Festive & Fluffy Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Have you ever wondered how to make a magical cheesy Christmas tree bread that sparks holiday joy?

Festive gatherings demand something special and unexpected.

Presenting a bread shaped exactly like an evergreen, covered in melted cheese and herbs.

Guests will marvel at this delightful centerpiece that combines delicious flavors with playful design.

Crispy edges and soft interior promise a memorable bite that speaks directly to comfort and celebration.

Warm aromas will fill your kitchen, creating memories long before the first slice.

People will be impressed by your creative culinary skills and ask for the recipe.

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Tips To Try

• Customize Your Christmas Tree: Swap out traditional cheese for dairy-free alternatives like vegan mozzarella to accommodate lactose-intolerant guests or plant-based diets.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Brush the bottom of the bread with a thin layer of olive oil before adding fillings to create a crispy, golden base that resists moisture.
• Slice Strategically: Use a sharp serrated knife to cut clean, even sections that pull apart easily, ensuring each piece looks as festive as it tastes.
• Herb It Up: Sprinkle fresh chopped rosemary or thyme between cheese layers to add an aromatic holiday twist that elevates the bread's flavor profile.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the bread the night before and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during busy holiday gatherings.

How To Keep Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Fresh And Warm

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cheesy Christmas tree bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each slice separately to maintain moisture and prevent staleness.
• Reheat Oven: Warm slices at 350F (175C) for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and bread feels warm. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Microwave Option: Zap individual pieces for 15-20 seconds for a quick reheat. Be careful not to overcook, which can make bread tough.
• Freeze Method: Wrap bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

What To Pair With Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

• Pair Savory with Sparkling: Pop open a crisp prosecco or champagne to complement the rich, cheesy bread. The bubbles cut through the heaviness and refresh your palate between bites.
• Match with Festive Dips: Serve alongside a tangy cranberry salsa or a creamy garlic herb dip. These accompaniments add extra flavor layers and make the bread even more interactive for holiday guests.
• Create a Winter Salad Companion: Prepare a light mixed green salad with pomegranate seeds and a citrusy vinaigrette. The salad's brightness balances the bread's decadent cheese and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Select Warming Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais. These wines have enough acidity to slice through the cheese and enough warmth to match the holiday spirit.

Ways To Make Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Your Own

• Festive Herb Garden Bread: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage into the dough for an aromatic holiday version that brings earthy woodland flavors to your cheesy Christmas tree.
• Mediterranean Olive Infusion: Fold chopped kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese into the bread mixture, creating a tangy Mediterranean-inspired rendition that adds sophisticated Mediterranean flair.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Bread: Mix diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese throughout the dough for a zesty kick that transforms the traditional recipe into a bold, spicy celebration bread.
• Bacon Ranch Explosion: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits and ranch seasoning into the cheese mixture, giving the bread a savory southwestern style that'll make taste buds dance with excitement.

Questions Answered About Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

• What makes this bread look like a Christmas tree?

The bread is shaped and decorated to resemble a Christmas tree, with green pesto creating the tree color and cheese pieces forming ornaments and branches.

• Do I need special baking skills to make this recipe?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic bread-shaping techniques that anyone can learn quickly.

• Can I customize the fillings inside the bread?

Yes! While the recipe has a classic cheese and pesto combination, you can swap cheeses or add ingredients like cooked ham, spinach, or different herbs to suit your taste.

• Is this bread good for holiday parties or gatherings?

Absolutely! This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is not just delicious but also a stunning centerpiece that will impress guests and create a festive atmosphere at any holiday celebration.

Why Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Is So Festive

• Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Create a show-stopping bread that instantly transforms your table into a Christmas celebration, delighting guests with its unique tree-shaped design that screams festive fun.
• Cheesy Comfort Delight: Packed with gooey melted cheese and soft, pull-apart bread, this recipe delivers ultimate comfort food with a playful seasonal twist that feels both delicious and magical.
• Quick and Easy Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal prep time and simple ingredients make this bread perfect for busy holiday gatherings, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying family moments.
• Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Engaging and interactive recipe that lets children help shape the tree, spread cheese, and feel proud of creating a beautiful holiday dish that everyone will love and appreciate.

What You’ll Use For Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structural foundation for the bread, choose unbleached for better texture and flavor.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for bread rising, ensures soft and fluffy texture.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps bind ingredients, use lukewarm temperature.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Creates gooey, stretchy cheesy layers with rich dairy flavor, shredded works best.
• Fresh Basil: Adds aromatic herb notes and bright green color, works wonderfully with cheese.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle, savory depth to the bread's overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps dough become soft and adds subtle richness, extra virgin recommended.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps control yeast fermentation.
• Egg: Creates golden brown surface and helps seal bread edges, works as perfect glaze.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings classic herb blend for additional Mediterranean-style flavor profile.

How To Bake Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Easily

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), getting ready to create a delightful holiday centerpiece that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

Gather your pizza dough and roll it out into a large triangle that looks like a perfect Christmas tree shape. Spread softened butter all over the surface to create a delicious foundation.

Step 3: Sprinkle Cheesy Magic

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated parmesan
• Crumbled feta

Ensure the entire “tree” is beautifully covered in cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Add Festive Decorations

• Chopped green herbs (like basil or parsley)
• Diced red bell peppers
• Sliced olives

Arrange these like ornaments across the cheese-covered dough.

Step 5: Shape the Christmas Tree

Carefully cut the sides of the dough to create tree-like edges, leaving the center intact. Gently fold and twist the cut edges to resemble tree branches.

Step 6: Brush and Garnish

Brush the entire tree with an egg wash to create a beautiful golden shine. Sprinkle some extra cheese on top for an extra festive touch.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn golden brown and the cheese to become beautifully melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Celebrate

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve immediately, watching as your guests marvel at your delicious Christmas tree creation!

Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Festive holiday cheer meets culinary magic with this Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread, creating a delightful centerpiece that sparks joy at any seasonal gathering. Cheese-lovers and holiday enthusiasts will adore this whimsical, pull-apart treat that brings warmth and deliciousness to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (13.8 ounces/392 grams) can refrigerated pizza dough
• 14 mozzarella cheese cubes (about ½-inch each)

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon flour (for dusting)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Garnish and Serving:

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup marinara sauce, for dipping

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven, ensuring the temperature is set precisely to create the perfect golden-brown crust for this festive bread creation.
2. Carefully prepare a baking sheet by layering a sheet of parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for your Christmas tree-shaped delicacy.
3. Roll out the dough into a large triangle, mimicking the classic silhouette of an evergreen tree, with a broad base tapering to a pointed top.
4. Generously spread the soft cheese mixture across the dough, making sure to distribute it evenly from edge to edge, leaving a small border for sealing.
5. Strategically layer the additional cheese and herbs, creating a vibrant green and white pattern that resembles the festive colors of the holiday season.
6. Delicately cut the sides of the dough into tree-like branches, using a sharp knife or pizza cutter to create precise, angled strips.
7. Gently twist each branch, allowing the cheese to peek through and create a textured, rustic appearance reminiscent of pine branches.
8. Brush the entire surface with egg wash, ensuring a glossy, golden finish that will make the bread shine like a Christmas ornament.
9. Carefully transfer the prepared tree-shaped bread onto the prepared baking sheet, maintaining its intricate shape.
10. Place in the preheated oven, baking until the bread turns a rich, golden brown and the cheese becomes perfectly melted and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly, allowing the cheese to set and the bread to develop its final, crisp texture.
12. Garnish with additional herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese to enhance the festive presentation and add a final touch of flavor.

Notes

• Opt for high-quality cheese like sharp cheddar or gruyère for a more robust flavor profile.
• Ensure bread dough is rolled evenly to create a symmetrical Christmas tree shape that looks visually appealing.
• Brush edges with egg wash before baking to achieve a golden, glossy exterior that catches everyone’s eye.
• For gluten-free friends, swap traditional bread dough with a gluten-free alternative or use a cauliflower-based flatbread to maintain the festive design.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 284
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg