The ultimate party hack for festive gatherings!
This viral Christmas tree pull-apart bread is taking Pinterest by storm with 5M saves! Made with store-bought dough, garlic, and cheese, it’s the ultimate party hack for festive gatherings.
Imagine a golden-brown, cheesy garlic bread shaped like a Christmas tree that pulls apart effortlessly, leaving gooey cheese strings. This festive appetizer is easy to make, requires no special skills, and will make you the star of any holiday party.
Perfect for Christmas 2025, this recipe uses store-bought dough to save time while still delivering a restaurant-quality result. Your guests will be begging for the recipe!
The key to its viral success? A simple combination of ingredients that create a show-stopping centerpiece. Let’s dive into why this recipe works so well.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Time-Saving Hack
Uses store-bought dough for a 45-minute total prep-to-serve time. No kneading required!
💰 Budget-Friendly
Costs less than $5 per serving with basic ingredients like garlic, cheese, and rosemary.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
Serves 12 and creates a festive, interactive dining experience with pull-apart cheese strings.
🌟 Instagram-Worthy
The Christmas tree shape and golden-brown finish make it perfect for holiday photo spreads.
Viral Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
The ultimate party hack for festive gatherings!
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 lb store-bought pizza dough
- - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- - 3 cloves garlic, minced
- - 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- - 1 tbsp olive oil
- - 1/4 tsp salt
- - 1/4 tsp black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Dough: Roll out pizza dough into a rectangle. Brush with olive oil.
💡 Use a rolling pin to evenly stretch the dough to 12x8 inches.
Layer Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the dough.
💡 Add extra cheese for a richer flavor.
Add Garlic & Herbs: Sprinkle garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
💡 Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor.
Cut & Shape: Use a cookie cutter to cut dough into a tree shape. Stack 3 layers.
💡 For a 3D effect, stack three cutouts and press together.
Bake: Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.
💡 Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
Rest & Serve: Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh rosemary and serve with marinara.
💡 The cheese will stretch if pulled apart!
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Store-Bought Dough
Saves time while maintaining a light, fluffy texture. Look for refrigerated pizza dough for best results.
Substitutions: Use homemade dough if you have extra time.
Cheese
The mozzarella and Parmesan combination provides both meltability and rich flavor. Use shredded for even distribution.
Substitutions: Try provolone or gouda for a different flavor profile.
Rosemary
Adds a festive, aromatic touch. Fresh rosemary is recommended for maximum flavor.
Substitutions: Use dried rosemary or swap with thyme.
Marinara Sauce
Complements the cheese and garlic. Look for chunky marinara for texture.
Substitutions: Try ranch, garlic aioli, or balsamic glaze.
Pro Tips for Perfect Viral Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
✨ Tree Topper
Use a toothpick to insert a small red cherry tomato at the top of the tree for a festive touch.
🔥 Perfect Pull-Apart
Let the bread rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly for the best stringy pull-apart effect.
✂️ Easy Cutting
Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter for uniform layers. If unavailable, cut a triangle shape manually.
❄️ Make-Ahead Tip
Assemble the bread up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Variations & Customizations
Cheesy Garlic Twist
Add 2 tbsp of grated Parmesan to the cheese mixture for extra garlicky flavor.
Herb-Infused
Mix in 1 tsp of dried oregano or basil with the rosemary for a more complex flavor profile.
Spicy Version
Add 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes to the garlic mixture for a subtle kick.
Mini Trees
Cut smaller tree shapes for individual appetizer portions. Great for holiday buffets.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots and Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze complement the garlic flavor.
- Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Sparkling Wine: Prosecco or champagne pairs beautifully with the cheesy richness.
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble the bread up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unbaked bread for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why isn’t the cheese stretching?
A: Ensure the oven temperature is correct (400°F). Underbaked bread won’t develop the proper cheese texture.
Q: Can I use frozen dough?
A: Yes! Thaw dough according to package instructions before shaping and baking.
Q: How to prevent dough from shrinking?
A: Let the dough rest for 10 minutes after shaping to relax the gluten before baking.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free dough and substitute mozzarella with a vegan cheese alternative.
Final Thoughts
This viral Christmas tree pull-apart bread is more than just a recipe—it’s a party essential that combines ease, flavor, and visual appeal. With store-bought dough and simple ingredients, you’ll create a show-stopping appetizer that guests will pull apart in seconds. The gooey cheese strings and festive shape make it a hit at any holiday gathering.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or a New Year’s Eve party, this bread is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget the marinara for dipping! Get creative with variations and make it your own. Happy baking, and merry Christmas!
