Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread

This show-stopping Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is the ultimate edible centerpiece for your holiday table. Fluffy rolls are stuffed with gooey mozzarella, brushed generously with Italian-seasoned butter, and baked to golden, pull-apart perfection in a tree shape. Every bite is warm, cheesy, and irresistibly savory, guaranteed to have everyone reaching for “just one more” piece.

Easy Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

The December holidays are the perfect time to add a little creativity, and a lot of deliciousness, to your table. This Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread does exactly that. Festive, eye-catching, and irresistibly soft, it turns a simple appetizer into a centerpiece everyone will gather around.

Best of all, it couldn’t be easier to make. Using frozen dinner rolls as a shortcut saves time without sacrificing that warm, homemade taste and fluffy texture. Simply arrange the rolls into a tree shape, let them rise, bake until golden, and finish with your favorite toppings, think garlic butter, herbs, parmesan, or even a sprinkle of flaky salt.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, bringing a dish to share, or just looking for a fun kitchen project with the kids, this pull-apart bread delivers festive charm with minimal effort. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to disappear quickly!

Key ingredients to make Rhodes rolls Christmas Tree Bread: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Bread – Frozen yeast rolls (these are raw unbaked dough rounds i.e. Rhodes rolls or similar). 
• Cheese – Mozzarella cheese sticks cut into thirds (for 30 total) for the gooey centers.
• Butter – Salted butter for a buttery flavor.
• Seasonings – Italian seasoning, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic and chopped fresh Italian parsley.
• Topping – Finely grated Parmesan cheese for a salty crust.
• Decorations – Fresh rosemary sprigs and halved cherry tomatoes for garnishing.
• Serving Sauce – Warm marinara or pizza sauce for serving.

How to Make the Best Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

• Prep the Rolls – Leave rolls on counter until thawed, but still cool to the touch.
• Fill the Rolls with Cheese – Press each piece of dough into a 2-circle. Center one piece of mozzarella in the dough. Pull sides of dough together and pinch together to seal.
• Transfer to Pan and Form the Tree Shape – Arrange rolls seam side down on pan side by side, touching. Follow the recipe for how many rolls per row. Cut into a star shape with a cookie cutter, place on top.
• Let Rise – Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a draft free place for 1 hour.
• Garlic Butter – Make garlic butter. Brush rolls on all sides liberally using a pastry brush. Reserve half for after baking.
• Oven – Bake per the baking time in the recipe until golden brown and puffed. Remove from oven and brush with reserved butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and remaining chopped parsley.
• Serve – Decorate with sprigs of rosemary and cherry tomato halves then serve immediately with warm marinara sauce or pizza sauce for dipping.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread Recipe

• A large sheet pan.
• Knife and cutting board.
• Small bowl and pastry brush.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Use Unbaked Yeast Rolls – The dinner rolls used for this recipe are unbaked rounds of dough. You can use Rhodes rolls or a similar brand that you enjoy.
• Don’t Thaw Completely – In the initial thawing of the dough, it’s important not to let them go too far and begin to rise. 10-15 minutes should be ample time to allow the dough to be workable so you can flatten and stuff with cheese. Think thawed but still cold.
• Garlic Butter – While the rolls bake, the butter mixture will cool to room temperature and will need to be reheated in the microwave for brushing on the tops of the rolls after baking.
• Cheese – You can use a block of mozzarella cheese that’s been cubed in place of mozzarella cheese sticks. You could also use a different flavor of cheese like monterey jack cheese, pepper jack cheese, swiss cheese or cheddar cheese, if desired.
• Use a Cookie Cutter – To make the topper use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut the star into the shape you want for the tree topper. If you prefer an angel or another shape for your tree topper, go for it!
• Sweet Option – You could use this same technique using cinnamon rolls. Top with cream cheese frosting and serve for Christmas brunch.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftover Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread wrapped in foil or in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat gently in small servings in the microwave, in an air fryer or in a preheated 350 degree f oven for a few minutes.
• Freezer – You could freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Easy Southern Bread Recipes to Make

Whether you’re planning a casual gathering with friends, cooking dinner for the family or looking for a gooey cheesy appetizer, I’ve got you! More delicious bread recipes you may also like to try:

• Cheesy Garlic and Herb Bread is made using a bread loaf from the grocery store bakery.
• Gooey Pepper Jack Cheese Bread is ideal for snacking on game day and parties.
• Pull Apart Cheesy Bread Wreath is filled with a pesto seasoned cheese filling.
• Supreme Pizza Pull Apart Bread is impossible to resist.
• Easy No Knead Yeast Rolls will turn you into a believer of no knead bread.
• Cheddar Chive Spoonbread is moist and couldn’t be easier to make.
• This recipe for Cheese Rolls is a savory bread made like cinnamon rolls.
• Gluten Free Dinner Rolls from Iowa Girl Eats.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Sheet Pans
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Serving Spatula
• Basting Brushes