Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Published Nov 29, 2023 Updated Nov 02, 2026
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This pull-apart Christmas tree bread starts with a can of jumbo biscuits, and every ball of dough has a piece of mozzarella cheese stick tucked inside. Bake the tree for 15 to 17 minutes until it’s golden brown, then brush on garlic butter and Italian seasoning. Each ball has an ooey-gooey, cheesy middle, so set out marinara or pesto for dipping! Perfect for any gathering this holiday season!
Table of Contents
Author’s Note
It’ll Spruce Up Any Holiday Table!
It’s holiday party season, and I am always looking for fun, festive ways to celebrate with food! Today, I’m sharing a super simple appetizer: this Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread! You are going to love how simple and delicious this recipe is. Plus, it’ll spruce up any holiday table in no time!
I love this recipe because it’s easy to make in a pinch and is something fun for everyone to share. One of my readers, Joyce, made it for her book club potluck and said everyone loved the tree shape!
If you’re looking for more easy appetizers, check out my cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip, made with canned cranberry sauce. You’ll find even more holiday ideas in my Christmas and winter recipes.
Ingredient Notes
- Jumbo biscuits: I used a can of jumbo biscuit dough. You can use store-bought crescent rolls or another ready-made dough, like pizza dough. Check the refrigerated section of your grocery store for dough options.
How to Make Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Step 1: Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into 31 pieces. That’s about four short chunks per stick.
Step 2: Cut each biscuit into fourths with an X through the middle, like in photo 2. The 8 biscuits in the can give you 32 pieces. You only need 31!
Step 3: Press a piece of dough into a little square and set a piece of cheese in the middle, like in photo 3. Seal the edges really well so the cheese stays inside while it bakes. Then roll it between your hands into a smooth ball.
Step 4: Arrange the balls seam side down in a tree shape on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make each row a little wider than the one above it, and save a couple of balls for the trunk. Keep them close enough to touch, so you end up with one pull-apart tree after baking. Whisk the egg and gently brush it over the dough, like in photo 4.
Step 5: Bake at 400°F for 15 to 17 minutes, until the tops are golden brown. If they’re browning too fast, cover the pan with foil. While the bread is in the oven, melt the butter and stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning. I brush it on right after the bread comes out of the oven. Sprinkle on some parmesan too, if you like!
Mac’s Pro Tip
Dip It, Shape It, Spice It Up!
- Dipping sauces: I served my bread with a side of pesto sauce and marinara sauce for easy dipping. Pizza sauce is another option! For homemade pesto, try my vegan and dairy-free pesto, made with fresh basil and walnuts. You can also serve with a bowl of toothpicks if serving a crowd.
- Other shapes: You can free-hand other shapes, like a candy cane or a snowman, or use a shaped baking tin and place the dough balls accordingly.
- Garlic knots: You could also make a garlic knot Christmas tree. To try it, roll each piece of dough into a short rope and tie it in a knot instead of a ball. The mozzarella won’t stay sealed inside a knot, so skip the filling and sprinkle on more parmesan with the garlic butter after baking. Knots may bake a little differently than the balls, so keep an eye on them until the tops are golden brown!
- Like it spicy? Add red pepper flakes for a little extra heat.
- Kids at the party? Set up a DIY hot cocoa bar so they can build their own cup!
Fun, Festive Treats and Sips!
If you love this recipe, please give it a star rating and leave a comment below! Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for more!
Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 oz can jumbo biscuits each biscuit cut into fourths
- 7-8 mozzarella cheese sticks cut into 31 pieces
- 4 tbsp butter salted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg beaten
- Optional: grated parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Cut each biscuit into fourths. You should have 32 pieces (you will only need 31 of these pieces, though). Cut the cheese sticks into 31 pieces.
- Place a small portion of mozzarella cheese on every square of dough. Seal the edges securely, then shape the dough into a ball by rolling it smoothly between your hands.
- Arrange the balls on the lined baking sheet, forming a tree shape with the seams facing downward and ensuring the balls are slightly touching. Whisk the egg and gently brush it over the dough.
- Place in the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown. Monitor closely, and if browning occurs too rapidly, cover with foil.
- As the bread bakes, melt the butter and mix in the minced garlic and seasoning. Brush this mixture onto the rolls after they come out of the oven and, if desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately with marinara or pesto sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can keep the unbaked Christmas tree on a baking sheet in the fridge, covered, a day before. Then bake when ready. Wait to brush on the garlic butter until bake day, since I add it after the tree comes out of the oven.
- If your baking sheet won’t fit in the fridge, storing the filled balls in a covered container should work too. Keep them in a single layer so they don’t stick together, and arrange the tree on bake day.
- Taking it to a party? It’s best right out of the oven, but you can bake it at home and reheat the whole tree, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until it’s warm.
- Store leftover Christmas tree bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer, and enjoy it with your favorite dipping sauces!
- Store any remaining garlic butter in a small bowl with a lid and use it for additional recipes, like baked potatoes or garlic bread.
- No egg? You can use melted butter in place of the egg wash.
- Other cheeses: I haven’t tried cheddar or Colby Jack, but I don’t see why they wouldn’t work. If you try one, let me know how it turns out!
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
You are AWESOME! I’m so glad I found you and am following you! We seem to get in a rut and search the same boring things every time we get together… THANK YOU for the wonderful ideas!
Is there a substitute for the egg?
You can use melted butter in place of the egg wash.
Making ahead of time. Should I wait to top the “tree” with butter mixture until ready to bake tomorrow? Thanks.
Yes. I would wait until ready to bake.
My fridge won’t fit my baking sheet – can I put the dough balls in a separate container and then take them out and assemble tomorrow?
Can you reheat it if I make it at my house and take somewhere
So fun for a holiday party!
Is the melted butter mixture brushed on the rolls during baking or after they come ou of the oven
I add it after they bake.
Can you use an alternative lactose free cheese like cheddar or Colby jack?
I have not tried those types of cheese, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. If you try it, be sure to report back and let me know how it turned out. Merry Christmas!
I made hese for a Bookclub Potluck! Everyone loved the tree shape and they were delicious. Followed it exactly. A Big Hit! Thank you!
Thank you Joyce! I am so glad it was a hit. Have a great holiday season.