Cheesy Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread to Wow Your Guests This Fall

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This delightful pull-apart bread looks as festive as it tastes. When temperatures cool and leaves begin to change, warm up your kitchen with a cozy, cheesy bake shaped into a charming Christmas tree. It’s a one-pan party pleaser that blends the savory flavors of autumn herbs with melty, gooey cheese.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • Marinara sauce (for dipping)
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Instructions

To make this autumn-inspired Christmas tree, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough, aiming for a rectangular shape about ¼ inch thick.

Cut the dough into small squares—roughly 2×2 inches. Scoop a pinch of shredded mozzarella onto each piece, then pinch the corners together to form a small ball encasing the cheese. Place each dough ball seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, arranging them into a triangular Christmas tree shape.

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In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Brush this herbed butter mixture over the dough balls, then sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Remove the pull-apart “tree” from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before carefully transferring it to a serving plate. Serve warm, alongside a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

This recipe is wonderfully versatile and perfect for any level of home cook. If you prefer a milder herb flavor, swap the rosemary and thyme for parsley or basil. If you’re watching your sodium intake, reduce the extra salt and opt for low-sodium cheese. Whichever approach you take, this flavorful, shareable bread unites seasonal coziness with a fun holiday presentation—ideal for cozy fall dinners, casual get-togethers, or as a festive highlight at your holiday table.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.