Stuffed Cheesy Bread Christmas Tree – Easy Holiday Appetizer

Every year, I try to make the holidays feel a little more magical for my family. Last December, I was wrestling with a pile of pizza dough and a block of mozzarella when I thought: why not shape it like a tree? My kids went nuts, and now this Stuffed Cheesy Bread Christmas Tree has become our official Christmas Eve tradition.

It's the kind of recipe that looks like you slaved for hours, but it's actually super forgiving. You can use store-bought dough, any cheese you love, and even get the kids to help arrange the balls. Plus, the smell of garlic butter and melting cheese will have everyone hovering around the oven before it's even done.

So, whether you're hosting a big party or just want a fun dinner, this tree is guaranteed to bring smiles. And if it's a little lopsided? Perfect. That's character.

About the Ingredients

1 lb (450g) store-bought pizza dough

Use fresh or thawed. If you prefer homemade, use your favorite recipe.

2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Low-moisture mozzarella melts best. You can also use a pizza blend.

1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Adds a savory kick. Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

1/4 cup (30g) chopped pepperoni

Optional but adds a nice bite. You can use cooked bacon or omit for a veggie version.

1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted

For brushing. Use salted butter and reduce added salt if you prefer.

2 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Garlic powder works in a pinch.

1 tablespoon (15ml) chopped fresh parsley

For garnish. Dried parsley works too.

1 egg, beaten

For egg wash to help the dough brown.

Tips & Tricks

• If the dough is too sticky, lightly flour your work surface. Don't overwork it or it will become tough.
• Make sure the cheese is well sealed inside the dough balls to prevent leaks during baking.
• Keep the tree shape compact so the balls touch and pull apart nicely. Leave no gaps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the dough

Let the pizza dough come to room temperature. On a lightly floured surface, roll it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 24 equal pieces.

2. Make the filling

In a bowl, mix together mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni (if using). Set aside.

3. Fill the dough balls

Take each dough piece, flatten it, and place a heaping teaspoon of cheese mixture in the center. Pull the edges up and pinch to seal. Roll into a ball.

4. Shape the tree

On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arrange the balls in a Christmas tree shape: one ball at the top, then a row of 2, then 3, then 4, then 5, and a final row of 4 for the bottom. Leave a small space between balls for expansion.

5. Add the trunk

Use the remaining dough to form a small trunk at the bottom of the tree. You can also use a breadstick or pretzel stick.

6. Brush and bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tree with beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. If it browns too quickly, tent with foil.

7. Add garlic butter

While the bread bakes, mix melted butter with minced garlic. As soon as the tree comes out of the oven, brush the garlic butter over the hot bread.

8. Garnish and serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Delicious Variations

Vegetarian

Skip the pepperoni and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

Spicy

Add red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese.

Pesto

Spread a little pesto on the dough before adding the cheese.

How to Store Stuffed Cheesy Bread Christmas Tree

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope this Stuffed Cheesy Bread Christmas Tree brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Don't forget to tag me when you make it – I'd love to see your creation!

Stuffed Cheesy Bread Christmas Tree

This pull-apart Stuffed Cheesy Bread Christmas Tree is a buttery, cheesy centerpiece for your holiday table.

★★★★½ 4.8 (156 ratings)

20 minPrep time25 minCook time8Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) store-bought pizza dough
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (30g) chopped pepperoni
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg, beaten

📋 Instructions

1. 1Prepare the dough — Let the pizza dough come to room temperature. On a lightly floured surface, roll it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 24 equal pieces.
2. 2Make the filling — In a bowl, mix together mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni (if using). Set aside.
3. 3Fill the dough balls — Take each dough piece, flatten it, and place a heaping teaspoon of cheese mixture in the center. Pull the edges up and pinch to seal. Roll into a ball.
4. 4Shape the tree — On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arrange the balls in a Christmas tree shape: one ball at the top, then a row of 2, then 3, then 4, then 5, and a final row of 4 for the bottom. Leave a small space between balls for expansion.
5. 5Add the trunk — Use the remaining dough to form a small trunk at the bottom of the tree. You can also use a breadstick or pretzel stick.
6. 6Brush and bake — Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tree with beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. If it browns too quickly, tent with foil.
7. 7Add garlic butter — While the bread bakes, mix melted butter with minced garlic. As soon as the tree comes out of the oven, brush the garlic butter over the hot bread.
8. 8Garnish and serve — Sprinkle with fresh parsley and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: If you want a more pronounced tree shape, use a star-shaped cookie cutter for the top and a small rectangle for the trunk.

Servings: 8

Cuisine: American

Course: Appetizer

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat

Written by Sofia Ramirez
Sofia writes about parenting and family wellness, exploring the messy, joyful reality of raising kids. She offers relatable stories and practical advice on everything from sleep training to managing screen time, always with a dose of humor.