Cheesy Tree Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is both eye-catching and easy to make. It uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly with store-bought dough, though you can use homemade dough if you prefer. The melted cheese center and golden, buttery crust make every bite comforting and crave-worthy. It’s festive, fun to pull apart, and totally customizable.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pizza dough or biscuit dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Mozzarella cheese (cubed or shredded)
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Garlic (minced or powder)
• Fresh parsley or Italian seasoning
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt
• Optional: marinara or ranch for dipping

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough and cut it into equal pieces, about 1½ to 2 inches wide.
3. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough piece, then roll into a ball and pinch to seal.
4. Arrange the dough balls seam-side down in the shape of a Christmas tree (start with one at the top and build layers increasing by one ball each row until the base is wide).
5. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and a sprinkle of parmesan if desired.
6. Brush the butter mixture generously over the dough balls.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and puffed up.
8. Brush again with more herb butter right after baking for extra flavor.
9. Serve warm with dipping sauce on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 stuffed dough balls.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Cheddar & Jalapeño: Add shredded cheddar and a thin slice of jalapeño inside each dough ball.
• Pesto Swirl: Mix pesto into the butter mixture for a vibrant, herby twist.
• Meat Lovers: Add a slice of pepperoni or cooked sausage with the cheese inside each ball.
• Sweet & Savory: Use brie and cranberry sauce for a holiday appetizer with a sweet note.
• Mini Tree Version: Make smaller dough balls and create mini trees for individual servings.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the bread on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Freezing is not recommended for already-baked stuffed bread, but unbaked dough balls can be frozen and baked later.

FAQs

Can I use canned dough?

Yes, refrigerated pizza dough, biscuit dough, or crescent dough all work well for this recipe.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella is classic for its meltiness, but you can also use cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack.

Can I use shredded cheese?

Yes, just press a pinch of shredded cheese into the center and seal tightly to avoid leaks.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking?

Seal each dough ball well and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dough balls and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Bake just before serving.

What herbs work best?

Fresh parsley, rosemary, or thyme are great. Italian seasoning or oregano works well if using dried herbs.

Can I add a star on top?

Yes! Use a small star-shaped cookie cutter and dough to cut a topper—bake it separately and place it on top after baking.

What sauces go well with this?

Warm marinara, garlic butter, ranch, or a creamy pesto dip pair wonderfully.

Can I make this without cheese?

Yes, but the cheesy center is what makes this recipe so fun and gooey. You can also stuff with seasoned cream cheese instead.

Is it okay to bake in a pan?

It’s best to bake on a flat sheet to maintain the tree shape, but a pan can be used for other shapes or tighter presentation.

Conclusion

Cheesy Tree Bread is a festive, flavorful, and fun holiday recipe that brings joy to the table. With gooey cheese inside every bite, golden buttery crust, and an inviting shape, it’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or family nights by the fire. Easy to make and even easier to eat, this pull-apart bread will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

Cheesy Tree Bread

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Cheesy Tree Bread is a festive pull-apart appetizer made with soft dough balls stuffed with melty cheese, arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree, and brushed with garlic herb butter. It’s golden, gooey, and perfect for holiday gatherings.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 20–24 dough balls
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough or biscuit dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 20–24 cubes of mozzarella cheese (or 1–1½ cups shredded mozzarella)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning)
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• Optional: marinara or ranch dressing for dipping

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the dough into 20–24 equal pieces (about 1½ to 2 inches each).
3. Flatten each dough piece slightly, place a cube or pinch of mozzarella in the center, and seal into a ball.
4. Arrange the dough balls seam-side down in the shape of a Christmas tree (starting with 1 ball at the top and adding rows increasing by one ball each until the base).
5. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, parsley or herbs, salt, and parmesan (if using).
6. Brush the herb butter over all the dough balls generously.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
8. Brush with additional butter mixture after baking for extra flavor.
9. Serve warm with dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

• Use cubed cheese for a gooey center or shredded cheese pressed into each dough ball.
• Seal dough tightly to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking.
• Add a dough star topper for a decorative finish.
• Customize with fillings like pepperoni, pesto, or different cheeses.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (1/24 of recipe)
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg