Bring some warmth and joy to your holiday table with this Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread — soft, buttery, and filled with gooey melted cheese. It’s festive, fun to share, and guaranteed to be the star of any gathering.
Want more inspiration? Discover more irresistible holiday bread recipes to fill your home with that cozy, fresh-baked aroma. Pair it with something savory from Explore our collection of cheesy appetizer ideas, or finish the meal with sweetness from Find your next festive comfort food favorite.
Simple to make and impossible to resist — this pull-apart bread is the ultimate holiday crowd-pleaser.
🧀 Ingredients:
- Pizza dough (one ball of raw dough)
- Mozzarella sticks
- Marinara sauce (or cooked tomato sauce)
- Melted butter
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Egg
- Dried Italian herbs (a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, etc.)
- Dried parsley
- Fresh basil, finely chopped
Instruction step by step
Step 1 – Prepare the Dough:
Cut your dough into small, even squares. Each square will become one fluffy roll — dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
Step 2 – Shape & Arrange:
Roll each square into a smooth ball and arrange them on parchment paper in the shape of a Christmas tree. This gives the bread a fun and festive look before baking!
Step 3 – Bake & Brush:
Bake until golden brown and perfectly puffed. Then brush generously with melted butter mixed with minced garlic and chopped parsley for that irresistible garlic-herb flavor.
👩🍳 Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Use whole milk mozzarella for a rich, gooey melt — it makes all the difference.
- Brush with butter and herbs before and after baking for that golden, flavorful crust.
- Don’t overwork the dough; keep it soft and airy for easy pull-apart pieces.
- Add your own twist with pepperoni, mushrooms, or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
- Serve warm — nothing beats that fresh-from-the-oven cheesy goodness!
Conclusion
There’s something magical about recipes that bring everyone together, and this Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread does exactly that. With its golden, buttery crust and gooey melted cheese, it captures the very essence of the holidays — warmth, comfort, and pure joy in every bite. Whether served as a centerpiece for your Christmas dinner, a side for brunch, or a fun appetizer to share, this bread always steals the show.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using just a few easy ingredients, you can create something that feels special and festive without spending hours in the kitchen. Pair it with marinara sauce for dipping, serve it alongside hearty soups, or enjoy it all on its own — it’s guaranteed to please every cheese lover at the table.
Print
Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread
Description
This festive Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread is a showstopping holiday appetizer! Made with soft, buttery dough filled with gooey melted cheese, it’s baked until golden brown and irresistibly fragrant. Perfect for sharing around the table — simply pull, dip, and enjoy the cheesy goodness with every bite.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tsp instant yeast
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Fresh parsley or rosemary for garnish
Instructions
Activate the yeast: In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Make the dough: Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise: Cover the dough and let it rest for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the bread: Punch down the dough and divide into small balls. Flatten each ball, add a pinch of mozzarella, and seal to form a stuffed ball.
Arrange: Place the cheese-filled balls in the shape of a Christmas tree on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Second rise: Cover and let rest for 20 minutes.
Bake: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder if desired. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve: Brush with extra butter and garnish with parsley or rosemary for a festive look.
Notes
You can fill the bread with different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or a mix for extra flavor.
Add small pieces of cooked spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a colorful touch.
Best served warm with marinara or garlic butter dip.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 260
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Protein: 9
