Christmas Bread Tree
Is there anything more festive than gathering around a table laden with holiday treats? Picture this: warm, cheesy bites shaped like a Christmas tree, golden and fragrant with garlic butter and herbs. Enter Christmas tree pull-apart bread, the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your holiday gatherings. It's the perfect way to combine Christmas holiday bread recipes with a touch of cheesy indulgence that everyone will adore.
Let’s talk all about this edible centerpiece: from choosing the perfect cheeses to pairing it with dipping sauces that elevate every bite. Whether you're hosting a cozy family dinner or a holiday party, this is the bread recipe to make your spread unforgettable.
Why This Christmas Bread Tree is Perfect for the Holidays
First off, it’s festive and fun! Shaping the bread into a Christmas tree adds instant cheer to your table. Plus, there’s something magical about pulling apart soft, buttery bites stuffed with melty cheese. This bread is as fun to eat as it is to make, and trust me, it’s a hit with all ages.
The base is straightforward: grab a can of store-bought biscuits (hello, Pillsbury Grands) for easy prep. Sprinkle on some garlic butter, a touch of Italian seasoning, and loads of Parmesan, and you’re halfway to holiday magic. The fun part? Stuffing those bites with mozzarella before arranging them in the iconic Christmas tree shape.
Cheese and Dipping Sauce Pairings for the Christmas Bread Tree
While classic mozzarella and marinara sauce are crowd favorites, there are so many ways to level up your Christmas tree pull-apart cheese bread. Here are a few pairing ideas that’ll make your guests swoon:
1. Gorgonzola and Fig Jam
Rich, slightly funky gorgonzola paired with sweet, sweet fig jam is a match made in heaven.
2. Mozzarella and Marinara
Classic and always a delicious option. Melted mozzarella inside a bread bite…I mean come on?! Then served with tangy marinara dipping sauce is like a holiday hug. I like that a little bit of red pepper for kick so if that's your thing, go for it!
3. Goat Cheese and Honey
Tangy and creamy, use goat cheese and honey for another award winning combination. Light and delicious, a perfect before meal bite.
4. Brie and Cranberry Sauce
Brie with cranberry sauce adds a festive look and taste! It’s like Christmas in every bite.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Christmas Tree Bread
Don’t Overstuff: While more cheese might seem like a good idea (who doesn’t love cheese?), overstuffing can cause the bread to leak. Stick to about a teaspoon of cheese per piece for the perfect ratio.
Herb Game Strong: The mix of garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley brings the festive aroma to life. Don’t skimp on these herbs and garlic salt—they’re what make your pull apart bread pop.
Arrange Carefully: Start forming your tree shape from the bottom, working up to a single "star" piece at the top. Keep the dough balls close so they bake into one another seamlessly.
Parmesan Perfection: A final sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan over the entire tree before baking adds a golden, cheesy crust that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread
This bread isn’t just delicious—it’s versatile! Serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as part of a grazing board. Surround it with olives, cured meats, and more dipping sauces for a truly show-stopping centerpiece.
And let’s be real: this bread is the ultimate snack while unwrapping presents or playing holiday games. It’s finger food that keeps everyone coming back for more.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Can I make Christmas tree pull apart cheese bread ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the bread up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it fresh and enjoy warm.
What’s the best cheese for stuffing?
Mozzarella is a go-to because it melts beautifully, but you can also try gorgonzola, cheddar, or even a mix of cheeses for extra flavor.
What dipping sauces work best?
Marinara is classic, but other options like fig jam, honey mustard, or a creamy garlic aioli are fantastic. Consider serving a variety to keep things exciting.
How do I store leftovers?
If (and that’s a big if) you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to restore the gooey magic.
Can I customize the shape?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling creative, you can shape the bread into a wreath, snowman, or any festive design. Let your imagination run wild!
Need Kansas City Chiefs Food Idea?
How about shaping this into an arrow or a footballl?! A perfect chiefs food idea or football shaped snack.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone who just wants to wow your guests with minimal effort, Christmas tree pull apart bread is a must-try. It’s festive, delicious, and endlessly customizable. And with pairings like gorgonzola and fig jam or mozzarella and marinara, there’s something for everyone to love.
This holiday season, skip the store-bought bread and make something that’s as much fun to eat as it is to make. Pull apart, dig in, and enjoy the magic of Christmas one cheesy bite at a time.
Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or baking mat.
- TIP – If you line your baking sheet with parchment, you will be able to lift the entire tree bread off the baking sheet and onto a platter.
- Separate dough into 8 biscuits. Cut each biscuit into fourths for a total of 32 biscuit pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
- Push a piece of cheese into a dough ball, pinch the seams together and then roll into a ball again to smooth it out a bit.
- Place balls seam side down and next to each other to form a tree shape on the cookie sheet.
- Melt butter then stir in the garlic sallt and Italian seasoning. Brush butter mixture over the biscuit balls.
- Bake 15-17 minutes or until golden brown. You can turn the oven to broil and brown the tops for a minute or so if you'd like, but watch so you don't burn them!
- Sprinkle the top of the “tree” with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese.
- Warm sauce in the microwave and serve alongside Christmas tree pull-apart bread.
Notes
Cheese and dipping sauce combinations:
- Gorgonzola and Fig Jam
- Mozzarella and Marinara
- Goat Cheese and Honey
- Brie and Cranberry Sauce
