Festive Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread
If you're looking for something to serve to your family and friends that will get everyone in the holiday spirit, try this Festive Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread. This easy Christmas appetizer recipe is great for feeding a crowd and takes almost no time at all to prepare. You'll keep everyone satisfied during your annual holiday party with this easy pull apart bread, while you prepare the main course. Mozzarella, basil, garlic, butter and salt come together inside a delightfully-savory bread recipe, that tastes great paired with a marinara dipping sauce, cheese sauce, or all by itself. Stuff your belly, while you stuff the stockings with this super tasty snack!
Notes
- If you don’t have fresh basil, substitute 1 teaspoon mixed Italian dry herbs.
- See where we got the inspiration for this recipe!
For other pull apart bread recipes that are perfect for any time of the year, try our collection, 11 Addictive Pull Apart Bread Recipes.
Cooking Time15 min
Cooking MethodOven
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
- 1 (13.8-ounce) tube refrigerated pizza crust
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons basil leaves, chopped finely (see note)
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 cup marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a small food processor combine cream cheese, shredded cheese and minced garlic, pulsing until well mixed.
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Unroll the pizza crust and use fingers to stretch or press it into about 10 x 15 inches. Cut into 36 equal size squares. Measure a scant teaspoon of the cheese mixture and place it on each square. Pull up corners and pinch to seal, rolling the dough into a ball shape. Place on the bake sheet in rows: 8 at the bottom, then 7, then 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 to form a tree shape.
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Combine butter and herbs in a small bowl and microwave to melt. Brush about half this mixture over the dough balls and bake for about 15 minutes until nicely browned. Immediately brush with the remaining butter mixture (rewarm if necessary) and sprinkle with the coarse salt.
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Carefully slide from the parchment to a serving tray and serve with the warm sauce for dipping.
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Eugenia
Nov 17, 2017
This looks like the perfect dish for a family dinner! Such a great idea and not too complicated to make!
Rnbowgrl
Jul 30, 2017
Omg this is the cutest thing ever...and I love the ideas of the Easter egg and Valentines Day shapes BeckySue. How creative and now that my mind has completely run away from me...I'm thinking how about combining other stuff with the cheese? Maybe some finely chopped meat such as ham, chicken, bacon or anything you're in the mood for. Or you can do a flavor theme for each holiday too!
Maggie G
Dec 21, 2016
This is so cute and looks delicious! I love how some people have made it into different shapes based on the season. Thanks for the great suggestions! Feel free to mix and match the cheeses and spices/herbs used to make a different appetizer every time!
BeckySue
Mar 09, 2016
It's not Christmas time, so I made this in the shape of a shamrock! People thought it was so cute! I brushed it with butter and dried parsley on top to be a little green and look like a shamrock or clover. You could make it in the shape of a heart for Valentine's day and sprinkle paprika on the buttered top. Maybe even an Easter egg and sprinkle with colored salt stripes!
rjgosnell 4503681
Dec 08, 2015
Oh I can't wait to try this, it is so festive! Thank you for the recipe!!!
shelfconsciouskati e
Dec 08, 2015
I love this pull-apart bread. It's so cute and festive, and really tasty, too!
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