Festive Christmas tree pull-apart garlic bread stuffed with cheese and brushed with delicious garlic butter.
This festive Christmas tree pull-apart garlic bread is stuffed with gooey melted cheese, brushed with garlic butter, and topped with Parmesan “snow,” fresh rosemary, and cranberries for ornaments. The ultimate holiday showstopper that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!
Why should you try this garlic bread recipe for the holidays
This Christmas tree pull-apart garlic bread is the ultimate holiday centerpiece that brings both flavor and festive fun to your table. Stuffed with gooey melted cheese, brushed with buttery garlic and herbs, and sprinkled with Parmesan “snow,” this bread is irresistible, perfect for sharing with family and friends during Christmas dinner.
What makes it so amazing is its soft, fluffy texture combined with the savory, cheesy filling in every bite. Shaped like a Christmas tree and decorated with rosemary “branches” and cranberry “ornaments,” it’s not only delicious but a stunning addition to your holiday spread. It’s a recipe that everyone loves because it’s interactive, easy to pull apart, and so satisfying to eat, whether as an appetizer, side dish, or centerpiece. Plus, it’s a great way to bring people together, creating warm, cozy moments around the table during the holidays.
The inspiration for this Pull apart Christmas tree garlic bread:
Everyone in our family loves bread, so we wanted to create a fun and delicious Christmas pull-apart garlic bread that everyone could enjoy during the holidays. This cheesy pull-apart garlic bread is perfect for sharing and pulling apart, making it a hit at any Christmas dinner. You can easily adjust the size to suit your guests, whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a larger celebration. Stuffed with gooey melted cheese and packed with savory flavor, it’s the ultimate Christmas tree pull-apart garlic bread to bring joy to your holiday table.
What equipment do i need to make pull apart Christmas Garlic bread
- Mixing bowls — one for the sponge mixture and another to combine the rest of the ingredients together to form the dough.
- Stand mixer or electric mixer – For kneading the dough and ensuring a smooth, elastic texture. This helps speed up the process and ensures your dough is well-mixed.
- Measuring cups and spoons or kitchen scale – For accurately measuring all the ingredients.
- Rolling pin – To flatten to dough to stuff it with cheese, you can also use your hands instead.
- Parchment paper – To line the baking sheet, preventing the bread from sticking and making clean-up easier.
- Baking sheet – To bake the Christmas tree pull-apart garlic bread on. You’ll want a large enough sheet to arrange all the dough balls in the shape of a tree.
- Pastry brush – For brushing the garlic butter mixture over the bread and the egg wash, ensuring every ball is coated evenly for extra flavor.
- Oven mitts – For safely removing the hot Christmas pull-apart garlic bread from the oven.
- Cooling rack – To let the bread cool after baking, allowing it to maintain its fluffy texture without becoming soggy.
- Oven — to bake the bread
These tools help you prepare the festive pull-apart garlic bread efficiently and ensure the best results for your holiday celebration.
Click here to buy all the products we used to make this delicious Garlic bread
List of ingredients needed to make garlic bread :
What ingredients do you need to make a pull apart Christmas tree bread?
- Warm water – Used to activate the active dry yeast in the sponge mixture.
- Active dry yeast – Added to the warm water to help the dough rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
- Sugar – Used in the sponge mixture to feed the yeast and help it activate.
- Flour – The main ingredient for the dough, providing structure and texture.
- Milk – Added to the dough for richness and to help create a soft, tender texture.
- Butter – Mixed into the dough for flavor and a soft crumb. Used to brush on top of the bread too.
- Salt – Added to the dough to enhance flavor and control yeast activity.
- Milk powder (optional) – Can be added to the dough for a richer, softer texture (optional, but adds flavor).
- Parsley – Used in the garlic butter mixture for brushing and for added flavor.
- Mozzarella – Stuffed inside the dough balls to create a cheesy center that pulls apart when eaten.
- Garlic – Included in the garlic butter mixture to brush on top for flavor.
- Parmesan cheese – Sprinkled on top after baking to add a savory, cheesy Snowy finish.
- Cranberries – Used for decorating the Christmas tree-shaped bread to act as festive “ornaments.”
- Rosemary – Used for decoration to mimic tree branches, adding a touch of greenery and flavor.
- Egg – To brush the bread before baking.
Different variations of this recipe and possible substitutions:
If you want to make this Christmas tree pull-apart garlic bread but don’t have all the ingredients, or if you’re looking to try something different, here are some great substitutions and variations:
- Milk powder – This is optional; you can skip it.
- Mozzarella – Try using cheddar cheese or fontina for a different cheesy experience in the center of your bread. If you don’t like cheese, skip this part and make this bread just as Christmas tree pull part garlic bread with no cheese.
- Cranberries – If cranberries aren’t available, use pomegranate seeds or even small cherry tomatoes for a festive touch.
- Milk – Swap out regular milk with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Butter – Use olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative without sacrificing flavor.
You can also make this Christmas tree pull-apart garlic bread in a sweet version! Instead of cheese, stuff the dough balls with chocolate spread for a delicious chocolatey surprise. After baking, sprinkle powdered sugar on top to mimic snow, then add cranberries (or even blueberries) as ornaments for a festive, sweet touch. This sweet variation is perfect for those who enjoy a dessert-style pull-apart bread to celebrate the holidays!
Can I make bread without active dry yeast?
Yes, you can absolutely make bread without active dry yeast! You can substitute it with either fresh yeast or instant yeast. Here’s how to make the substitution:
Fresh yeast: Fresh yeast is typically used in a 2:1 ratio compared to active dry yeast. So, if your recipe calls for 1 packet (about 7g) of active dry yeast, you’ll need 14g of fresh yeast. Crumble and add it to your dough ingredients without needing to be activated before.
Instant Yeast: You can use instant yeast in the same amount as active dry yeast (so if your recipe calls for 7g of active dry yeast, use 7g of instant yeast).Instant yeast doesn’t need to be activated like active dry yeast, so you can simply mix it directly into the dry ingredients.
Common questions on how to make a Pull Apart Christmas tree garlic bread:
Can I make pull-apart Christmas tree bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough for your Christmas tree pull-apart garlic bread the day before, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. On Christmas day, just assemble the bread, let it do a final proof, bake it and brush it with garlic butter. This saves you time while still delivering a fresh, hot, and cheesy Christmas pull-apart garlic bread.
How do you make garlic bread with fresh garlic?
To make garlic bread with fresh garlic, finely chop or crush the garlic cloves and mix them with melted or soft butter, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Then, brush it on top of your bread after it has baked. You can leave it in the oven a couple minutes so the garlic cooks.
What can I substitute for cheese in pull-apart Christmas tree bread?
If you want to make a sweet version of pull-apart Christmas tree bread or don’t have cheese, you can substitute with Nutella or chocolate chips for a festive dessert twist. Simply stuff the dough balls with Nutella before shaping them into a tree and top with powdered sugar after baking to mimic snow. You can use blueberries or cranberries as ornaments. Don’t use garlic butter!
Can I freeze pull-apart garlic bread?
Yes, after you bake it, make sure to put it in ziplock bags or freezer bags and keep it in the freezer. Thaw overnight and put it in the preheated oven at 350 ºF (175 ºC) for about 7 minutes or until warm.
How do I make garlic bread with mozzarella?
To make garlic bread with mozzarella, simply stuff each dough ball with shredded mozzarella cheese before assembling the tree. Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy surprise in every pull-apart bite of your Christmas pull-apart garlic bread.
Best tips on how to make a Pull apart Christmas tree garlic bread
– Make sure your yeast is activated correctly by using warm water (around 100°F/37°C). If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, it won’t activate. Once it’s frothy, you’re good to go!
– Knead your dough just until it’s smooth and elastic. Overworking it can lead to tough bread.
– Give your dough enough time to proof. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot. The dough should double in size. This will ensure your bread is light, airy, and fluffy. Longer rise times often lead to better flavor.
– When you’re stuffing the dough balls with mozzarella or another cheese, make sure it’s well-sealed to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.
– When shaping your dough into a Christmas tree, take your time to make sure it looks symmetrical. Don’t worry about perfection, this is a fun and rustic bread, but the more attention you give to the shape, the more impressive it will look on the table.
– For the best flavor, make sure to brush your pull-apart Christmas tree garlic bread with plenty of butter, parsley, and garlic after it has been baked. Once you’ve brushed it, pop it back into the oven for a minute or two to allow the flavors to infuse and the butter to melt into the bread. Afterward, let it cool slightly, then enjoy the warm, flavorful, and garlicky Christmas bread with your family and friends!
How to garnish and decoration tips before serving:
To make your Christmas pull-apart garlic bread truly festive, make sure to use lots of parsley in the butter so the bread looks beautifully green, resembling a Christmas tree. Then, add cranberries or pomegranate seeds for ornaments to create a vibrant, festive touch. Rosemary sprigs can be added as extra branches, adding texture and a lovely scent. For a snowy look, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top to mimic the effect of snow on the tree. If you want to go the extra mile, you can make a star on top using yellow pepper for a bright, eye-catching finish to your pull-apart Christmas tree bread!
Previous preparation before cooking baking
– Chop the garlic and parsley ahead of time so you don’t have to rush through it at the last moment. This will save you time when assembling the Christmas bread.
– Beat an egg and store it in the fridge until you need it for the egg wash. This will keep it ready for when you’re painting the dough for that perfect golden finish.
– Cut the cheese into cubes, place them in a bowl, and cover with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. This makes it easy to stuff into the dough balls without any hassle.
– Weigh and measure all ingredients ahead of time. Having everything ready and pre-measured will ensure a smoother, more organized baking process, and allow you to focus on the fun part—shaping and decorating the Christmas tree bread.
YouTube video recipe on how to make Pull Apart Christmas garlic bread:
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Recipe to make pull apart Christmas tree garlic bread
Recipe in cups and grams. You can find the cup measurements in the printable recipe scrolling down at the end.
Ingredients
dough
- 90 grams warm water
- 7 grams active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 300 grams all purpose flour
- 90 grams milk
- 70 grams soft butter
- 1 teaspoon milk powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
butter
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 garlic clove
- pinch of salt
egg wash
- 1 egg
decoration
- cranberries
- fresh rosemary branches
- Parmesan cheese
Step by step, make a pull apart Christmas tree garlic bread
1) step one, prepare the sponge mixture
In a small mixing bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir well and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This will activate the yeast and start the fermentation process.
2) step two, Add the rest of dough ingredients
In a mixing bowl or your stand mixer bowl, add milk, butter, salt, flour, and milk powder (optional). Then, add the sponge or yeast mixture.
3) step three, knead the dough
Attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Once combined, increase the speed and knead the dough on medium speed for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4) step four, first proof
Transfer the kneaded dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it proof for 1h 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size. This step is important to achieve the light, fluffy texture of your pull-apart Christmas garlic bread.
5) step five, Stuff the Dough with Cheese
Once the dough has proofed, punch it down gently and divide it into 16 equal portions. Flatten each piece of dough and stuff with mozzarella or your preferred cheese. Seal the dough tightly to keep the cheese inside while baking.
6) step six, second proof
Arrange the stuffed dough balls in the shape of a Christmas tree on a lined baking sheet. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and allow it to proof for 30 more minutes. Preheat the oven at 350ºF (175ºF)
7) step seven, apply the egg wash
Beat an egg and brush it over the dough tree. This step will give your garlic bread a golden, glossy finish and enhance the look of your Christmas pull-apart garlic bread.
8) step eight, bake the Christmas tree bread
Bake the bread at 350ºF (175ºC) in a preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown. This ensures your Christmas bread is perfectly baked.
9) step nine, brush with garlic butter
After the bread is baked, immediately brush it with a mixture of garlic butter (melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley) to add rich flavor and a beautiful glossy, bake for 1 or two more minutes.
10) step ten, decorate your Christmas tree
Decorate your pull-apart Christmas tree garlic bread by adding cranberries for ornaments, rosemary for tree branches, and Parmesan cheese to create a snowy look.
Pull apart Christmas tree garlic bread
Equipment
- Mixing bowls — one for the sponge mixture and another to combine the rest of the ingredients together to form the dough.
- Stand mixer – For kneading the dough and ensuring a smooth, elastic texture. This helps speed up the process and ensures your dough is well-mixed.
- Measuring cups and spoons or kitchen scale For accurately measuring all the ingredients.
- Rolling Pin To flatten to dough to stuff it with cheese, you can also use your hands instead.
- parchment paper To line the baking sheet, preventing the bread from sticking and making clean-up easier.
- Baking sheet To bake the Christmas tree pull-apart garlic bread on. You'll want a large enough sheet to arrange all the dough balls in the shape of a tree.
- Pastry brush For brushing the garlic butter mixture over the bread and the egg wash, ensuring every ball is coated evenly for extra flavor.
- Oven mitts For safely removing the hot Christmas pull-apart garlic bread from the oven.
- Cooling rack To let the bread cool after baking, allowing it to maintain its fluffy texture without becoming soggy.
- Oven to bake the bread
Ingredients
dough
- 90 grams warm water
- 7 grams active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 300 grams all purpose flour
- 90 grams milk
- 70 grams soft butter
- 1 teaspoon milk powder optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- butter
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 garlic clove
- pinch of salt
egg wash
- 1 egg
decoration
- cranberries
- fresh rosemary branches
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
step one, prepare the sponge mixture
- In a small mixing bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir well and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This will activate the yeast and start the fermentation process.
step two, Add the rest of dough ingredients
- In a mixing bowl or your stand mixer bowl, add milk, butter, salt, flour, and milk powder (optional). Then, add the sponge or yeast mixture.
step three, knead the dough
- Attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Once combined, increase the speed and knead the dough on medium speed for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
step four, first proof
- Transfer the kneaded dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it proof for 1h 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size. This step is important to achieve the light, fluffy texture of your pull-apart Christmas garlic bread.
step five, Stuff the Dough with Cheese
- Once the dough has proofed, punch it down gently and divide it into 16 equal portions. Flatten each piece of dough and stuff with mozzarella or your preferred cheese. Seal the dough tightly to keep the cheese inside while baking.
step six, second proof
- Arrange the stuffed dough balls in the shape of a Christmas tree on a lined baking sheet. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and allow it to proof for 30 more minutes. Preheat the oven at 350ºF (175ºF)
step seven, apply the egg wash
- Beat an egg and brush it over the dough tree. This step will give your garlic bread a golden, glossy finish and enhance the look of your Christmas pull-apart garlic bread.
step eight, bake the Christmas tree bread
- Bake the bread at 350ºF (175ºC) in a preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown. This ensures your Christmas bread is perfectly baked.
step nine, brush with garlic butter
- After the bread is baked, immediately brush it with a mixture of garlic butter (melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley) to add rich flavor and a beautiful glossy, bake for 1 or two more minutes.
step ten, decorate your Christmas tree
- Decorate your pull-apart Christmas tree garlic bread by adding cranberries for ornaments, rosemary for tree branches, and Parmesan cheese to create a snowy look.
Nutrition
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