There’s no better way to bring holiday cheer than with carbs. Specifically, this Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Bread — it’s buttery, fluffy, golden, and stuffed with melty mozzarella. It’s not only super festive but guaranteed to make every holiday occasion even more joyful.
It’s soft on the inside, crisp on the outside, and shaped like a Christmas tree for the ultimate holiday centerpiece. Using biscuit dough makes it extra pillowy (and faster to prep), while mini pepperoni “ornaments” add a festive touch.
It may look elaborate but thanks to pre-made dough, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes to pull together — and vanishes within minutes of hitting the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive but effortless: Store-bought dough + simple ingredients = guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Cheesy & buttery perfection: Every bite is stuffed with melty mozzarella and brushed in garlic-herb butter.
- Kid-friendly & fun: Rolling dough balls and decorating the “tree” makes it a hands-on holiday activity.
- Perfect for parties: Works as a centerpiece, appetizer, or snack for holiday movie nights. This goes without saying, but you can make it into whatever shape you please to fit the occasion–like a heart for a Galentine’s Day dinner, for example.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Scroll to the recipe card for exact measurements.)
- Biscuit dough: Using pre-made biscuit dough keeps things quick and foolproof while giving you that soft, fluffy, pull-apart texture. You can also use pizza dough for a chewier bite.
- Mozzarella cheese sticks: Easy to cube and perfect for filling. They melt into stretchy, gooey pockets of cheese without oozing out too much.
- Butter: The base of your garlic coating — gives that glossy, golden finish.
- Olive oil: Balances the richness of the butter and offers fruity notes to add depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for that aromatic punch; you’ll want to smell it the second you walk into the kitchen.
- Parsley: Adds a fresh, herby brightness and makes the tree look vibrant.
- Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty finish that complements the mozzarella.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a cozy mix of herbs that make it smell (and taste) like an Italian bakery.
- Mini pepperoni slices: Your “ornaments”! They make the bread festive and add a pop of flavor. If you can’t find mini pepperoni slices, you can cut them by hand like I did.
- Marinara sauce: For dipping — the perfect final touch of this comforting appetizer.
How to Make Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cut and Fill
Split each biscuit into quarters, flatten slightly, and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Pinch the edges to seal and gently roll with both palms of your hands to form a ball.
Step 3: Shape Your Tree
Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree — one ball for the top, then 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and a few extra at the base for the trunk. You can also roll out the remaining dough to cut out a star to top your tree (use a star mold if you have one).
Step 4: Make Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and parsley. Brush half the mixture evenly over the dough balls.
Step 5: Decorate
Top with mini pepperoni slices, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, and dust lightly with Italian seasoning for that perfectly festive look.p
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the bread is puffed and golden.
Step 7: Brush & Serve
Brush with the remaining garlic butter while still warm for maximum flavor and shine. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
Recipe Tips
- Biscuit dough = fluffier bread. Pizza dough works too but the biscuit dough gives it a chewier and fluffier texture.
- Use string cheese: It melts evenly and is easy to portion.
- Make ahead: Assemble the tree up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Vegetarian version: Swap mini pepperoni for diced red bell pepper “ornaments.”
- Reheat like a pro: Warm leftovers at 350°F for 5–6 minutes to bring back that soft, buttery pull.
The Perfect Holiday Appetizer
This pull-apart cheesy garlic bread Christmas tree is everything you want in a holiday dish: buttery, garlicky, shareable, and irresistibly festive. It’s ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or as the centerpiece on your holiday appetizer spread. It’s also a fun dish to make with kids. Give it a try today and if you do, don’t forget to leave me a comment to let me know how it turned out!
Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 16.3 oz can of pre-made biscuit dough
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks cut into cubes
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 8 Mini pepperoni slices
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut each biscuit dough layer into quarters and wrap around mozzarella cubes to form balls.
- Arrange in the shape of a Christmas tree on the baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, garlic, and parsley. Brush half over dough.
- Decorate with mini pepperoni slices and top with parmesan and Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 14–16 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with remaining garlic butter. Serve warm with marinara sauce.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat at 350°F for 5–6 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the tree ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking.
- For a vegetarian version, skip pepperoni or use chopped red peppers as ornaments.
- Pizza dough can be used in place of biscuit dough for a chewier texture.
