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This Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread with 2-Ingredient Dough is the ultimate easy Christmas appetizer that’s lightened up, festive, and always a crowd favorite! I love making this during the holidays because the simple 2-ingredient dough keeps it soft and fluffy while still feeling cozy and indulgent.
To build the best flavor, I mix the garlic and herbs right into the dough so every bite is perfectly seasoned. Then I brush the warm Christmas tree bread with light butter and finish it with parmesan cheese for that irresistible golden, cheesy topping. Serve it warm with marinara sauce for dipping, and watch it disappear piece by piece.
If you’re looking for an easy holiday appetizer that’s cute, fun, and incredibly delicious, this Christmas tree pull-apart bread is it! It’s perfect for holiday parties, Christmas Eve, or any festive gathering, and it always brings that magical holiday cheer to the table!
For more festive Christmas recipes, try our Christmas Prosecco cocktail, mini Christmas cheese trees, or adorable snowman cheese ball next!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
- Festive: It turns out so festive and fun! It’s perfect for Christmas and the entire holiday season.
- Easy: This recipe starts with easy 2-ingredient dough, so the base comes together quickly and stress-free.
- Lighter: This recipe is lightened up and made without pizza dough or biscuit dough. We used light string cheese and added just a touch of light butter for a healthier twist on a classic!
- Cheesy: Every bite is filled with cheesy goodness from the melty string cheese inside and a sprinkle of parmesan on top.
- Simple: This recipe is quick to make, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients Needed
- Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough.
- Baking Powder: Add baking powder to make self-rising flour.
- Salt: Add salt to the flour to make self-rising flour.
- Seasonings: Season the dough with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Greek Yogurt: The easy 2-ingredient dough comes together with plain non-fat Greek yogurt.
- String Cheese: Each section of dough is stuffed with a piece of string cheese for a gooey center.
- Light Butter: Brush with melted light butter before and after baking.
- Parmesan: Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving for more cheesy goodness.
- Marinara Sauce: Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Greek Yogurt Options: Non-fat Greek yogurt works great, but you can also use low-fat or full-fat Greek yogurt as long as it is plain.
- Cheese Variations: We used light string cheese to keep this recipe lighter, but you can use regular string cheese if you prefer. For another option, use fresh mozzarella balls or even a small spoonful of shredded mozzarella in the center instead of string cheese.
- No String Cheese: You can omit the string cheese from this recipe and simply roll the dough into dough balls.
- Italian Seasoning Swap: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, substitute it with 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
- Self-Rising Flour: We made self-rising flour by combining flour with baking powder and salt. However, you can use self-rising flour instead if you have it on hand, just omit the baking powder and salt from this recipe.
- Shape Variations: You can form the dough balls into the shape of a wreath or a classic pull-apart loaf shape if you don’t want to create the tree.
How To Make Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
Step 1: Add the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to a large bowl. Thoroughly mix these ingredients.
Step 2: Add the Greek yogurt and stir until the dough starts to come together. Use your hands to knead it until smooth. This may take a few minutes.
Step 3: Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough into a log.
Then, divide it evenly into 16 pieces, aiming for about 1 ounce each.
Step 4: Cut each string cheese stick into 4 pieces, for a total of 16 small pieces of cheese.
Step 5: Flatten each piece of dough slightly, press a cheese piece into the center, and pinch the dough closed. Roll it into a smooth ball, making sure it is sealed well.
Step 6: Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree.
Step 7: Brush the tops with melted light butter, reserving some for after baking.
Step 8: Bake at 400°F for 17-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Step 9: Once the bread comes out of the oven, brush it with the remaining butter. Lightly sprinkle with garlic powder, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this festive Christmas tree pull-apart bread with your favorite dips. Warm marinara sauce is a classic pairing, and homemade pesto adds a fresh, flavorful twist. You can also serve it alongside a holiday appetizer spread or enjoy it on its own as a cozy snack.
Shawna’s Expert Tips
- Knead the Dough: Make sure to mix the Greek yogurt and flour until the dough comes together smoothly.
- Even Dough Balls: Aim for one-ounce dough balls to help them bake at the same rate.
- Form the Dough Balls: Pinch the dough tightly around the string cheese so it doesn’t melt out while baking.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Christmas tree pull-apart bread in an airtight container or wrap it well in foil. Keep it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Warm it in the oven or air fryer before serving for the best texture.
More Christmas Appetizers to Try!
- Snowman Cheese Ball
- Christmas Cheese Trees
- Baked Brie Phyllo Cups
- Smoked Salmon Dip
- Pomegranate Salsa
If you try this recipe, please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating, ★★★★★, letting us know how it turns out for you.
Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread With 2-Ingredient Dough
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup plain 0-fat Greek yogurt
- 4 sticks of light string cheese
- 1 teaspoon light butter, melted for brushing
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Add the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to a large bowl. Thoroughly mix these ingredients.
- Add the Greek yogurt and stir until the dough starts to come together. Use your hands to knead it until smooth. This may take a few minutes.
- Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough into a log and divide it evenly into 16 pieces, aiming for about one ounce each.
- Cut each string cheese stick into four pieces, so you have a total of 16 small pieces of cheese.
- Flatten each piece of dough slightly, press a cheese piece into the center, and pinch the dough closed. Roll it into a smooth ball, making sure it is sealed well.
- Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree.
- Brush the tops with melted light butter, reserving some for after baking.
- Bake at 400°F for 17-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- Once the bread comes out of the oven, brush it with the remaining butter. Lightly sprinkle with garlic powder, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Cheese Variations: We used light string cheese to keep this recipe lighter, but you can use regular string cheese if you prefer. For another option, use fresh mozzarella balls or even a small spoonful of shredded mozzarella in the center instead of string cheese.
- No String Cheese: You can omit the string cheese from this recipe and simply roll the dough into dough balls.
- Italian Seasoning Swap: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, substitute it with 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
- Shape Variations: You can form the dough balls into the shape of a wreath or a classic pull-apart loaf shape if you don’t want to create the tree.
- Self-Rising Flour: We made self-rising flour by combining flour with baking powder and salt. However, you can use self-rising flour instead if you have it on hand, just omit the baking powder and salt from this recipe.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I have taken the viral Christmas Tree Bread and lightened it up with 2-ingredient dough and light mozzarella, and it’s amazing! You won’t even miss the extra calories! It’s soft, cheesy, and festive perfect for your holiday table or any party.
Even my picky husband enjoyed this recipe! And I love the simplicity of it.
Hi Sherry, that makes me so happy to hear you enjoyed the Christmas tree pull-apart bread! I love that even your picky husband enjoyed it, and I am so glad you appreciated how simple the recipe is. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback and for giving it a try.