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Easy Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread
Anne Newgent

Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread

A show-stopping holiday appetizer shaped like a festive Christmas tree. Each bite-sized dough ball hides a gooey mozzarella center, brushed with garlic-herb butter and finished with Parmesan for irresistible flavor and energy-packed satisfaction.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 15 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian American
Calories: 140
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Energy Base
  • 1 can (13 oz) refrigerated pizza dough Provides a quick, reliable, and energizing foundation.
For the Protein Core
  • 6-7 pieces mozzarella cheese sticks High-protein core for a gooey center.
For the Golden Glaze
  • 1 large egg For brushing dough before baking.
  • 1 tbsp water Whisked with egg for golden-brown finish.
For the Power-Packed Topping
  • 3 tbsp butter Melted for brushing baked bread.
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese Divided; adds savory protein-rich flavor.
  • 1 clove garlic Finely grated for bold flavor.
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley Finely chopped.
  • 0.5 tbsp fresh rosemary Finely chopped.
  • 0.5 tbsp fresh basil Finely chopped.
For Serving
  • marinara or pesto sauce For dipping.

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Unroll pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Cut into 30 equal squares using a pizza cutter.
  3. Cut mozzarella sticks into 30 bite-sized pieces. Place one piece of cheese on each dough square.
  4. Wrap the dough around the cheese, pinching seams tightly to seal. Roll into smooth balls.
  5. Arrange the balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape, lightly touching.
  6. Whisk egg and water together. Brush lightly over the dough for a glossy golden finish.
  7. Bake for 16–18 minutes until golden-brown and puffed.
  8. Meanwhile, melt butter and stir in grated garlic, fresh herbs, and half of the Parmesan.
  9. Immediately brush baked bread with garlic-herb butter and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
  10. Serve warm with marinara or pesto dipping sauce.

Notes

Make-ahead tip: Assemble and refrigerate unbaked tree for up to 24 hours. For freezing, shape balls and freeze solid, then bake after thawing. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days; reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.