Pull-Apart Christmas Tree

If you’re looking for a Christmas appetizer that doubles as the most adorable centerpiece, then let me introduce this easy, crowd-pleasing app. This Christmas tree pull-apart bread not only brings the cheesy, herby pizza-vibe to your spread, but it’s so easy to prepare. I use simple ingredients like store-bought pizza dough and mozzarella sticks to create this pull-apart bread in under an hour, making it an ideal last-minute appetizer when you just need one more addition to your spread. Keep reading on for everything you need to know on how to perfect this festive, cheesy tree:

What People Are Saying:
“Tried it for the first time and everyone loves it—both kids and adults alike. Didn't even need marinara sauce or any dip. Love it! “ - zja

“Great recipe! Was gone in seconds at my Christmas party!” - mck6695

How To Make A Pull-Apart Christmas Tree

INGREDIENTS

• Pizza Dough: No need for homemade pizza dough here—store-bought refrigerated pizza dough will work great in this recipe.
• Egg Wash: Simply mix 1 egg with 1 tbsp. of water to create the egg wash that will coat our cChristmas tree bites. This will help the bites to turn golden-brown while baking, and will give a shiny final look.
• Mozzarella Sticks: What creates the incredible cheese pull in this recipe? Simple, nostalgic mozzarella sticks cut into pieces. If you're not a mozz fan, no prob! Feel free to switch it out for any stretchy cheese your heart desires—Monterey Jack would also work perfectly.
• Butter & Parmesan: Mixing melted butter and Parmesan together creates the base to our herby butter mixture, which we brush on the tree after baking. I highly recommend using freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
  
• Herbs: I went with a mixture of parsley, basil, and rosemary, but you can get creative with your herbs, or add some extra flavor like garlic powder or Italian seasoning.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

First, preheat the oven to 450° and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, cut your mozzarella sticks into 1” pieces and set aside while we work on our dough.

Flour a work surface well, then divide the pizza dough into two pieces. Stretch and roll each piece of dough into a long rectangle using a rolling pin.

Then, cut the dough into around 2” squares. You’ll need 33 total, so aim for that. Once all of your squares are cut, wrap a dough square around each piece of cut mozzarella. Once you wrap it around, use your fingers to form it into a tightly sealed ball.

Then, place the balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. You want them all to touch here for the best possible effect. Then, brush the egg wash on the dough balls before baking. Bake until golden, which should take around 15 to 20 minutes.

While the tree is baking, whisk together melted butter, Parmesan, and the herbs. Once the pizza tree is done, brush the butter mixture all over. Then, serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce (mine is marinara).

The full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe below.

How To Serve A Pull-Apart Christmas Tree

To complete the pizza flavors, I love serving this app up with a batch of warm store-bought or homemade (if you're feeling fancy) marinara to dip in. But, your dipping options don't end there. This tree would also pair perfectly with ranch dressing, or even homemade cowboy butter. With that buttery, herb topping, this cheesy tree really speaks for itself—I won’t blame you if you serve it plain.

Make Ahead

Ideally, we think this appetizer is best served fresh, but if you make this ahead of time and reheat it, we recommend setting your oven to 250° and baking it for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can also form your dough balls and prep on a sheet, then bake when you’re ready to serve.