Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

Name: Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 43 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 13 ounces chilled pizza dough from the fridge; 6 to 7 string cheese sticks; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon water; 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, split in half; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary; 1/2 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil; 1 clove garlic, grated finely; 1 jar marinara or pesto sauce for dipping

Recipe by Sam Rivera · Updated December 2025

Bread & Sourdough

There's something magical about pulling apart a towering Christmas tree-shaped bread, oozing with melted cheese at every bite. Home cooks adore this festive showstopper because it's as fun to assemble as it is to serve, making holiday parties unforgettable. The combination of soft, buttery pizza dough and gooey mozzarella creates an irresistible pull-apart experience that guests can't resist. Plus, its vibrant green herbs and golden-brown crust make it as beautiful as it is delicious.

What Makes This Recipe Special

The tree arrangement isn't just for looks-it creates perfectly even cooking and optimal cheese-melting pockets in every bite.
String cheese sticks are used instead of shredded mozzarella for superior meltability and a fun, stretchy texture.
A custom herb-parmesan butter blend is brushed on after baking, infusing the bread with aromatic freshness.
The dough is divided into 30 equal squares, ensuring consistent portion sizes and even cheese distribution.

⏱ 43 mins

American

Servings 4

Ingredients

13 ounceschilled pizza dough from the fridge

6 to7 string cheese sticks

1 largeegg

1 tablespoonwater

3 tablespoonsmelted unsalted butter

1/2 cupgrated parmesan cheese, split in half

1 tablespoonfinely chopped fresh parsley

1/2 tablespoonfinely chopped fresh rosemary

1/2 tablespoonfinely chopped fresh basil

1 clovegarlic, grated finely

1 jarmarinara or pesto sauce for dipping

Nutrition

350 caloriesCalories

Per serving · Values are estimates

Instructions

Heat your oven to 400°F and put parchment paper on a baking sheet.

Divide the pizza dough into 30 equal squares. Cut your mozzarella sticks into 30 small chunks, roughly 1 inch each.

Take each dough square and wrap it around a piece of mozzarella. Pinch the edges to make a sealed ball.

Place all the cheese-stuffed balls on your lined baking sheet in a tree pattern with the balls touching each other. Mix the egg with water and brush this mixture over the tops of your dough balls.

Pop them in the hot oven for 16 to 18 minutes until they turn a nice golden brown.

While they're baking, melt your butter in the microwave. Mix in half the parmesan, all the herbs, and the grated garlic. Once the bread comes out of the oven, immediately brush on this herb butter mix and sprinkle the leftover parmesan on top.

Bring to the table hot with marinara or pesto on the side for dipping.

Essential Tips

Use chilled dough

Working with cold pizza dough prevents it from sticking and makes shaping easier. If your dough is too soft, chill it for another 10 minutes before dividing.

Pinch edges tightly

Seal each mozzarella-filled dough ball completely to prevent leaks during baking. Use your fingertips to press the edges firmly together until smooth.

Brush before baking

The egg wash not only adds shine but also helps the tree hold its shape. Be generous with the brush-every surface should glisten lightly.

Press herbs into butter

After melting the butter, let it cool slightly so the herbs don't burn. Stir in the herbs and garlic, then let the mixture steep for 5 minutes for deeper flavor.

Bake on parchment

The tree shape can be tricky to transfer. Bake directly on parchment for easy removal and minimal cleanup-no sticking, no mess.

Smart Swaps & Variations

Herb Butter Swap Use dried herbs or omit herbs entirely for a simpler flavor profile. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

Gluten-Free Option Replace pizza dough with a gluten-free all-purpose dough. Ensure the mozzarella sticks are gluten-free to maintain the recipe's integrity.

Vegan Version Use vegan mozzarella sticks and a plant-based pizza dough. Swap butter for olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

Spiced Bread Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or garlic powder to the butter mixture for a deeper, more complex flavor.

What to Serve With This

Warm marinara sauce for classic dipping, or switch to pesto for a herby twist.
A festive charcuterie board with cured meats, olives, and marinated artichokes to complement the cheesy pull-apart bread.
Mulled wine or sparkling cider for a cozy, holiday-appropriate beverage pairing.
A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the bread.

Storage & Reheating

Storage

Store leftover Christmas tree bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to preserve the cheese texture.

Reheating

Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the bread for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough soggy and the cheese rubbery.

Expert Chef Tips

Use a pizza cutter to divide the dough into equal squares quickly and cleanly-no messy stretching or uneven portions.
For extra crispiness, brush the parchment-lined baking sheet with a thin layer of olive oil before arranging the dough balls.
If your cheese sticks are too long, cut them lengthwise before slicing into chunks to ensure even melting and portion control.

Equipment You’ll Need

Baking sheet with parchment paper
Sharp knife or pizza cutter
Pastry brush for egg wash and butter
Mixing bowl for herb butter

Nutritional Benefits

Each serving provides 350 calories, primarily from complex carbs in the dough and healthy fats from the cheese and olive oil.
Contains 15g of protein per serving, thanks to the mozzarella and parmesan, which support muscle maintenance and satiety.
The fresh herbs offer antioxidants and vitamins like vitamin K from parsley and vitamin A from basil.
Using unsalted butter allows you to control sodium levels, making this a lower-sodium option compared to pre-packaged dips or sauces.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought mozzarella sticks or do I need fresh?

Store-bought string cheese sticks work perfectly and are designed for melting. Avoid fresh mozzarella balls, as they release too much moisture and won't hold their shape.

What's the best way to shape the tree?

Start with a base row of 8 balls, then decrease by one ball per row as you go up (7, 6, 5, etc.). The top should have 1 ball. Use a light pencil mark on the parchment to guide your placement.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the tree but don't bake it. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking?

Ensure the dough is cold and the edges are pinched tightly. Avoid overfilling the dough balls-each should only contain one small cheese chunk.

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of string cheese?

You can, but the texture won't be as stretchy or consistent. Shredded mozzarella may also leak more, so use 1-2 teaspoons per dough ball and ensure the dough is sealed tightly.

Why does the recipe call for brushing with butter after baking?

Brushing with infused butter adds flavor, moisture, and a glossy finish without making the bread soggy. The butter absorbs into the crust post-bake for maximum impact.

Can I freeze the assembled tree?

Yes! Freeze the assembled tree on the parchment-lined tray until solid (about 1 hour), then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

What if my dough is too sticky to work with?

Dust your work surface lightly with flour, but avoid adding too much-it can toughen the dough. If needed, wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking while shaping.