Get ready to dazzle your holiday guests with this incredible Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread! This festive appetizer is surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. We combine flaky biscuit dough with gooey cheese and savory garlic butter, then shape it into a charming Christmas tree. It’s a delicious, fun, and visually stunning addition to your holiday spread that everyone will love to pull apart and enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread
This delightful Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread recipe is a holiday favorite for so many reasons. It makes entertaining simple and stress-free during the busiest time of year. You will love how quickly this easy appetizer comes together with minimal effort, yet it looks incredibly impressive.
- Simple Ingredients & Minimal Effort: You only need a few pantry staples for this show-stopping recipe.
- Perfect for Holiday Parties: This savory Christmas tree makes a fantastic centerpiece for any festive celebration.
- Cheesy, Garlicky & Flavorful: Each bite delivers a burst of savory goodness with melted cheese.
- Visually Appealing & Fun: Guests will love pulling apart the cheesy sections from this charming tree shape.
- Great for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this interactive and tasty holiday treat.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your festive Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread. Each component plays a vital role in making this appetizer a delicious success.
- 4 string cheese mozzarella sticks
- 4 Colby-Monterey Jack cheese sticks
- 16 ounce can large biscuits
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 3 Tablespoons finely grated Parmesan
- 1 cup pizza sauce, for serving
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily customize this cheesy pull-apart bread recipe to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. For the dough, feel free to use crescent roll dough or even homemade pizza dough if you prefer. Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack sticks, or cube a block of your favorite cheese. Store-bought pizza sauce is convenient, but a simple homemade marinara works wonderfully. Add a pinch of dried oregano or red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for extra flavor, or substitute chives for parsley.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools to create this adorable savory Christmas tree. These basic kitchen items make the process smooth and easy.
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Sharp knife
- Small microwave-safe bowl
- Pastry brush
Instructions
Creating this Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread is fun and straightforward with these step-by-step instructions. You’ll have a festive appetizer ready in no time.
- Prepare your oven and baking sheet: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Cut the cheese: Take each string cheese and Colby-Monterey Jack stick, and carefully cut it into 4 equal pieces. You will have a total of 32 cheese pieces.
- Prepare the biscuit dough: Separate the canned biscuit dough into 8 individual biscuits. Cut each biscuit into four equal pieces, resulting in 32 dough pieces. Roll each small dough piece into a neat ball.
- Stuff the dough: Gently push one piece of cheese into the center of a dough ball. Pinch the seams of the dough together tightly to completely seal the cheese inside. Roll it again between your palms to form a smooth, round ball. Repeat this process for all 32 dough and cheese pieces.
- Form the Christmas tree: On your prepared baking sheet, arrange the biscuit balls seam-side down. Begin by placing one ball at the bottom for the tree trunk. Then, build the tree upwards in rows, starting with a row of 2 balls, then 3, then 4, and so on, until you form a triangular Christmas tree shape. Make sure the balls are touching each other so they bake together.
- Butter and season: Melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning until well combined. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops and sides of all the biscuit balls with this fragrant butter mixture.
- Bake until golden: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the pull-apart bread is beautifully golden brown. If you want the tops extra crispy, you can turn the oven to broil for just a minute or so at the end, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the top of the “tree” with fresh chopped parsley and finely grated Parmesan cheese. Warm your pizza sauce in the microwave for dipping. Serve this delicious pull-apart bread warm, letting everyone enjoy pulling off their cheesy, garlicky pieces.
Pro Tips for Success
Making this pull-apart bread perfect is simple with a few smart tricks. Always use parchment paper for easy transfer and cleanup. Ensure you thoroughly pinch and seal each dough ball around the cheese to prevent any melty cheese from escaping during baking. For that perfect golden crust, keep an eye on your oven; baking times can vary slightly. If you prefer, serve this festive bread with marinara, ranch dressing, or a warm cheese dip instead of pizza sauce. If your dough balls feel dry, lightly dampen your fingers for easier rolling and sealing.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This festive pull-apart bread shines as a holiday appetizer centerpiece. Serve it alongside other small bites like mini quiches or a charcuterie board at your next party. It also makes a fantastic family snack for a cozy movie night. Get creative with shapes; try a wreath for a different holiday look, or individual mini trees for single servings. Elevate the flavors by adding mini pepperoni, cooked crumbled sausage, or a pinch of red pepper flakes inside some of the dough balls. For a fun pairing, offer sparkling cider or a festive cranberry punch alongside your cheesy Christmas tree. For even more ideas on flavoring and serving cheesy pull-apart breads for parties, this cheesy garlic pull-apart bread guide shares extra tips and variations.
Nutrition Information
This Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread is a delightful addition to your holiday spread. Here is the estimated nutrition information per serving to help you plan your festive menu.
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 piece |
| Calories | 82 cal |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 6 mg |
| Sodium | 242 mg |
| Potassium | 58 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 80 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1 mg |
| Calcium | 19 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe without cheese?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe! Simply skip the cheese-stuffing step and roll the plain biscuit pieces into balls. You will still get a delicious garlic-herb pull-apart bread.
How do you store leftovers?
Store any leftover Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer until warmed through and crispy.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough balls and arrange them on the baking sheet a few hours in advance. Cover the unbaked tree loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just before baking, brush with the butter mixture and bake as directed.
Conclusion
This Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread is more than just an appetizer; it’s a festive experience waiting to happen. With its easy preparation, irresistible cheesy garlic flavor, and charming holiday shape, it’s destined to become a staple at your seasonal celebrations. Don’t wait to bring this delightful and simple recipe to your table. Try this festive pull-apart bread this holiday season and create delicious memories with your loved ones! Explore other Sweet Emily Christmas favorites like gingerbread cookies or candy cane brownies for even more holiday cheer.
Festive Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread (Easy Appetizer!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Cut each cheese stick into four pieces, yielding 32 total cheese pieces.
- Separate the biscuit dough into 8 biscuits, then cut each biscuit into fourths to make 32 pieces, rolling each piece into a ball.
- Push a piece of cheese into a dough ball, pinch the seams together firmly, and re-roll it into a smooth ball.
- Arrange the biscuit balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to form a festive tree shape.
- Melt the butter in the microwave, then stir in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning; brush this mixture evenly over the biscuit balls.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown, optionally broiling for an additional minute or so to achieve a darker top.
- Garnish the top of the baked "tree" with fresh parsley and finely grated Parmesan cheese.
- Warm the pizza sauce in the microwave and serve it alongside the Christmas tree pull-apart bread for dipping.
Notes
Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.
