Name: Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz can jumbo biscuits, each biscuit cut into fourths; 7-8 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into 31 pieces; 4 tbsp salted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 large egg, beaten; Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

There’s something truly magical about tearing into a warm, golden, cheesy bite of bread shaped like a festive tree. This Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want to make the table feel extra special.

The image shows a Christmas tree shape made from 28 small round golden-brown baked bread balls arranged in a triangle on crumpled parchment paper. The bread balls are shiny and sprinkled with herbs, giving a textured look. The tree shape has six rows—one ball at the top, increasing by one with each lower row, and six balls on the bottom row. Around the tree, there are fresh green rosemary sprigs scattered. At the bottom right corner, there is a white measuring cup filled with a smooth red-orange dipping sauce. In the background, there is a white marbled surface with two glasses of light yellow drink placed to the top right, wine corks, a pair of black scissors, and some red berries adding a rustic feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe quickly became a favorite in my holiday repertoire because it combines show-stopping presentation with simple, delicious flavors everyone adores. The pull-apart style makes it a social food, perfect for sharing and savoring together.

Fun and Festive: The tree shape is charming and adds whimsy to your holiday table, creating an instant conversation starter.
Pull-Apart Perfection: Whether it’s kids or adults, everyone loves pulling apart these cheesy, garlicky bites.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t have to hunt for fancy items—common pantry staples come together to make magic.
Quick and Adaptable: It’s ready in under an hour, and you can easily customize the cheese or seasoning to match your tastes.

A close-up view of 15 shiny golden brown bread rolls clustered together on brown parchment paper, each roll topped with specks of black pepper and herbs, showing a soft and slightly textured surface. To the lower right edge, a small white bowl filled with smooth bright red dipping sauce adds color contrast. A sprig of green rosemary lies near the bowl on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe plays a role in balancing flavor, texture, and ease. Choosing the right cheese and dough sets you up for cheesy pull-apart goodness with crispy golden edges.

Flat lay of a pile of light golden biscuit dough quarters, several long white mozzarella cheese sticks cut into small chunks, a few peeled garlic cloves minced finely in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with melted golden butter, a small white bowl with Italian seasoning herbs, one large whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl filled with grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Jumbo Biscuits: Using pre-made biscuit dough keeps things quick and fluffy, giving you soft, pillowy bread that bakes beautifully.
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Mozzarella melts every time—gooey, stretchy, and mild—perfect for coating each bite in cheesy goodness.
Butter (Salted): Adds richness and helps create that irresistibly shiny, golden crust.
Garlic (Minced): Fresh garlic is key for that punch of savory aroma, making the bread extra mouthwatering.
Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend to elevate the flavor without overpowering, adding herbal notes.
Egg (Beaten): Brushing this on the dough ensures a gorgeous golden finish and that perfect slight crisp.
Optional Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle for finishing adds a touch of savory saltiness and an extra layer of interest.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I often swap out the mozzarella for pepper jack or add a handful of shredded cheddar if I want a sharper kick. Trust me, customizing this bread to fit your mood or what’s in your fridge just makes it even more satisfying—and it’s so forgiving!

Variation: One year, I added some finely chopped fresh rosemary to the garlic butter – it brought such a lovely piney aroma that paired perfectly with the Christmas tree theme.
Dietary Modifications: Use dairy-free cheese and vegan butter to adapt this recipe for plant-based friends; the concept still shines.
Make It Spicy: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes in the garlic butter for a gentle heat twist that guests will talk about.
Make it Ahead: Keep the unbaked assembled tree chilled overnight to bake fresh for guests, saving prep-time on the big day.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper—that makes cleanup a breeze! Cut each jumbo biscuit into four pieces, so you have 32 little squares. If you want to be precise, you’ll only need 31 for the tree, but having an extra lets you fix any mishaps or sneak a taste.

Step 2: Stuff Each Dough Piece with Cheese

Take a piece of dough and place a small piece of mozzarella cheese in the middle. Seal the edges carefully, rolling it into a smooth little ball. This step ensures you get that perfect oozy cheese in every pull-apart bite—don’t rush it, but don’t overstuff either to avoid oozing mess.

Step 3: Arrange the Tree and Egg-Wash

On your parchment-lined sheet, arrange the cheese balls into a Christmas tree shape with the seams side down—this helps the bread keep its shape during baking. Make sure they’re touching just enough so the bread pulls apart easily but still bakes in a cohesive mound. Whisk your egg and brush it gently all over the dough balls to get that golden crust.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 15-17 minutes, keeping an eye to avoid burning. If the top darkens too fast, a tent of foil will protect it while letting the inside cook through. Once done, your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!

Step 5: Garlic Butter Glaze and Finishing Touches

While the bread bakes, melt your butter and mix in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Right after you pull the bread out of the oven, brush the garlic butter all over generously, and sprinkle on Parmesan cheese if you like—this adds a piquant bite and enhances the festive feel.

Top Tip

My go-to tip when making this Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe is to seal each dough ball carefully around the cheese to prevent leaks—no one wants a greasy mess in the oven! Also, brushing on that egg wash evenly helps get that beautiful golden color and shiny crust.

Seal Securely: Pinch the dough edges tightly around the cheese, then roll gently so no gaps remain.
Watch the Bake Time: Ovens vary, so start checking at 15 minutes to catch the perfect golden brown without burning.
Brush While Hot: Apply the garlic butter right out of the oven to soak into the crust beautifully.
Extra Herb Boost: Try adding fresh chopped parsley on top after baking for a fresh color pop and herbal brightness.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this bread with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil—that green contrast makes it look even more like a proper Christmas tree! A little grated Parmesan adds that salty sparkle that guests appreciate too.

Side Dishes

Pair this bread with classic marinara and pesto sauces for dipping—they complement the garlic and cheese perfectly. It’s also great alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged the tree on a festive platter with small bowls of dips around it. Adding little toothpicks nearby turns it into a fun finger food station that’s easy for guests to nibble while mingling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover bread tightly or store it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. I’ve found that reheating in a toaster oven or air fryer helps restore its crisp exterior while keeping the cheese melty inside.

Freezing

This bread freezes wonderfully! I freeze the unbaked assembled tree wrapped well in plastic wrap, and when I’m ready, I bake it straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers, a quick reheat in the microwave works if you’re in a hurry, but I prefer the air fryer or toaster oven for crispier edges. Just a few minutes at medium heat, and it tastes freshly baked again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use another type of cheese in this Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for its meltiness, you can mix in cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses to suit your taste. Just keep the pieces small enough to seal inside the dough.

How far in advance can I assemble this bread?

You can assemble the bread a day in advance and keep it refrigerated, covered tightly with plastic wrap. Bake fresh on the day you want to serve it. This is a great time saver for busy holiday days.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a vegan spread and choose dairy-free cheese sticks that melt well. The biscuit dough can be replaced with your favorite vegan dough option or homemade recipe.

What dipping sauces go best with this bread?

Marinara and pesto are my favorites—they enhance the garlic and herb flavors beautifully. You could also try ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a little kick.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe has become a holiday tradition for me because it’s so easy to make, delicious, and brings a bit of festive fun to every celebration. Whether you’re serving it crowded around the table or enjoying it in a quiet moment with a cup of tea, I promise you’ll love how it pulls everyone in—literally and figuratively! Grab your dough, cheese, and garlic, and give it a try. It’s one of those recipes that tastes like a warm hug from the oven.