Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and fun appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft biscuit dough stuffed with gooey mozzarella, seasoned with garlic and herbs, and baked to a golden brown creates a delicious centerpiece everyone will love to share.

Ingredients

• 16 oz can jumbo biscuits (each biscuit cut into fourths)
• 7-8 mozzarella cheese sticks (cut into 31 pieces)
• 4 tbsp salted butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Cut each biscuit into fourths to get 32 pieces total (you will use 31). Cut the mozzarella sticks into 31 pieces as well.
3. Step 3: Place a small piece of mozzarella on each dough square, then pinch and seal the edges tightly. Roll each sealed piece into a smooth ball with your hands.
4. Step 4: Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheet in a tree shape, seams down, making sure they touch slightly. Brush the tops gently with beaten egg using a pastry brush.
5. Step 5: Bake in the oven for 15-17 minutes until the bread turns golden brown. If it browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
6. Step 6: While baking, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning. As soon as the bread is out of the oven, brush the garlic butter mixture over the rolls and sprinkle with Parmesan if using.
7. Step 7: Serve warm, ideally with marinara sauce or pesto for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture or try a mix of cheeses like cheddar for added flavor.
• Substitute Italian seasoning with fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for a different aroma.
• Brush more garlic butter on the warm bread just before serving for extra richness.
• To make it gluten-free, you can use gluten-free biscuit dough if available.

Storage

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness and melt the cheese. For longer storage, freeze baked bread tightly wrapped for up to 1 month; thaw and reheat before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dough balls and shape the tree the day before. Keep it covered in the fridge overnight, then brush with egg and bake fresh before serving.

What dipping sauces pair well with this bread?

Traditional marinara and pesto work beautifully, but ranch dressing or a creamy garlic dip adds a nice variation as well.

Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

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This Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and fun appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft jumbo biscuit dough stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese is shaped into a Christmas tree, baked until golden, and brushed with a flavorful garlic butter seasoning. Ideal for sharing, this bread pairs wonderfully with marinara or pesto sauce for dipping.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 16 oz can jumbo biscuits (each biscuit cut into fourths)
• 7–8 mozzarella cheese sticks (cut into 31 pieces)
• 4 tbsp salted butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Cut Dough and Cheese: Cut each jumbo biscuit into fourths, totaling 32 pieces, but only use 31 of these. Slice the mozzarella cheese sticks into 31 pieces as well to match.
3. Fill and Shape Dough Balls: Place a small portion of mozzarella cheese on each dough square. Seal the edges securely around the cheese and roll each piece into a smooth ball with your hands to encase the cheese completely.
4. Arrange Dough Balls in Tree Shape: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet with seams facing downward, arranging them in a Christmas tree shape. Ensure the balls are touching slightly. Then, brush the surface gently with the beaten egg to encourage browning.
5. Bake the Bread: Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until the bread is golden brown. Watch carefully and if it browns too quickly, cover with foil to prevent burning.
6. Prepare Garlic Butter: While baking, melt the butter in a small pan and stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning to infuse the flavors.
7. Brush with Garlic Butter and Garnish: As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the pull-apart rolls. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
8. Serve: Serve the cheesy garlic Christmas tree bread warm with marinara or pesto dipping sauces for a delightful appetizer.

Notes

• Ensure dough balls are sealed tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to avoid sticking.
• If mozzarella sticks are unavailable, shredded mozzarella can be used but may be messier to handle.
• For added flavor, sprinkle Italian seasoning directly on the bread before baking in addition to the garlic butter brush.
• Serve immediately for best gooey and warm texture; leftovers can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil.

Keywords: cheesy garlic bread, pull-apart bread, Christmas tree bread, holiday appetizer, mozzarella bread, festive bread recipe