This Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread is everything I crave when the house feels cozy and the oven is warm. Soft, buttery dough hides gooey cheese inside, and the whole wreath pulls apart into irresistible little bites. It is simple to make, festive to serve, and always the first thing to disappear.
Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread
Equipment
- 1 Large baking sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper
- 1 Small saucepan
- 1 Pastry Brush
- 1 Oven-safe ramekin (optional)
Ingredients
For the bread
- 1.5 lb pizza dough room temperature
- 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella cut into 32 small cubes
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 clove garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley and chives finely chopped
- kosher salt pinch
For finishing and serving
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash (optional)
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup marinara sauce for dipping, optional
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment. If shaping as a wreath, place an oven safe ramekin in the center to help guide the circle. Let dough rest at room temperature 20 to 30 minutes so it is easy to work with.
- Melt butter with olive oil in a small saucepan until just melted. Stir in minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and half the herbs. Set aside to infuse.
- Cut dough into 32 even pieces. Press each piece into a small round, add a cube or pinch of mozzarella in the center, then pinch the seams closed to form a tight ball. Arrange the balls around the ramekin to form a wreath, seam side down, slightly touching.
- Brush generously with garlic butter. If using, lightly brush with egg wash for shine. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until puffed and deep golden.
- Brush with a little more warm garlic butter, scatter remaining herbs and a pinch of red pepper flakes, then gently remove the ramekin. Serve hot with marinara, herbed olive oil, or warm pesto for dipping.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread
- Festive and fun to share with zero fuss slicing.
- Golden, garlicky, and packed with melty cheese in every bite.
- Easy to prep ahead and bake right before guests arrive.
- Kid friendly, crowd pleasing, and perfect with simple dips.
Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread Ingredients & Substitutions
- Pizza dough: Store bought or homemade. You can also use thawed dinner roll dough.
- Mozzarella: The classic melt. Swap part with cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
- Parmesan: For salty, nutty finish. Pecorino or Grana Padano also work.
- Butter: Brushed on top for flavor and color. Olive oil works if you prefer.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for bold flavor. Garlic powder works in a pinch.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley and chives are bright and mild. Try rosemary or thyme.
- Olive oil: A little in the garlic butter for flavor and to prevent scorching.
- Egg wash: 1 beaten egg with 1 tablespoon water for shine. Optional but pretty.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional gentle heat.
- Optional add ins: Finely diced turkey bacon, sliced scallions, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread
Step 1: Prep the pan and dough
Heat oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment. If shaping as a wreath, place an oven safe ramekin in the center to help guide the circle. Let dough rest at room temperature 20 to 30 minutes so it is easy to work with.
Step 2: Make the garlic butter
Melt butter with olive oil in a small saucepan until just melted. Stir in minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and half the herbs. Set aside to infuse.
Step 3: Fill and shape
Cut dough into 32 even pieces. Press each piece into a small round, add a cube or pinch of mozzarella in the center, then pinch the seams closed to form a tight ball. Arrange the balls around the ramekin to form a wreath, seam side down, slightly touching.
Step 4: Brush and bake
Brush generously with garlic butter. If using, lightly brush with egg wash for shine. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until puffed and deep golden.
Step 5: Finish and serve
Brush with a little more warm garlic butter, scatter remaining herbs and a pinch of red pepper flakes, then gently remove the ramekin. Serve hot with marinara, herbed olive oil, or warm pesto for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Seal each dough ball well so cheese stays inside.
- Do not overload with cheese. A small cube or tablespoon is perfect.
- Let the dough relax before shaping so it stretches without tearing.
- Bake on parchment for easy cleanup and even browning.
- Rotate the pan in the last 5 minutes if your oven has hot spots.
Variations of Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread
- Herb and garlic: Swap mozzarella for provolone and add extra chopped rosemary.
- Spinach dip stuffed: Tuck a spoon of thick spinach dip inside each ball.
- Everything seasoning: Sprinkle the top with everything bagel seasoning before baking.
- Jalapeño popper: Mozzarella mixed with a little cream cheese and diced jalapeño.
- Turkey bacon and scallion: Fold in finely diced turkey bacon and sliced scallions with the cheese.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread
- Warm marinara or tomato basil sauce for dipping.
- Herbed olive oil with a squeeze of lemon and cracked pepper.
- Creamy tomato soup or roasted red pepper soup.
- Simple salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Roast chicken or baked salmon for a cozy dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Cool completely, then wrap and refrigerate up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 325°F for 8 to 12 minutes until warmed through. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 325°F for 15 to 20 minutes.
Memories Made Around the Table
I still remember the first time I set this wreath on the table and everyone reached in at once, laughing as the cheese stretched in long ribbons. It is a simple dish that makes a gathering feel special, which is exactly the kind of magic I love.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead? Yes. Shape the wreath, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Brush with egg wash and bake just before serving. Add 2 to 3 extra minutes if cold.
What cheese melts best? Low moisture mozzarella is reliable and less messy. A mix of mozzarella and provolone gives great pull and flavor.
How do I keep the bottom from getting soggy? Bake on a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone. Let steam escape by spacing the dough balls just slightly.
Can I air fry it? Yes. Work in batches, arranging balls in a ring inside the basket. Air fry at 350°F for 8 to 12 minutes until golden.
What dips go well? Marinara, pesto, whipped ricotta with lemon zest, or garlic herb butter are all delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread is the kind of cozy bake that gathers people fast. Keep the ingredients simple, let the oven do the work, and watch the smiles appear as everyone pulls a warm, cheesy piece.