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A festive Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread shaped like a Christmas tree, topped with cheese and herbs, sits ready to be enjoyed.

BEST Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread

This Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and delicious pull-apart appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Loaded with gooey cheese, aromatic herbs, and everything bagel seasoning, it's a show-stopping centerpiece that's surprisingly easy to make and will be a hit with everyone.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Everything bagel seasoning, for garnish
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish optional
  • Flour, for dusting if needed

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • Pizza cutter or sharp knife
  • Large bowl
  • small bowl
  • pastry brush
  • Rolling Pin
  • whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roll the thawed bread dough into a large rectangle, about 12x16 inches. If the dough is too sticky, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.
  4. Brush the seasoned olive oil mixture evenly over the dough.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and minced garlic. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
  6. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the seasoned dough.
  7. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into 2-inch wide strips.
  8. Stack 6-8 strips on top of each other.
  9. Cut the stacked strips into triangles, starting with a large triangle at the bottom and gradually decreasing the size as you move up. These will form the branches of your Christmas tree.
  10. Carefully transfer the cheese-filled triangles to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a Christmas tree shape. Leave a small space between each triangle to allow for expansion during baking.
  11. In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it evenly over the surface of the dough triangles.
  12. Sprinkle the top of the tree with everything bagel seasoning. Add fresh rosemary sprigs between the branches for a festive touch (optional).
  13. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  14. Remove from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

If the dough is too sticky to work with, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. If the cheese starts to ooze out during baking, gently push it back in with a spatula. If the top of the tree is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil for the last few minutes of baking. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even browning. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture. Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, Gruyere, or even a smoky Gouda. Spread a thin layer of pesto over the dough before adding the cheese for a burst of flavor. Mix in some cooked bacon bits, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions for extra savory goodness. Assembled bread can be covered tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.