Name: Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread to Wow Your Holiday Guests
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Ingredients: 1 package Refrigerated Pizza Dough (Substitute with crescent dough sheet if preferred.); 8 oz Cream Cheese (Can use ricotta or mascarpone for a variation.); 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Swap for cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses if desired.); 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Fresh minced garlic can be used as an alternative.); 1 tsp Italian Seasoning (Use oregano or dried basil if Italian seasoning is not available.); 1 large Egg (Beaten for egg wash; can omit for a dairy-free version.); 2 tbsp Fresh Chopped Parsley (Optional garnish; omit if not available.); 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional; substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.); 1 cup Marinara or Pizza Sauce (Perfect for dipping.)

As I was flipping through old holiday photos, one image stood out—the joy of family gathered around a table, laughter spilling over the golden, buttery Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread that was the centerpiece. This easy recipe is perfect for a festive appetizer, combining gooey cheese and flaky dough into a delightful experience. With minimal prep time, it allows you to whip up a dish that not only tastes incredible but also sparks conversation and smiles at any holiday gathering. Whether you choose to shape it into a whimsical tree or a charming wreath, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and make your home feel like a seasonal haven. Are you ready to bring a little extra cheer to your holiday table with this warm, cheesy delight?

Why Is This Recipe a Holiday Must?

Easy Preparation: This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread requires minimal ingredients and steps, making it a breeze to create even amidst the holiday hustle.
Gooey Cheese Delight: Bursting with ooey-gooey mozzarella and rich cream cheese, every bite offers a satisfying melt that no one can resist.
Creative Shaping: Shape it like a tree for festive flair, or go for a wreath—your imagination is the limit!
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect as an appetizer for gatherings, it’s a guaranteed hit that will keep your guests coming back for more. Try it alongside a tangy marinara sauce like featured in my Cheesy Beef Chimichangas for a scrumptious dip option!

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Ingredients

• For the Dough

Refrigerated Pizza Dough – The base structure for the bread; substitute with crescent dough sheet if preferred.

• For the Cheese Filling

Cream Cheese – Provides a rich, creamy filling; can use ricotta or mascarpone for a variation.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Adds gooeyness and melty texture; swap for cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses if desired.
Garlic Powder – Enhances flavor; fresh minced garlic can be used as an alternative.
Italian Seasoning – Adds aromatic herbs that complement the cheese; use oregano or dried basil if Italian seasoning is not available.

• For Finishing Touches

Egg – Beaten for egg wash, giving a golden finish to the bread; can omit for a dairy-free version.
Fresh Chopped Parsley (optional) – For garnish; omit if not available.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional) – Adds an additional layer of flavor; substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.

• For Dipping

Marinara or Pizza Sauce – Perfect for dipping and enhances the eating experience; use any favorite sauce as an alternative.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to the temperature specified on the pizza dough package, typically around 400°F (200°C). This ensures that when you bake your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, it will turn golden and flaky, creating that irresistible texture. While the oven warms up, gather your baking tray and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough until it reaches about 1/4 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the dough into small squares or triangles—about 2 inches wide. This will give you the needed shapes to craft your festive tree, while ensuring each piece bakes evenly.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth. Use a hand mixer for a consistent texture or mix by hand with a spatula, ensuring there are no lumps. This cheesy mixture is the heart of your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, so don’t rush this step—blend them well for maximum gooeyness!

Step 4: Shape Your Bread
Now, take a piece of dough and place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center. Gently fold the dough around the filling to form a ball, sealing the edges to prevent leakage during baking. Arrange the filled dough balls into a Christmas tree shape on your prepared baking tray, layering them from wider at the bottom to narrower at the top for an appealing visual effect.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash
Once your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is shaped, take a beaten egg and brush it generously over the tops of the dough balls. This egg wash will create a beautiful golden-brown finish once baked, enhancing the festive look of your tree. If you’re opting for a dairy-free version, feel free to skip this step!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 18 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes—when the top is bubbly and the edges are crispy, it’s ready to come out. The aroma will fill your kitchen and get everyone excited!

Step 7: Cool and Serve
After baking, remove your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes on the tray. This slight cooling time will help the cheese set just enough to hold its filling when you pull apart the pieces. Serve warm alongside a bubbling marinara or pizza sauce for dipping, and watch your guests flock to this delicious holiday treat!

Make Ahead Options

These Cheesy Christmas Tree Breads are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the filling (cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning) up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can shape the dough balls and assemble the tree up to 3 hours ahead of baking. To maintain their fresh, gooey quality, wrap the assembled tree loosely with plastic wrap to keep moisture in. When you’re ready to serve, simply brush the top with beaten egg and pop it in the oven for about 18 minutes for that delightful, golden finish. Enjoy the convenience of a delicious appetizer that will impress your guests!

What to Serve with Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Bring the festive spirit alive with these delightful accompaniments that will elevate your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread experience.

Tangy Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing, this rich sauce enhance the cheesy flavors and adds a delightful tartness to each bite.
Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce: Infused with fragrant garlic, this buttery dip takes the comfort of your bread to another level. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with leafy greens and a light vinaigrette freshens the palate and balances the richness of the cheesy bread. Toss in some pomegranate seeds for a festive touch!
Roasted Vegetables: Colorful, roasted seasonal veggies provide warm earthy flavors, creating a wholesome and satisfying contrast to the gooeyness of the bread.
Cheese Platter: Serve alongside a selection of cheeses, crackers, and fruits for a delicious charcuterie that complements the flavors of the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread. Pairing with sharp cheddar or creamy Brie brings unique tastes to the table.
Sparkling Apple Cider: This non-alcoholic drink is festive and refreshing, perfectly offsetting the richness of the bread while adding a touch of celebration to your gathering.
Chocolate Fondue: For a sweet twist, offer a mini chocolate fondue station for dessert. Guests will enjoy dipping fruits and marshmallows for a decadent finish to a wonderful meal.
Hot Chocolate Bar: A warm drink station with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and crushed peppermint—perfect for keeping the holiday spirit alive.
Sugar Cookies: Light, buttery sugar cookies topped with royal icing can be a sweet end to your meal, appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Expert Tips for Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Use Room Temperature Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This helps avoid lumps in the filling, enhancing the texture of your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread.

Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to add more filling, overstuffing can lead to leaking during baking. Stick to a spoonful for each dough ball.

Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on the bread in the final minutes of baking; it should be golden and puffed. Set a timer to avoid over-baking, which can dry it out.

Brush for Extra Flavor: For a delicious twist, brush the baked tree with garlic butter immediately after removing it from the oven. This adds extra flavor and aroma that everyone will love.

Enjoy Warm: This bread is best served warm, so gather everyone around right after it cools slightly. Pair it with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate experience!

Storage Tips for Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Room Temperature: Enjoy your Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread fresh from the oven for the best flavor. If left out, it can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours.

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain its texture, let it cool completely before sealing.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is gooey again.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Variations

Feel free to get creative with this delightful recipe and make it your own—there’s so much room for customization!

Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese and mozzarella with nut-based cheeses for a creamy, plant-based alternative. You can still enjoy the gooey goodness without the dairy!
Herb-Infused Dough: Add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme directly to the dough for an aromatic twist. This simple addition elevates the flavor profile and adds a festive touch.
Spicy Kick: Swap out the mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to give your bread a delicious heat. It’s a surprising and tasty contrast to the traditional flavors that everyone will love!
Mediterranean Delight: Mix in chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into your cheese filling for a Mediterranean flair. This refreshing twist brightens up each piece and adds a burst of color.
Wreath Shape: Instead of a tree, shape your dough into a wreath. This makes a beautiful, elegant centerpiece for your holiday table, perfect for impressing guests.
Additional Dips: Serve alongside different sauces like pesto, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha dip for a fun twist. These pair wonderfully with the cheesy goodness, adding excitement to each bite.
Vegetable Add-ins: For more nutrition, incorporate finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms into the cheese mixture. They’ll blend seamlessly and provide extra texture without overpowering the bread.

Want to explore more delicious recipes? Try your hand at the sweet and savory Monkey Bread Melt or whip up a cozy Apple Zucchini Bread for dessert!

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe FAQs

What type of pizza dough should I use?
I recommend using refrigerated pizza dough for this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread as it provides the best structure. If you prefer a flakier texture, feel free to substitute with a crescent dough sheet.

How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to maintain its texture. For the best flavor, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave.

Can I freeze Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

What if my cheese filling is lumpy?
To prevent lumps in your cheese filling, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you do end up with lumps, you can use a hand mixer to blend it until smooth.

Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread contains dairy and gluten, but you can make adaptations! For a dairy-free option, replace cream cheese with a vegan alternative and omit the egg wash. Just keep in mind that it won’t have quite the same texture.

Can I shape this bread differently?
Yes! While I love the festive Christmas tree shape, you can also mold the dough into a wreath or rows, allowing you to get creative and suit your holiday aesthetic. Enjoy making it your own!