Name: Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Tree Bread Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz can jumbo biscuits, each biscuit cut into fourths; 7-8 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into 31 pieces; 4 tbsp salted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 large egg, beaten; Optional: grated parmesan cheese for garnish

There’s something magically festive and irresistibly tasty about a pull-apart bread, especially when it’s loaded with melted cheese and garlic. This Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Tree Bread Recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s a stunning centerpiece that pulls everyone together, quite literally! I love how each bite combines gooey mozzarella, buttery garlic, and soft dough into one cozy mouthful. You’re going to want to make this for your next gathering or holiday meal, and I’m here to walk you through it step-by-step.

The image shows a Christmas tree shape made from 28 small round golden-brown baked bread balls arranged in a triangle on crumpled parchment paper. The bread balls are shiny and sprinkled with herbs, giving a textured look. The tree shape has six rows—one ball at the top, increasing by one with each lower row, and six balls on the bottom row. Around the tree, there are fresh green rosemary sprigs scattered. At the bottom right corner, there is a white measuring cup filled with a smooth red-orange dipping sauce. In the background, there is a white marbled surface with two glasses of light yellow drink placed to the top right, wine corks, a pair of black scissors, and some red berries adding a rustic 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 Pull-Apart Tree Bread Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Tree Bread Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Tree Bread Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

What makes this bread so special? It’s the perfect combo of flavor, fun presentation, and ease. Seriously, making this pull-apart tree loaf is like gifting the best appetizer experience to your friends and family. Trust me, it’ll disappear fast once you bring it to the table.

Festive & Fun: Shaped like a Christmas tree, it’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Super Gooey: Mozzarella inside every bite gives you that satisfying cheesy pull you crave.
Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples, so you can whip it up without a special grocery trip.
Perfect for Sharing: Everyone can pull apart the bread, making it interactive and crowd-pleasing.

A close-up view of 15 shiny golden brown bread rolls clustered together on brown parchment paper, each roll topped with specks of black pepper and herbs, showing a soft and slightly textured surface. To the lower right edge, a small white bowl filled with smooth bright red dipping sauce adds color contrast. A sprig of green rosemary lies near the bowl on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe uses simple, familiar ingredients that come together beautifully. The biscuit dough creates soft, pillowy pockets, the mozzarella melts like a dream, and garlic-infused butter brings it all to life with savory richness. Here’s the inside scoop on each ingredient:

Flat lay of a pile of light golden biscuit dough quarters, several long white mozzarella cheese sticks cut into small chunks, a few peeled garlic cloves minced finely in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with melted golden butter, a small white bowl with Italian seasoning herbs, one large whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl filled with grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, all arranged symmetrically 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 save tons of time—ready-made dough means you skip the yeast and rising.
Mozzarella cheese sticks: Cut into pieces, they melt into ooey-gooey centers that make every bite special.
Butter (salted): Helps the garlic shine and adds a luscious, rich coating to the baked bread.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic amps up the flavor and pairs perfectly with the buttery dough.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the bread an aromatic, earthy note.
Egg (beaten): Brushed on the dough to create a golden, shiny crust that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Parmesan cheese (optional): A final sprinkle boosts flavor and adds a cheesy crusty finish if you like extra cheese.

📝

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 making this recipe just as it is because it hits all the right notes, but you can totally make it your own! You can experiment with different cheeses, add herbs into the filling, or swap the butter mixture for a spicy garlic oil if you want a little kick.

Variation: I once added chopped fresh basil inside the cheese balls — it gave a fresh, bright flavor that paired amazing with the garlic butter topping.
Dietary tweaks: Try using lactose-free cheese or vegan butter and mozzarella if you need dairy-free options.
Seasonal touch: During holidays, I sprinkle red pepper flakes or crushed rosemary on top for extra festive flair.

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

Step 1: Prep & Cut Everything

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Next, separate each jumbo biscuit and cut it into fourths—you’ll have 32 pieces but only need 31 for the bread tree. Cut your mozzarella sticks into 31 pieces so each dough ball gets a cheesy surprise inside.

Step 2: Make Cheese-Stuffed Dough Balls

Place one piece of mozzarella on each biscuit square. Then, pinch the dough closed around the cheese so no gaps remain. Roll it gently between your palms to shape a smooth ball. This step is key to avoid cheese leaking out during baking—take your time and seal those edges well!

Step 3: Form the Christmas Tree Shape

Arrange your dough balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet in a tree shape, with seams facing down so the bottom is smooth. Make sure the balls touch slightly—they should pull apart nicely after baking. Brush the whole tree with beaten egg to get that gorgeous golden shine.

Step 4: Bake & Make Garlic Butter

Bake the tree for 15-17 minutes, keeping an eye on it—the bread should be golden brown. If it starts browning too fast, loosely tent some foil on top. While baking, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning for that irresistible finishing touch.

Step 5: Brush, Garnish & Serve

As soon as it comes out of the oven, brush the garlic butter all over the baked bread. If you like, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy crust. Serve warm, with your favorite dips like marinara or pesto—you’ll see, it’s pure magic.

Top Tip

I’ve made this recipe dozens of times for holiday parties and casual nights alike. The tips below will help you nail it every time and keep those cheese balls perfectly melty and moist.

Seal the Edges Well: Take your time pinching each dough piece closed so cheese stays inside, avoiding leaks and mess.
Brush With Egg: The egg wash is what gives the crust that beautiful color and slight crispness, making it extra appetizing.
Watch Your Oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye during baking and tent with foil if browning too quickly.
Serve Warm: This bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for that gooey cheese pull effect—reheat gently if saving leftovers.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Tree Bread Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish mine with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a little fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color. It looks beautiful and tastes so fresh. Some cracked black pepper on top adds just the right hint of spice.

Side Dishes

For dipping, I set out bowls of marinara and basil pesto—both sauces are incredible with the garlic and mozzarella flavors. This bread also pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a warm soup for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve wrapped the pull-apart tree bread with festive ribbon or placed it on a wooden board surrounded by little bowls of dipping sauces and toothpicks. It’s always a game changer as a centerpiece that doubles as a delicious appetizer. Kids love to grab their own cheese balls—it’s like edible party decor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It actually holds up really well as long as it’s wrapped tightly to keep the dough from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen the unbaked dough balls arranged on the baking sheet before shaping into a tree. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. This makes it handy to pull out and bake fresh whenever you want a quick, festive treat.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the air fryer or a low oven (around 325°F) to keep the crust crisp without overcooking the cheese. Microwave is fine for a quick fix, but you might lose some crunch. Always reheat gently to keep it as close to fresh as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade biscuit dough for this Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Tree Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough works beautifully here, just make sure your dough is easy to stretch and seal around the cheese for the best results.

What kind of cheese works best besides mozzarella?

While mozzarella is ideal for that gooey, stretchy effect, you can also try a mild provolone or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a sharper flavor profile. Just make sure the cheese melts well.

Can I prepare this bread ahead and bake it later?

Yes! You can assemble the entire bread on the baking sheet, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, just bake it as directed, adding a little extra time if needed.

What dip pairs best with this cheesy garlic bread?

Marinara sauce and basil pesto are my go-to dips. The acidity in marinara cuts through the richness, while pesto adds a vibrant, herbal touch that complements the garlic perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Tree Bread Recipe is one of those dishes that brings warmth and smiles to the table—whether it’s a holiday feast or a family movie night. I always find that sharing this bread makes the moment feel special without any fuss. Give it a try, and soon you’ll be the person everyone asks to bring the festive, cheesy bread that’s just as fun to eat as it is delicious.