Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread is a festive and flavorful treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Layered with garlic butter and three types of cheese, it pulls apart easily and pairs wonderfully with your favorite dip. Its tree shape adds a charming touch to any celebration.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 105–110°F)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 2–3 cloves garlic (minced or 1 tsp garlic powder)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing after baking)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or rosemary
• Extra shredded cheese for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Meanwhile, mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture to the flour and stir until a sticky dough forms.
2. Step 2: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours until doubled.
3. Step 3: Punch down the risen dough and divide into two equal halves. Roll out one half into a 12×18 inch rectangle and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roll out the second half similarly and cover to prevent drying.
4. Step 4: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Spread this evenly over the first dough rectangle.
5. Step 5: Carefully place the second dough rectangle over the cheese layer. Press edges to seal and smooth the surface, trimming if needed to align layers.
6. Step 6: Cut a large triangle shape (tree) from the layered dough. Remove excess dough and lightly score a line down the center for the trunk without cutting through.
7. Step 7: Cut horizontal strips about 1 inch apart on each side of the trunk, stopping before the center. Twist each strip 2–3 times to create branches. Press any oozing cheese back inside.
8. Step 8: Brush the entire tree with melted butter. Sprinkle with extra herbs, cheese, or chili flakes. Let rest for 10–15 minutes to puff slightly.
9. Step 9: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 20–25 minutes until golden and cheese is melted. Cover with foil if browning too quickly. Brush with melted butter after baking.
10. Step 10: Cool for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary, and serve warm with marinara, garlic butter, or cheese dip.

Tips & Variations

• Use warm milk around 105–110°F to activate yeast without killing it.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.
• Substitute cheddar with your favorite sharp cheese for varied flavor.
• Cover the bread with foil in the last minutes if it browns too fast.
• Serve with a festive dip bowl placed at the base of the tree for presentation.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warm. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough the day before, let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh garlic?

You can substitute 1 tsp garlic powder for the minced garlic in the recipe for convenience without losing the garlic flavor.

Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 303 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 pull-apart Christmas bread (8–10 servings) 1x

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Description

This Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Bread is a festive, flavorful centerpiece perfect for holiday gatherings. Fluffy, soft bread layers are filled with a rich garlic butter and a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Shaped like a Christmas tree and baked to golden perfection, it’s irresistible for sharing and easy to tear apart.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 105–110°F)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg

Cheese Filling:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 –3 cloves garlic (minced or 1 tsp garlic powder)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For Brushing and Garnish:

• 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing after baking)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or rosemary
• Extra shredded cheese for topping

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Divide and Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide into two halves. Roll out each half into 12×18 inch rectangles. Place the first rectangle on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover the second to prevent drying.
4. Make the Garlic Cheese Filling: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Spread evenly over the first dough rectangle.
5. Add the Top Dough Layer: Place the second dough rectangle on top of the cheese layer, press edges gently, and smooth surface to remove air pockets. Trim edges if necessary for alignment.
6. Shape the Christmas Tree: Cut a large triangle from the layered dough and remove extra dough. Score a central vertical line for the tree trunk without cutting through it.
7. Cut and Twist the Branches: Cut horizontal strips 1 inch apart on both sides of the trunk line, stopping before the trunk line. Twist each strip 2–3 times to form spiral branches, pressing any oozing cheese back into dough.
8. Brush and Rest: Brush the entire tree with melted butter, sprinkle with herbs, cheese, or chili flakes, and let rest for 10–15 minutes to puff slightly.
9. Bake the Bread: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and melted inside. Cover with foil if browning too quickly. After baking, brush with more melted butter for shine.
10. Garnish and Serve: Let cool 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or rosemary and serve warm with marinara, garlic butter, or cheese dip for dipping.

Notes

• Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to activate yeast properly.
• Avoid adding too much flour during kneading to keep bread soft.
• Use a ruler to roll dough into precise rectangles for even layering.
• Keep the center trunk line uncut to hold the shape of the tree together.
• Resting the shaped dough before baking allows it to puff nicely.
• If bread browns too quickly, use foil to prevent burning.
• Serve with your favorite dips for extra flavor and presentation appeal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas bread, pull-apart bread, cheesy bread, holiday recipe, garlic cheese bread, festive appetizer