This Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread is a festive and delicious appetizer that will be the star of your holiday table. It is incredibly easy to prepare and features gooey mozzarella cheese wrapped in buttery dough, shaped like a beautiful Christmas tree. Whether you are hosting a large party or a small family gathering, this showstopping dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to make this Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread part of your holiday tradition. First, it is incredibly simple, requiring less than ten easy-to-find ingredients from your local grocery store. It is also a wonderful recipe to make with children, as they can help roll the dough and arrange the pieces into a tree shape.
The best part, of course, is the flavor. Each bite is filled with melted mozzarella cheese and topped with a savory garlic herb butter. The individual rolls make it easy for guests to grab a piece, and the visual appeal of the Christmas tree shape adds a touch of holiday magic to any spread. Plus, that Instagram-worthy cheese pull is always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 24 ounces refrigerated crescent roll dough (typically 2 to 3 cans)
- 8 mozzarella sticks
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (divided)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Optional: A pinch of dried oregano for extra herb flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Make the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, lightly whisk together the large egg and one tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Set this aside for later use.
- Prep the Filling: Slice each of the 8 mozzarella sticks into four even pieces. You should end up with 32 small cheese pieces in total.
- Cut the Dough: Remove the crescent roll dough from the cans and separate them into the pre-cut triangles. Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut each triangle in half lengthwise. You should have 32 thin triangles of dough.
- Stuff and Roll: Place one piece of mozzarella cheese at the wide end of a dough triangle. Roll the dough up toward the pointy end. Use your fingers to firmly pinch the ends and sides to seal the dough, which helps keep the cheese from leaking out during baking. Repeat this for all 32 pieces.
- Form the Christmas Tree: Arrange the rolled dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a tree. Start with one roll at the top, then two in the next row, then three, and continue until you have used 28 pieces for the body of the tree. Use the remaining 4 pieces to create the tree stump at the bottom. Gently push the rolls together so they are touching.
- Apply Egg Wash: Use a pastry brush to coat the entire top and sides of the dough tree with the egg wash.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
- Finish with Garlic Butter: While the bread is baking, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Whisk in the garlic powder and half of the chopped parsley.
- Season and Serve: As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, brush the garlic butter mixture over the warm rolls. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and the remaining fresh parsley.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To ensure the best results for your Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread, make sure to seal the dough triangles tightly around the cheese sticks. If the dough is too loose, the cheese may leak out onto the pan. Using high-quality refrigerated dough, such as the buttery variety, will provide the best texture and flavor.
Another tip is to use fresh parsley rather than dried for the topping. The vibrant green color of fresh parsley makes the “tree” look much more festive. If you find the dough is browning too quickly in the oven, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the last five minutes of baking.
Variations & Substitutions
While mozzarella is the classic choice for that perfect cheese pull, you can experiment with other fillings. Try using pepper jack cheese sticks for a spicy kick, or add a small piece of pepperoni inside each roll for a pizza-style flavor.
If you do not have fresh parsley, you can substitute it with Italian seasoning or dried basil in the butter mixture. For a vegetarian-friendly version, ensure your parmesan cheese is made with vegetarian rennet. You can also swap the crescent roll dough for refrigerated pizza dough or even homemade bread dough if you have the extra time.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread is best served warm so that the cheese remains melted and gooey. It pairs perfectly with a side of warm marinara sauce or pesto for dipping. For a creamy alternative, try serving it with ranch dressing or a buffalo ranch sauce.
To create a full holiday appetizer spread, serve this alongside a Christmas charcuterie board, a festive wreath salad, or a veggie tray. It also makes an excellent side dish for a holiday main course like roasted beef or garlic rosemary chicken.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked bread for up to one month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To maintain the best texture, reheat the rolls in the oven at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted again. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can make the dough chewy or tough.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (1 roll) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 112 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Sodium | 238 mg |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Make the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, lightly whisk together the large egg and one tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Set this aside for later use.1 large egg, 1 Tablespoon water
- Prep the Filling: Slice each of the 8 mozzarella sticks into four even pieces. You should end up with 32 small cheese pieces in total.8 mozzarella sticks
- Cut the Dough: Remove the crescent roll dough from the cans and separate them into the pre-cut triangles. Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut each triangle in half lengthwise. You should have 32 thin triangles of dough.24 ounces refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Stuff and Roll: Place one piece of mozzarella cheese at the wide end of a dough triangle. Roll the dough up toward the pointy end. Use your fingers to firmly pinch the ends and sides to seal the dough, which helps keep the cheese from leaking out during baking. Repeat this for all 32 pieces.24 ounces refrigerated crescent roll dough, 8 mozzarella sticks
- Form the Christmas Tree: Arrange the rolled dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a tree. Start with one roll at the top, then two in the next row, then three, and continue until you have used 28 pieces for the body of the tree. Use the remaining 4 pieces to create the tree stump at the bottom. Gently push the rolls together so they are touching.
- Apply Egg Wash: Use a pastry brush to coat the entire top and sides of the dough tree with the egg wash.1 large egg, 1 Tablespoon water
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
- Finish with Garlic Butter: While the bread is baking, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Whisk in the garlic powder and half of the chopped parsley.4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Season and Serve: As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, brush the garlic butter mixture over the warm rolls. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and the remaining fresh parsley.2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Notes
FAQ
Can I make this Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the tree on the baking sheet, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. For the best results, wait to apply the egg wash and bake until you are ready to serve.
What is the best way to prevent the cheese from leaking?
The key is to pinch the seams of the dough very firmly. Make sure the cheese is completely enclosed by the dough. A little leakage is normal and often adds to the rustic, cheesy look of the dish!
Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated cans?
Absolutely. You can use your favorite yeast bread or pizza dough recipe. Just ensure the dough is rolled thin enough to cook through in the center of the tree shape.
What dipping sauces go best with this bread?
Marinara sauce is the most popular choice, but pesto, garlic butter, or even a spicy cheese dip work wonderfully with these savory rolls.