This Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is a festive and fun centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Warm, soft dough is twisted with a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, then baked until golden and bubbly. It is an interactive and delicious appetizer that brings everyone together.
1 pound store-bought pizza dough, thawed if frozen
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Marinara sauce or pesto, for serving
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and half of the parsley to make a garlic butter wash.
In a medium bowl, mix together mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
On a floured surface, roll or stretch the pizza dough into a large triangle, about 14 inches tall and 12 inches wide at the base.
Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, make 1.5-inch wide horizontal cuts from the outside edge toward the center, stopping about 1 inch from the center line to create strips.
Brush the entire surface of the dough with the garlic butter mixture, including between the cuts.
Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the dough, getting plenty into the spaces between the strips.
Carefully lift each strip of dough and twist it away from the center two or three times to form the tree branches.
Transfer the shaped tree on the parchment paper to the baking sheet.
Brush the top with any remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with dried oregano and the remaining parsley.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Serve immediately warm with marinara sauce or pesto for dipping.
Do not overstuff the dough with cheese to prevent tearing and leaking. Use parchment paper for easy release and cleanup. Serve right away for the best gooey, pull-apart texture. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free pizza dough.