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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
Make the Garlic Cheese Filling: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Spread evenly over the first dough rectangle.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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