How to pull apart a Christmas tree?

The beauty of pull apart Christmas tree garlic bread is in its design. Once baked, the twisted branches create natural sections that guests can simply pull apart with their hands. This makes it the ultimate festive pull apart bread for Christmas parties — no knives required, just a fun, shareable appetizer.

What bread to use for pull apart bread?

Homemade yeast dough gives the best texture — fluffy inside, golden outside. But for a shortcut, crescent roll dough works beautifully. Using crescent roll dough transforms the recipe into a crescent roll Christmas tree garlic bread, saving prep time while still delivering buttery, pull-apart layers.

How to make a dough ball Christmas tree?

Instead of twisting strips, you can roll dough into small balls (about the size of golf balls) and arrange them in a tree shape on a baking sheet. Brush with garlic butter, bake until golden, and serve warm. This version turns the Christmas tree pull apart garlic bread recipe into a bite-sized, kid-friendly variation.

How do you heat up garlic pull apart bread?

To keep the crust crisp, reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes. If frozen, warm directly from frozen for 12–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which makes the bread chewy and soggy. These tips ensure your Christmas garlic bread appetizer tastes fresh, even the next day.

How to make nice garlic bread?

The secret is roasted garlic butter. Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness and creates a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with Parmesan, herbs, and warm bread. Brushing this butter onto dough before baking makes the Christmas tree garlic bread irresistible.

How do I get dough balls perfectly round?

Roll each piece of dough between your palms on a lightly floured surface. A gentle, circular motion seals the edges and creates smooth, round balls. This trick ensures your garlic butter Christmas tree bread appetizer bakes evenly and looks picture-perfect on your holiday table.

How To Make Pull Apart Christmas Tree Garlic Bread Recipe

Description

This pull apart Christmas tree garlic bread is golden, cheesy, and festive — the ultimate holiday appetizer. Shaped like a tree and filled with roasted garlic butter and herbs, it’s a fun centerpiece that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing at Christmas gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
3/4 cup warm whole milk
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1 tablespoon honey
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

1 head garlic
1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 pinch chili flakes
Extra virgin olive oil (for roasting garlic)

For Finishing:

2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)

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Instructions

Step 1 – Roast the Garlic

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place on foil, drizzle with olive oil, wrap, and roast 40–50 minutes until soft and golden.
Cool, then squeeze cloves into a bowl.

Step 2 – Make the Dough

In a stand mixer, combine flour, yeast, and salt.
Add warm milk, honey, eggs, and softened butter. Mix 4–5 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
If sticky, add 1/4 cup flour. Cover and let rise 45–60 minutes.

Step 3 – Prepare Garlic Butter

Mash roasted garlic with butter, Parmesan, sage, basil, oregano, parsley, and chili flakes until smooth and fragrant.

Step 4 – Shape the Tree

Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Divide dough in half. Roll each into a large rectangle (15×11 inches).
Stack them, cut into a large triangle (tree shape), and discard corners.
Spread 2/3 garlic butter over one triangle. Place second triangle on top.

Step 5 – Cut & Twist

Cut horizontal slices from both sides toward the center “trunk,” leaving the middle intact.
Twist each strip away from the center to form branches.

Step 6 – Bake & Serve

Brush with melted butter and remaining garlic butter.
Bake 25–30 minutes until golden. Rest 5 minutes.
Garnish with extra herbs. Serve warm with marinara dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra cheesiness, sprinkle mozzarella inside before twisting.
Can be assembled a day ahead and baked before serving.
Store leftovers in the fridge for 2–3 days, reheat in the oven.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Rising Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Holiday Recipes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: per serving
Calories: 132 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 210 mg
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg