Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling

Makes

16 servings

Updated: Dec. 01, 2022
Christmas tree pull-apart bread is arranged in a festive shape for the Yuletide season, but the yeast rolls can also be baked in a 13x9-inch baking pan. —Lorri Reinhardt, Big Bend, Wisconsin

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water (70° to 80°)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons dried minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2-1/4 cups bread flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
  • TOPPING:
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

Directions

  1. In bread machine pan, place the first 10 ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons water or flour if needed).
  2. When cycle is completed, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 16 balls. Line a baking sheet with foil and grease the foil. Center 1 roll near the top of prepared baking sheet. Arrange rolls snugly into 4 additional rows, adding 1 more roll for each row, forming a tree.
  3. Center remaining ball under tree for trunk. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
  4. Brush rolls with butter. Combine cheese and Italian seasoning and sprinkle over rolls. Sprinkle with salt. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread Tips

Can you use store-bought dough to make Christmas tree pull-apart bread?

Yes, store-bought dough can be used to make Christmas tree pull-apart bread—thereby minimizing the mess and saving you time during the busy holiday season. Simply let the frozen dinner rolls of your choice rise after you arrange them on the baking sheet, then garnish with toppings.

How can you make Christmas tree pull-apart bread your own?

There are many ways you can dress up Christmas tree pull-apart bread! Try stuffing the rolls with cheese before baking to add some ooey-gooey goodness, drizzling marinara sauce over the top of the rolls to make a decorative "garland" on the tree, or sprinkling with parsley to add a pop of green.

What can you serve with Christmas tree pull-apart bread?

Enjoy Christmas tree pull-apart bread as an appetizer alongside a homemade dip, or serve it as a side dish during a hearty holiday turkey or ham dinner.

—Sammi DiVito, Taste of Home Assistant Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 roll: 132 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 236mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.