheese piece in each dough square and roll into a ball, sealing the edges.
Form the tree: Arrange dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape, ensuring they touch.
Brush and bake: Whisk egg and water to create an egg wash, then brush each dough ball lightly. Bake 16–18 minutes, until golden brown.
Add buttery topping: While baking, melt butter and mix with half the parmesan, garlic, parsley, rosemary, and basil.
Finish and serve: Brush baked bread with herb butter, sprinkle remaining parmesan, and serve warm with marinara or pesto.

Notes

Make ahead: Assemble the tree and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Cheese swap: Try cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for extra flavor.

Festive touch: Add red pepper flakes or roasted red pepper bits for a “decorated tree” look.

Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat at 350°F until warm.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 125 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 210 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg