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; 1 large egg, beaten; 4 tbsp salted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; Optional: grated parmesan cheese for garnish

There’s something magically festive and downright delicious about a freshly baked, buttery, and cheesy centerpiece. The Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe isn’t just bread—it’s a centerpiece that everyone will want to dig into (and it’s easier to make than you might think!). It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or just cozy winter nights when you want something warm and shareable on the table.

The dish is shaped like a Christmas tree made of small round bread rolls with a golden brown, slightly shiny crust, sprinkled with herbs and black pepper. The rolls are arranged in a triangular pattern with six layers: the top layer has 1 roll, the second has 2, the third has 3, the fourth has 5, the fifth has 6, and the bottom has 7 rolls, creating a full tree shape. The bread sits on crumpled brown parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface scattered with fresh rosemary sprigs. To the bottom right of the bread tree, there is a small white cup filled with bright red sauce. Around the scene, there are three glasses with a light golden drink and various rustic kitchen items that add a cozy 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

I’ve made this Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe more times than I can count over holidays and casual weekends alike. It’s one of those recipes you want to serve because it brings everyone together — from kids tearing it apart to adults savoring the cheesy, garlicky goodness. The aroma alone is a total showstopper!

Super Shareable: It’s made in pull-apart balls, so everyone can grab a cheesy, gooey bite without any fuss.
Festive Shape: The Christmas tree form adds a playful and decorative touch, making it perfect for holiday tables.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of what you need on hand, especially if you keep cheese sticks and biscuits stocked.
Customizable Flavor: You can tweak the garlic, herbs, or even cheeses to suit your taste or dietary needs.

A close-up view of a cluster of soft, round golden brown dinner rolls baked closely together, each roll topped with small specks of herbs and a shiny, slightly oily surface. The rolls are placed on crinkled brown parchment paper over a white marbled surface. In the lower right corner, a small white bowl filled with smooth reddish-orange dipping sauce is partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe plays a part in creating that tender, flavorful pull-apart bread that’s bursting with garlic and melty cheese. I love that the combination is straightforward but yields such impressive results.

Flat lay of a dozen golden jumbo biscuit dough pieces each cut into fourths arranged neatly, a cluster of fresh white mozzarella cheese sticks sliced into multiple pieces, a small white ceramic bowl filled with melted golden butter, three peeled garlic cloves next to a tiny pile of minced garlic, a small white bowl containing a mix of dried Italian seasoning herbs, one large whole brown egg with an uncracked shell, and a small white ceramic bowl holding finely grated pale parmesan cheese, all placed 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: These form the soft, flaky dough base. Using canned biscuits means no yeast drama — quick and foolproof!
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Cutting these into pieces makes the perfect gooey cheesy center inside each dough ball.
Salted Butter: Essential for that rich garlicky brush-and-baste finish that keeps every bite irresistibly moist.
Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic adds punchy, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery dough.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds classic depth and warmth without overpowering.
Large Egg: Used to brush the dough before baking, giving it a glossy, golden look.
Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Adds a savory touch and a bit of crunch on top if you like an extra cheesy crust.

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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 love playing around with the cheeses in this recipe. Sometimes I swap half the mozzarella for a little sharp cheddar or pepper jack when I want a flavor punch. Feel free to sprinkle in some chili flakes for a spicy kick or add fresh rosemary to the garlic butter for a festive twist. This bread loves a bit of customization, so make it yours!

Cheese Swap: Using a mix of mozzarella and provolone gives a more complex cheese flavor — tried it once, and it was a hit at my family party.
Herb Twist: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top after baking adds freshness and color, which kids often delight in.
Garlic Butter Variations: Sometimes I stir in a little smoked paprika or lemon zest into the garlic butter for a surprising twist.
Dietary Modification: For gluten-free versions, try gluten-free biscuit dough and a dairy-free cheese alternative to fit special diets.

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

Step 1: Prep the biscuit dough and cheese

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. I like to cut each jumbo biscuit into four pieces — aiming for about 32 pieces, but you’ll only need 31 because one is an extra “just in case.” Then cut your mozzarella sticks into 31 bite-sized pieces. This step is super satisfying—the tiny dough pieces will cradle those melty cheese bites perfectly.

Step 2: Stuff and shape the dough balls

Take each biscuit piece and place a small chunk of mozzarella in the center. Pinch the edges closed tightly to seal in the cheese (this is key to avoid ooze-outs). Then roll the piece smoothly between your hands into a neat ball. I find wetting my fingers slightly helps with sealing without sticking too much.

Step 3: Form the Christmas tree shape

Arrange the dough balls on your parchment paper, seams down, so they won’t split open as they bake. Shape them into a Christmas tree pattern—wider at the base, tapering to a point at the top. The balls should just touch but not be squished together. This spacing lets them bake golden and puff nicely.

Step 4: Brush and bake

Whisk your egg and gently brush it over the dough balls for that gorgeous golden finish. Bake for 15-17 minutes, watching closely toward the end. If the bread starts browning too fast, tent it with foil—your oven’s heat can be sneaky! Meanwhile, melt the butter, then stir in your minced garlic and Italian seasoning.

Step 5: Finish with garlic butter and optional Parmesan

As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, brush that fragrant garlic butter all over the warm bread balls. If you’re a Parmesan fan, sprinkle some on top now for a lovely textured finish. Serve immediately with marinara or pesto sauces for dipping — trust me, it’ll disappear fast!

Top Tip

I’ve baked this Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe more times than I can count, and a few lessons really helped me bring it from “meh” to amazing every time. These tips make sure your bread comes out perfectly soft, cheesy, and golden—without any pesky cheese leaks or hard edges.

Seal It Tight: Pinch dough edges firmly so no cheese escapes during baking — I wet my fingertips to close the dough balls perfectly.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the dough balls a little room, or they’ll bake mushy instead of fluffy and golden.
Watch Browning: If the tops get too dark, cover loosely with foil — your oven heat might vary, just keep an eye.
Garlic Butter Flair: Mix garlic into melted butter just before brushing so the flavor stays fresh and bright.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe

cheesy garlic bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of green—it really makes the bread feel festive and fresh. Sometimes I add a little extra Parmesan after baking for that salty crunch. A few red pepper flakes give a warm, subtle heat that’s surprisingly addictive.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this bread alongside classic marinara sauce and a vibrant basil pesto. It also pairs beautifully with a big salad or soup, like tomato bisque or creamy butternut squash, making for a cozy, balanced meal that feels like a holiday treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I once presented the bread whole on a wooden board surrounded by little bowls of dipping sauces and fresh herb sprigs. Kids loved grabbing the little cheese-filled balls, and adults enjoyed the novelty of pulling the bread apart together. You can also set it on a festive platter lined with parchment paper decorated with edible glitter or cranberries for extra sparkle!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Christmas tree bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or inside an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you want to enjoy it again, just reheat—it's surprisingly good the next day!

Freezing

Freeze unbaked shaped dough on the baking sheet, covered well with plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. When you want to serve it, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This method saves so much time on busy holidays!

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I reheat in a hot air fryer for 3-5 minutes or toss in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Microwaving works if you're short on time, but the crust tends to soften slightly. Either way, dunk it back into your favorite dipping sauce, and it tastes just as comforting as fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough would work wonderfully, just make sure it’s slightly chilled and easier to handle for forming the balls. Baking time may vary by a couple of minutes depending on your dough’s consistency.

What dipping sauces go best with this cheesy bread?

Classic marinara and basil pesto are my go-tos, but you can also try ranch dressing, a spicy arrabbiata sauce, or even a creamy garlic aioli to add a different flavor dimension.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the tree on your baking sheet, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready, just bake as instructed. This is a huge time saver, especially on busy holiday mornings or party days.

What if my bread is browning too quickly in the oven?

If you notice the bread browning too fast, simply cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time. This will prevent burning while allowing the inside to cook through perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Garlic Christmas Tree Bread Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s more than just tasty—it’s about creating moments. Moments where people gather, laugh, and share good food that feels homemade yet effortless. I can’t recommend you try shaping one up at home enough. Trust me, your kitchen will smell incredible, and you’ll be the star of the next holiday party or family dinner. Happy baking and happy holidays!