This Pesto Mozzarella Christmas Tree Bread is a warm, golden pull-apart appetizer that brings the cozy taste of the holidays to your table. It’s soft on the inside, crispy on the edges, and filled with gooey cheese and bright green pesto just the thing your guests will gather around at your Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving menu.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, cheesy, and full of holiday flavor.
- Shaped like a Christmas tree for a fun, festive touch.
- Perfect for any Christmas food dinner or party table.
Ingredients
Each ingredient here plays a special role in creating that magical Christmas bite:
- Crescent roll dough : makes the soft, buttery layers that shape the tree.
- Pesto sauce : adds herby, garlicky flavor that pairs beautifully with cheese.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese : gives you that melty, stretchy center everyone loves.
- Parmesan cheese : for a slightly salty and nutty finish.
- Egg wash – helps create a golden, shiny top.
- Cherry tomatoes or red bell pepper : optional for decoration to mimic ornaments.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your Pesto Mozzarella Christmas Tree Appetizer perfect every time.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent dough sheets and lay one flat. Spread pesto evenly across the surface, then sprinkle mozzarella on top.
- Place the second sheet of dough on top to sandwich the filling. Cut out a large Christmas tree shape using a knife.
- Slice small branches on each side of the tree and gently twist them to reveal the filling.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle Parmesan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden and puffed.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t overfill with cheese or pesto, or it may leak while baking.
- Be sure the dough edges are sealed well to keep everything inside.
- Avoid overbaking; your Pesto Mozzarella Christmas Tree Bread should stay soft inside, not dry.
Pro Tips
- Use cold dough for easy cutting and shaping.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a touch of spice.
- Try filling some branches with spinach dip to create a Spinach Dip Crescent Roll Christmas Tree twist.
- Serve warm with marinara or creamy dip for a Cheesy Bread Dip Christmas Tree party platter.
Serving Suggestions
This bread pairs beautifully with other festive appetizers like Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread or Flaky and Festive Christmas Sausage Roll. For an elegant snack board, try adding Cranberry and Brie Tartlets or Christmas Tree Sandwiches alongside this beauty. It’s a hit at any Christmas cooking gathering or Xmas food buffet.
Pesto Mozzarella Christmas Tree Bread
Equipment
- Pizza Stone
Ingredients
Dough
- crescent roll dough sheets (2 sheets)
Filling
- pesto sauce
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)
Egg Wash & Decoration
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- cherry tomatoes or red bell pepper (optional, for decoration ‘ornaments’)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F (about 190 °C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Unroll the first sheet of crescent roll dough and lay it flat. Spread pesto evenly across the surface, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.
- Place the second sheet of dough on top to sandwich the filling. Use a knife to cut out a large Christmas‑tree shape from the layered dough.
- Make small cuts along each side of the tree shape to create ‘branches’, then gently twist each branch so the filling shows through.
- Brush the entire tree with egg wash, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and optionally place cherry tomatoes or red bell pepper pieces like ornaments. Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and puffed.
Notes
- Feel free to swap any of the topping in the ingredient list with whatever you have lying around.
- It will probably taste just as amazing!
FAQs
Why does my Christmas tree bread sometimes open while baking?
If your dough is too warm or overfilled, the pesto and cheese can push through the seams. Keep the dough cold before cutting and twisting to hold the shape better.
Can I make this ahead of time for a Christmas food dinner?
Yes! You can prepare the tree up to one day ahead. Shape it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake right before serving for that freshly baked aroma and texture.
What dip goes best with this bread?
This Xmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks version goes great with marinara, ranch, or even spinach artichoke dip. The creaminess balances the garlicky pesto perfectly.
Conclusion
When the holidays get busy, this recipe is your secret weapon. Whether you serve it for Thanksgiving menu ideas side dishes or Christmas dinner, everyone will love tearing into this warm, cheesy tree. Save it to your Pinterest board so you can bake it again next season it’s one of those Christmas food dinner ideas that never fails to impress.
