Christmas Tree Mozzarella Pull Apart Bread Recipe

If you’re looking to add a festive and utterly delicious centerpiece to your holiday table, this Christmas Tree Mozzarella Pull Apart Bread Recipe is hands-down one of my favorites. I love this because it’s not only beautiful but also a fun, interactive snack that everyone will reach for — gooey mozzarella hiding inside soft, golden bread shaped like a charming Christmas tree? Yes, please! Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through how to pull this off perfectly, so your holiday guests will be asking for seconds (and you’ll be the star baker of the season!).

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Christmas Tree Mozzarella Pull Apart Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient works together to create that soft, cheesy, herby pull-apart goodness. When shopping, I like to grab fresh mozzarella sticks that aren’t too salty and good quality pizza dough—homemade works, but store-bought will save you time without sacrificing flavor.

• Prepared pizza dough: The foundation — soft and easy to work with, it browns beautifully in the oven.
• Mozzarella cheese sticks: Use fresh, stringy mozzarella for that perfect melt and stretch factor.
• Italian seasoning: This blend adds classic Mediterranean herbs that elevate each bite.
• Garlic powder: A subtle punch that complements the cheese and herbs perfectly.
• Egg: For the egg wash that gives the bread a gorgeous golden color and slight shine.
• Water: Mixed with egg to make a smooth wash that’s easy to brush on.
• Butter (melted): Brushed on after baking, it keeps the bread soft and adds rich flavor.
• Fresh parsley: Finely chopped for a fresh, colorful finish.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for an extra layer of savory, nutty goodness.
• Marinara sauce: Essential for dipping—you want a tangy sauce that cuts through the richness.

Variations

I love to keep this Christmas Tree Mozzarella Pull Apart Bread Recipe flexible to suit whoever I’m serving. Play around with the fillings, herbs, or even make it a bit spicy! It’s such a forgiving recipe, you can make it your own and still nail that festive wow-factor.

• Cheese Mix-Up: I once swapped half the mozzarella for pepper jack for a subtle kick, and my family was hooked on the extra flavor.
• Herb Variations: Sometimes I add fresh rosemary or thyme to the mix, which punches up the aroma and pairs wonderfully with the Parmesan on top.
• Garlic Butter Finish: Instead of plain melted butter, I toss in some minced garlic before brushing for an indulgent garlicky finish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pizza dough for friends or family who need that accommodation — just give the dough a little extra rise time.

How to Make Christmas Tree Mozzarella Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Dough and Cheese Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, this makes cleanup so much easier! Let your prepared pizza dough sit out for about 15 minutes to get to room temperature. This makes it easier to roll and shape. Meanwhile, cut each mozzarella stick into 4 equal bite-size pieces. You’ll end up with 32 cheesy cubes ready to tuck inside your dough.

Step 2: Assemble the Dough Squares with Cheese

Roll your dough into a rectangle and cut it into 32 even squares. Place a mozzarella cube on each square, then sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the top. Fold the edges of the dough up toward the center, pinch firmly to seal, then roll the ball gently between your palms to smooth it out. This helps the cheese stay inside during baking and creates those perfect bite-sized pull-apart rolls.

Step 3: Shape the Christmas Tree

Arrange your little dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape—a triangle with a trunk at the bottom. You’ll have about 3 extras that you can bake separately as tasty little cheese bombs. Whisk the egg with water and brush this egg wash over every ball. This step is key to getting that beautiful golden-brown color and a slight shine.

Step 4: Bake and Finish with Butter and Herbs

Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted inside—watch closely towards the end so nothing burns. When they come out of the oven, brush the entire tree with melted butter, then sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley and parmesan cheese. This finishing touch adds flavor and a lovely festive look.

Step 5: Serve With Warm Marinara

Serve immediately with a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping—it’s the perfect tangy complement to the rich, cheesy pull-apart bread. I love how everyone instinctively reaches in to pull apart these little bites — it brings such a cozy, fun vibe to any gathering.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Mozzarella Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish with freshly chopped parsley and parmesan cheese because it adds brightness and that savory nuttiness that makes each bite so crave-worthy. Sometimes I also sprinkle a little red pepper flakes for a festive pop of color and mild spice, especially if I want to mix things up from the standard herbs.

Side Dishes

This pull-apart bread pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or a bowl of soup. I often serve it alongside creamy tomato basil soup or a zesty Caesar salad for a hearty, balanced holiday meal that everyone enjoys.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged multiple pull-apart trees on a large wooden serving board and scattered edible decorations like cherry tomato “ornaments” or tiny basil leaves for a festive touch. Adding little bowls of different dipping sauces around creates a colorful, interactive spread that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which honestly might be hard!), I wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil before placing it in the fridge. This keeps the bread soft and the cheese moist. It stays good for up to 3 days.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these before fully assembled but unbaked—just cover your shaped dough tightly with plastic wrap then foil and pop it in the freezer. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. It’s a great way to prep ahead for a holiday party.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop the leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to re-crisp the outside while warming the cheese inside perfectly. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the bread a bit soggy, so I avoid it when I can.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Tree Mozzarella Pull Apart Bread Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a holiday plate. I love how it brings people together, passing little cheesy bites around as everyone chats and laughs. It’s become my go-to holiday recipe for good reason—it looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make, and the flavors hit that perfect cozy, savory note. I can’t wait for you to try it out and enjoy those moments with your loved ones as much as I do!

Print