Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread Recipe

I absolutely dig how this recipe transforms pizza dough into a mouthwatering cheesy garlic delight. With a perfect blend of mozzarella, cheddar and Parmesan, each pull apart bite offers a burst of garlic butter and fresh herbs. It’s a quick, festive treat that makes holiday snacking totally satisfying and truly amazing.

I’m excited to share my Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread recipe. Using a 12-14 oz package of refrigerated pizza dough fresh out of the container, I combine 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter melted with 4 minced garlic cloves.

I add in 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan to ensure every bite is loaded with flavor. I then mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano along with a pinch of salt and pepper for balance.

This bread, shaped like a Christmas tree, is a fun twist on what i call a Cheesy Christmas Tree or even a Pull Apart Tree Bread. It’s not only delicious but provides a satisfying mix of protein and fat from cheese and butter.

It’s a perfect starter that’s quick and easy – serve plain or with marinara or pesto for dipping. Enjoy your new holiday favorite!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because:
1. I can whip it up super fast, which is perfect for last minute hangouts.
2. I totally dig that it’s loaded with melty cheeses and garlic butter that make every bite so flavorful.
3. I really enjoy how fun and festive it looks in the shape of a Christmas tree.
4. I like that it works as both a tasty appetizer and a cool side dish when I’m hosting friends.

This cheesy pull apart garlic butter bread is seriously the bomb. Its made from refrigerated pizza dough and comes out looking like a little Christmas tree. The recipe is quick and easy, which is awesome for getting something awesome on the table fast. I love serveing it plain or dunking it in marinara or pesto if I want that extra kick. People always go nuts for it whenever I make it. It’s packed with gooey cheese, garlic butter, and fresh herbs so you know every bite is full of flavor.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Provides energy with a soft texture and a mild, salty taste.
• Unsalted butter: Gives creaminess with a smooth texture and a rich flavor.
• Garlic: Imparts vitamins and a bold, spicy kick that wakes up your palate.
• Mozzarella cheese: Adds protein with a gooey, melty texture that perfectly stretches.
• Cheddar and Parmesan: Provide robust flavor and extra calcium with a savory bite.
• Fresh parsley: Brings vitamins, fiber and a bright, herby freshness to every slice.
• Marinara or pesto: Offers tangy acidity or herbal notes to balance the cheese richness.
• Dried oregano and salt/pepper: Season the bread lightly, enhancing the blend of flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (about 12-14 oz)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Marinara or pesto for dipping (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic until well combined.

3. Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently stretch it into a roughly triangular shape.

4. Brush the entire dough generously with the garlic butter mixture, making sure every bit is covered.

5. Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the buttered dough.

6. Add the chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the cheese for an extra burst of herb flavor.

7. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the dough into squares or rectangles, leaving some parts connected so you can easily pull them apart later.

8. Arrange the pieces to form a loose Christmas tree shape on the baking sheet, with the widest part at the bottom and a point at the top.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Serve warm on its own or with a side of marinara or pesto for dipping. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Small bowl
5. Mixing utensil (spoon or whisk)
6. Lightly floured work surface (countertop or cutting board)
7. Pastry brush
8. Sharp knife

FAQ

Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you cant find refrigerated pizza dough you can make a simple homemade bread dough or even use biscuit dough as a quick substitute.
• If you dont have unsalted butter, try using olive oil or salted butter instead it gives a slightly different taste.
• You can swap out mozzarella with provolone or even fontina – both melt well and add a different cheesy twist.
• If cheddar cheese is not available, Monterey Jack is a solid alternative that still gives you that rich flavor.
• Instead of Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano works good as a replacement though its a bit sharper in taste.

Pro Tips

1. If you get a chance, let the dough rest for a few minutes after brushing it with the garlic butter so it can really soak up all the flavor, but dont let it get too soggy.
2. Make sure to spread the garlic butter evenly because some spots might get too loaded and end up burning if you’re not careful.
3. Keep an eye on the cheese while its baking; since ovens vary, you might need to check a minute or two early so it doesn’t overcook.
4. Using parchment paper on your baking sheet not only stops the dough from sticking but also makes clean up way easier.