Go Back
Adam

Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread

If you want a warm, melty, irresistible holiday appetizer that makes everyone gather around the table, this Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread is the perfect festive showstopper. Soft pizza dough rolled into buttery herb balls, stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese sticks, brushed with garlic-herb butter, and baked into a Christmas-tree shape — this recipe is pure holiday magic. It’s fun, shareable, incredibly easy to make, and guaranteed to impress guests at Christmas parties, family gatherings, or holiday dinners. Each bite is warm, cheesy, soft, and flavorful, with melted cheese stretching in every direction. Kids love it, adults love it, and it looks stunning on any festive table. Served with marinara, pesto, or both, this bread is the ultimate Christmas appetizer that disappears within minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Balls
  • 13 oz refrigerated pizza dough canned
  • 6 mozzarella cheese sticks
  • 1 large egg for egg wash
Herb Butter
  • 3 tbsp butter melted
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • ½ tbsp fresh basil chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • ½ tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
Toppings
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Extra herbs for sprinkling
  • Dipping Sauces
  • Marinara sauce
  • Pesto sauce optional
Other
  • Parchment paper
  • All ingredients are halal-friendly and perfect for Christmas cooking.

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Small saucepan
  • Pastry brush
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Oven

Method
 

Step 1: Cut the mozzarella sticks into bite-size pieces and portion the pizza dough into small equal squares.
    Step 2: Wrap each piece of mozzarella inside a dough square, roll into a smooth ball, and pinch the seams tightly to seal.
      Step 3: Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree.
        Step 4: Melt butter and mix it with garlic, basil, parsley, and rosemary, then brush it generously over the dough balls.
          Step 5: Beat the egg and lightly brush the tops for shine, then sprinkle parmesan cheese over the entire tree.
            Step 6: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes until golden brown, then brush with extra herb butter and serve with marinara or pesto.

              Notes

              🧊 Storage & Reheating
              Refrigerator
              Store leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
              Reheating
              Oven: 350°F for 5–6 minutes
              Air fryer: 3 minutes at 350°F
              Microwave: 10–15 seconds (softer texture)
              Freezing
              Freeze unbaked dough balls with cheese inside for up to 2 months, then bake from frozen.
              🥄 Variations
              ⭐ 1. Garlic Mozzarella Bombs
              Skip herbs and add more garlic + butter.
              ⭐ 2. Christmas Pesto Pull Apart Bread
              Brush pesto instead of herb butter.
              ⭐ 3. Spicy Christmas Bread
              Add chili flakes or jalapeños inside.
              ⭐ 4. Cheddar-Stuffed Pull Apart
              Use cheddar cubes instead of mozzarella.
              ⭐ 5. Pizza Pull Apart Tree
              Add mini pepperoni (halal) and oregano.
              ⭐ 6. Spinach & Ricotta Christmas Bread
              Stuff with ricotta + spinach mixture.
              ⭐ 7. Parmesan Herb Christmas Wreath
              Shape into a wreath instead of a tree.
              ❓ 10 FAQs
              1. Can I use homemade pizza dough?
              Yes — it works beautifully.
              2. Can I stuff the dough with other cheeses?
              Cheddar, provolone, or string cheese all work.
              3. Can I make this ahead of time?
              Yes — assemble and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.
              4. Can I bake it without egg wash?
              Yes — it will be slightly less shiny.
              5. What dip goes best?
              Marinara for classic flavor, pesto for Christmas green color.
              6. Can kids help make this?
              Absolutely — it’s a great family activity.
              7. Can I add herbs on top?
              Yes — parsley or rosemary for garnish.
              8. Does the cheese leak out?
              Seal the dough tightly to prevent leaks.
              9. Can I make this gluten-free?
              Yes — use gluten-free pizza dough.
              10. How do I make it extra golden?
              Bake a few additional minutes and add a second coat of egg wash.
              🏁 Conclusion
              This Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread is warm, melty, festive, and perfect for sharing. It combines soft, fluffy pizza dough with buttery garlic herbs and a gooey mozzarella center — all shaped into a beautiful Christmas tree that steals the show.
              It’s incredibly simple to make yet looks stunning on any holiday table. Paired with marinara or pesto, it’s the kind of appetizer everyone reaches for, pulls apart, and enjoys with a smile. Whether you're hosting a Christmas dinner, attending a holiday potluck, or planning a cozy family night, this bread is guaranteed to become a yearly tradition.