This Christmas tree pull apart bread is a fun, festive appetizer that will be the star of your holiday table!
Made with refrigerated pizza dough, herby pesto sauce and creamy mozzarella, this easy appetizer is as delicious as it is beautiful. Shaped like a Christmas tree and sprinkled with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese, every bite is packed with cheesy, garlicky goodness.
Serve it warm with your favorite marinara sauce or pizza sauce for dipping, and watch it disappear! It’s a great addition to Christmas parties, holiday gatherings and themed parties throughout the holiday season.
Why We Love This Recipe
- So festive! This pull-apart bread is shaped like a Christmas tree, making it a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table.
- Easy to make: Using store-bought dough means you don’t have to spend hours making bread from scratch.
- Cheesy and delicious: Each bite is loaded with the bold flavors of pesto, garlic and Parmesan cheese.
- Perfect for sharing: The dough twists make this a fun, interactive appetizer that everyone can pull apart and enjoy.
- Great for entertaining: This festive appetizer is always a hit at parties throughout the holiday season.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pizza dough
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pesto sauce
- Butter
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
How to Make Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread
Make the Tree Shape
Unroll the two pizza doughs. They should already be in the shape of a rectangle, so all you’ll need to do is stretch the dough a little bit to make it larger. Then, lay one dough rectangle on top of the other.
Use a sharp knife to cut the shape of a Christmas tree by slicing from the top center diagonally down to each bottom corner.
Discard the excess dough or save it for another purpose.
Stuff the Dough with Pesto and Cheese
Peel back the top layer of dough and brush the bottom piece with pesto sauce. Then, sprinkle the pesto sauce with grated mozzarella cheese. Lay the top piece of dough back over the pesto and cheese.
Cut Slits in the Dough
Leaving the center of the tree intact (the “tree trunk”, if you will), cut horizontal strips of dough, spaced about 1 inch apart, down each side of the tree.
Twist the Dough Strips
Gently twist each dough strip. Don’t worry if it gets messy, it will still be delicious.
Bake and Brush the Bread
It will take about 15 minutes in the oven for this pull-apart tree to get beautifully golden brown. While it’s baking, melt a little butter in a microwave-safe bowl and mix it with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
When your pull-apart Christmas tree bread comes out the oven, brush it with the melted butter mixture and serve!
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas tree pull-apart bread is delicious served warm, straight from the oven, while the cheese is still melty. Place it on a large serving platter or serve it directly on the sheet pan for a casual presentation.
Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
- Marinara sauce: Serve with a bowl of your favorite marinara sauce or pizza sauce for dipping.
- Charcuterie board: Add this bread to a holiday charcuterie board with cured meats, cheeses, olives, and crackers.
- Ranch dressing: Cause ranch is never a bad idea.
- Fresh vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, and fresh vegetables make great accompaniments.
- Italian-inspired appetizers: Pair with bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, or a simple antipasto platter.
Watch How to Make Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread!
Storage Instructions
If you have leftover Christmas tree pull-apart bread, allow it to cool completely before storing.
Transfer the bread to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat it in a warm oven.
Can I make this pull apart bread ahead of time?
Yes! This Christmas tree pull-apart bread is a great make-ahead appetizer, especially when you’re preparing food for holiday gatherings.
For the best results, you can assemble the bread up to one day ahead of time. Create the bread on the baking sheet and cover it loosely with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
It may take a few extra minutes in the oven if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
Helpful Tips for Making Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread
- Use room-temperature dough: Let refrigerated dough sit out briefly so it’s easier to work with and shape.
- Don’t overfill: Make sure the cheese and pesto sauce are spread evenly on the bottom dough.
- Make your own sauces: Give this appetizer a personal touch by using homemade pesto sauce and homemade pizza sauce for dipping.
- Don’t skip the Parmesan butter: It adds a glorious punch of flavor that’s not to be missed.
When you make this Christmas tree pull apart bread, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!
For more holiday party recipes, try these:
- Christmas Tree Shaped Veggie Tray
- Baked Brie Fig Jam Wreath with Crescent Rolls
- Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients
- 2 13.8 oz. packages refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup pesto sauce
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Unwrap the dough and place it into an oiled bowl. Cover loosely with a dish towel and allow the dough to reach room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 425F degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay the first sheet of pizza dough onto the prepared baking sheet and gently stretch it to fit. Place the second sheet of pizza dough on top of the first and stretch it to reach the same size.
- Using a sharp knife, slice dough into a large triangle shape by slicing a diagonal line from the top center point of the rectangle down to the right lower corner. Slice another diagonal line from the top center point down to the left lower corner. Discard the excess dough.
- Gently peel back one side of the top sheet of dough to expose the bottom sheet. Brush with pesto sauce and sprinkle the cheese. Cover it back over. Repeat this process with the other side of the dough.
- Make horizontal slices on each side of the triangle from top to bottom, about 1 inch apart, leaving the center of the triangle intact. (See photos).
- Twist each cut section of dough. Bake for 13-15 minutes.
- While the pull apart bread is in the oven, make the Parmesan butter: melt the butter in a microwave safe bowl. Stir in the Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
- While the pull apart bread is still hot, brush it with the Parmesan butter. Serve with pizza sauce for dipping.
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