Pull-Apart Christmas Tree

A Festive, Cheesy Centerpiece for the Holidays

When the holidays get busy and you’re looking for a quick show-stopping appetizer, this Pull-Apart Christmas Tree is the one to make. It’s golden, cheesy, herby, and irresistibly fun to share. Using store-bought pizza dough and mozzarella sticks, this festive bread comes together in under an hour — perfect for a last-minute Christmas party addition or a cozy family night in.

Warm, melty cheese tucked inside golden bites of pizza dough, brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan — this tree doesn’t just look amazing, it tastes like holiday joy.

Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

💚 Quick & Easy: Uses refrigerated pizza dough — no kneading or rising required.
🧀 Ultra Cheesy: Every bite has that perfect mozzarella pull.
🎄 Festive & Fun: Shaped like a Christmas tree for instant holiday charm.
🍴 Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for both kids and adults — gone in minutes!

What You’ll Need

Pizza Dough: Store-bought dough is perfect here. It bakes up soft inside and crisp outside.
Mozzarella Sticks: Cut them into 1-inch pieces — the secret to that irresistible cheese pull.
Egg Wash: 1 egg + a splash of water for that golden, glossy finish.
Butter & Parmesan: Brushed on after baking for buttery, nutty richness.
Herbs: A festive mix of parsley, rosemary, and basil for aroma and color.
Optional Add-ins: Sprinkle on red pepper flakes, or serve with marinara or ranch for dipping.

Step-by-Step: How To Make It

Preheat & Prep: Set the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the Cheese: Slice each mozzarella stick into 5 pieces and set aside.
Shape the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle and cut into 2-inch squares (you’ll need about 33).
Wrap & Roll: Place a cheese piece in each square and pinch to form a sealed ball.
Build the Tree: Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape, making sure they touch.
Egg Wash & Bake: Brush with the egg wash and bake 15–20 minutes, until puffed and golden.
Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Parmesan, and herbs. Brush generously over the baked tree.
Serve: Sprinkle with more Parmesan and herbs. Serve warm with marinara or your favorite dip.

Serving Ideas

Serve this Pull-Apart Christmas Tree straight from the oven, with a side of warm marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even garlic butter. It’s perfect as an appetizer before Christmas dinner or as a centerpiece for a festive buffet table.

For a creative twist, you can even add mini pepperoni, sun-dried tomatoes, or tiny pieces of roasted red pepper before baking — turning your cheesy tree into an edible ornament masterpiece.

Make Ahead Tips

If you’re prepping ahead, you can assemble the dough balls earlier in the day and refrigerate them on a baking tray. When ready to bake, simply brush with egg wash and pop in the oven. To reheat leftovers, bake at 250°F for 10–15 minutes until the cheese melts again.