This Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread Will Be the Star of Your Holiday Feast
We’ve all been there—holiday parties are coming up, and you need something that’s not just easy but a total crowd-pleaser.
This Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread is the answer!
In under 40 minutes, you can whip up a fun and festive bread that’s loaded with sweet chocolatey goodness.
Trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe, and the best part is, it’s way easier to make than it looks.
You’ll learn how to create this gorgeous Christmas Tree Bread using simple ingredients like pizza dough and choco syrup, all while creating a festive holiday appetizer that’s perfect for sharing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Super quick to prep: From start to finish, you’ll be done in half an hour.
- Minimal ingredients: You only need a few everyday items to make this holiday hit.
- Perfect for parties: This Christmas Party Food is easy to serve and even easier to eat.
- Holiday-worthy presentation: Shaped like a tree, it’s the perfect edible holiday centerpiece.
Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread Recipe
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (or crescent roll dough)
- Gluten-free alternative: Use gluten-free puff pastry or gluten-free pizza dough.
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (57 grams) melted
- Dairy-free alternative: Use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
For the Filling (Optional):
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (or any cheese of your choice)
- Dairy-free alternative: Use dairy-free shredded cheese.
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for a festive touch)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Dairy-free alternative: Use nutritional yeast.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your puff pastry into a large rectangle, making sure the edges are smooth and even. If using crescent roll dough, pinch together any perforations to form a solid sheet.Tip: If you’re using frozen puff pastry, thaw it in the fridge for about 20 minutes to make it pliable but still cold.
- Shape the tree: Cut the dough into a large triangle (like a Christmas tree). Set aside the dough trimmings to create the star for the top. If using pizza dough, simply press the dough into a triangle.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
- Mix the butter and herbs: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and sea salt. Stir until well combined.Tip: For a healthier option, reduce the butter to 2 tbsp and substitute the rest with olive oil.
Step 3: Add the Filling
- Optional – Cheese filling: If you’d like a cheesy pull-apart bread, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the middle section of the dough.Tip: For dairy-free cheese, use a coconut or almond-based shredded cheese alternative.
Step 4: Braid and Shape the Tree
- Cut the branches: Using a knife or pizza cutter, make horizontal cuts along both sides of the dough triangle, leaving about 2-3 inches in the center uncut. These will be the “branches” of the tree.
- Braid the branches: Fold each strip over the center to create a braided look, alternating sides as you go. Tuck the ends under to secure the branches.Tip: Don’t worry if it’s not perfect! As long as the strips overlap slightly, the tree will look beautiful once baked.
- Create the star: With the dough trimmings, use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out a star. Place it at the top of the tree.
Step 5: Brush with Garlic Herb Butter
- Brush with butter: Generously brush the entire Christmas tree and star with the garlic herb butter mixture. Make sure to cover all the exposed surfaces for a beautiful golden finish.Tip: If you want extra crispiness, drizzle a little olive oil on top before baking.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the Christmas Tree Bread for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and puffed.Tip: For gluten-free dough, baking times may vary, so check around 15 minutes for doneness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish and decorate: Once the tree is out of the oven, brush it again lightly with any leftover garlic butter. Sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme over the top for a festive touch. For a cheesy finish, you can also sprinkle grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast on top.
Tip: You can add some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat or some rosemary for extra flavor.
Serving and Decorating Options:
- With Dips: Serve the bread with a side of warm marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or even a creamy spinach dip for a perfect appetizer.
- Festive Touches: Sprinkle extra parsley and a light dusting of powdered Parmesan or nutritional yeast just before serving to enhance the presentation.
- Extra Cheese: If you love extra cheesy bread, melt some mozzarella or your favorite dairy-free cheese and drizzle it over the top before serving.
Notes to Remember:
- For Allergen Substitutions: Make sure to adjust the recipe according to dietary restrictions, such as using gluten-free dough or dairy-free cheese. Double-check product labels for any hidden allergens.
- Leftovers: This bread is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for 5 minutes to regain its crispiness.
Clarifications to Enhance the Recipe:
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): If using dairy-free alternatives, you may need to adjust the quantity slightly as some plant-based cheeses melt differently and may require less to avoid making the bread too soggy.
- Cutting the dough into a tree shape: Ensure the dough is evenly rolled out to prevent one side from being thicker than the other. This will ensure even baking.
- Baking time (15-20 minutes): If you notice the top browning too quickly, cover the bread with foil during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning while ensuring the dough is fully baked.
- Garlic butter brushing: To ensure even distribution of the garlic herb butter, I suggest brushing half of the butter on before baking and the remaining butter immediately after baking. This helps the flavors absorb better and ensures a richer taste.
- Making the bread crispier: Adding the olive oil in the garlic butter mixture provides a crispier exterior, so I would recommend this as a must, rather than optional, for readers who want a slightly crisp crust.
- Resting time before serving: Let the bread rest for 5 minutes after baking. This will allow the cheese (if used) to set slightly and make the pull-apart sections more defined when served.
Mistakes to Avoid While Making the Dish
1. Ingredient Selection:
- Using canned dough instead of fresh or thawed puff pastry can result in a soggy texture. Always ensure your dough is thawed but still cold to achieve that perfect crisp.
- If substituting for dairy-free or gluten-free ingredients, double-check that the alternative melts and bakes similarly to avoid any unpleasant texture.
2. Preparation Pitfalls:
- Overfilling the cheese can lead to the bread collapsing or becoming too soggy. Stick to a modest amount of cheese and ensure it’s evenly spread.
- Uneven dough thickness: Rolling the dough unevenly can cause undercooking in certain spots. Make sure to roll it out uniformly.
3. Cooking Techniques:
- Incorrect oven temperature can result in either over-browning or undercooking. Stick to 375°F (190°C) and if it browns too quickly, cover the top with foil.
- Skipping the resting step: Allow the bread to rest for at least 5 minutes post-baking, as this helps the bread hold together and makes serving easier.
4. Seasoning and Flavoring:
- Not using enough garlic butter can lead to bland bread. Brush half the butter before baking and the rest after to maximize flavor.
- For a healthier option, you can reduce the butter but do not eliminate it altogether as it helps the bread brown and flavor evenly.
5. Presentation Tips:
- When shaping the Christmas Tree Bread, ensure the strips are neatly folded for that iconic braided look. Tucking the ends will give it a polished, professional appearance.
- Adding a garnish of fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese after baking not only enhances flavor but makes the bread visually appealing for photos and presentation.
Same Pull Apart Garlic Christmas Tree Bread But In Crescent Roll Dough Pieces
The earlier design involved a braided or twisted dough technique, but here instead of a braided or twisted design, it is simply layered and cut to create uniform sections that pull apart more easily. It is cut after baking, with simple cuts made to facilitate the pull-apart feature. It is brushed with garlic herb butter before and after baking, but the simpler structure of this version allows for a more even coating, leading to a shinier, more uniform finish.
Insights for Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
1. Pairing Suggestions:
- Beverages: This festive Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread pairs well with light, refreshing drinks like sparkling water, white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc), or even festive cocktails like a cranberry spritz.
- Side Dishes: Complement this bread with creamy dips like spinach and artichoke dip, marinara sauce, or a light garlic aioli. For a balanced meal, serve alongside a warm soup such as tomato basil or a light salad with a citrus vinaigrette.
- Main Course: This bread works well as a side for hearty mains like roasted turkey, baked salmon, or lasagna during the holidays.
2. Seasonal Variation:
- Winter: Stick to the Garlic Cheese Pull Apart Christmas Tree using fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for a classic holiday flavor.
- Spring/Summer: Swap out the garlic butter for a lemon herb mixture (lemon zest and olive oil) and add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a lighter take.
- Autumn: Incorporate pumpkin purée into the butter spread, and sprinkle with cinnamon and a little nutmeg for a warm, seasonal twist on the bread, much like a Christmas Twist Bread.
Pro Tips and FAQs
1. Pro Tips:
- Use cold dough: For the best puff and texture, ensure your dough stays cold until it’s ready to bake. This keeps the layers distinct and prevents it from getting too dense.
- Double-brush with garlic butter: Brush with garlic butter before and after baking. This not only helps with the color but ensures the bread is moist and flavorful throughout.
- Use a pizza cutter: When cutting the strips for the Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread, use a pizza cutter to make clean and even cuts.
- Don’t skip the rest: Let the bread rest for 5 minutes after baking. This will allow the cheese to settle and the layers to firm up, making it easier to pull apart.
- Make it festive: For a more eye-catching presentation, you can garnish with red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, or even edible gold leaf for an elegant touch.
2. FAQs:
Q1: Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pizza dough to create a more bread-like texture for your Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread Pizza Dough. Just roll it out similarly to puff pastry and follow the same steps.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for about 5 minutes at 350°F to maintain crispiness.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bread a few hours before baking and store it in the refrigerator. Bake fresh before serving.
Q4: Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a plant-based cheese alternative like cashew-based mozzarella.
Q5: What’s the best way to serve this at a party?
For parties, place the Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread on a large platter with several dips (marinara, ranch, or cheese fondue). Guests can pull apart pieces and dip for a fun, interactive appetizer.
Closing Thoughts:
This Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is a perfect way to add a festive, delicious touch to your holiday gatherings. Its beautiful, tree-shaped presentation will draw your guests in, while its soft, cheesy, garlicky flavor will keep them coming back for more.
I’d love for you to give this recipe a try, whether for a casual family dinner or as part of a grand Christmas Dinner Recipe. Please share your experience in the comments or tag me on social media—I can’t wait to hear how you made this dish your own!
Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry or crescent roll dough gluten-free option: use gluten-free dough
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter 57g, melted (substitute: dairy-free margarine or coconut oil)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil optional, for crispiness
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded (optional, dairy-free cheese substitute)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry into a triangle and set aside any trimmings for the star.
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, parsley, and salt. Brush the dough with this mixture.
- Optionally, sprinkle mozzarella cheese down the center of the triangle.
- Cut slits along the sides to form “branches,” then fold them over the center in a braided pattern.
- Brush with more garlic herb butter and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with marinara or garlic dip!