Christmas Tree-Shaped Pull Apart Garlic Bread

This post contains collections of products that I personally recommend (it may contain affiliate links).

Whether you’re hosting or attending, this Pillsbury pull apart garlic bread is the perfect cheesy app for holiday parties! You know I love a themed snack, so of course I had to add on to my collection of Christmas recipes with this festive option. Plus, you can get even more into the holiday spirit with a themed serving plate and dish for the marinara–I love these star dishes. No matter how you serve it, this bread is super simple to make, incredibly delicious, and easy for serving. It’s all in the name: just grab your piece and pull… no cutlery needed.

This isn’t the only way to make pull apart bread, though! Check out my non-denominational Cheesy Pull Apart Bread recipe with even less prep. And if you’re looking for more tree-shaped ideas, try my Christmas Tree Cheese Ball, Christmas CharcuterTREE Board and get your hands on my CharcuTREE Map Board, for sale on Amazon for all your holiday entertaining.

Also, be sure to have a look at my other holiday apps, like my Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Ball,, Epic Holiday Cheese Board, Oh Christmas Brie Board, Baked Brie Cheese Board, and any of my Dips!

Pull Apart Garlic Bread Recipe Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) can Unperforated Crescent Roll Dough

• 5 string cheese sticks, cut into ¾-inch pieces

• 4 slices provolone, cut into 8 even pieces

• 2 tablespoons salted butter

• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving

• ½ cup marinara sauce

• Freshly grated parmesan, for serving

How To Make Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Unroll the dough; roll out the dough into a 9-by-14-inch rectangle. Cut the dough into 30 1- to 2-inch pieces.

• Wrap the string cheese pieces with the provolone pieces, then wrap with the dough pieces, folding over the corners and pinching the seams together.

• Build the tree shape by placing 1 ball at the top of the sheet, then add rows of increasing width until there are two dough balls left. Place the remaining two dough balls under the last row in the center to make the stump. The edges of the dough ball should be touching. Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

• Meanwhile, heat the butter and garlic in a small saucepan until the butter is melted and lightly bubbling and the garlic is fragrant. Turn off the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of parsley. Add the marinara to a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave until warm. 

• Once the tree is done, brush all over with the garlic butter, then sprinkle with as much parmesan and parsley as you like. Serve immediately with the marinara on the side (I like this star dish!).

Want to make it extra festive? Serve it all on my CharcuTREE Map Board.

Other Pull Apart Bread Fillings

Want to add another flavor profile in there? Try swapping out the provolone for one of these ideas:

• Prosciutto

• Salami

• Pepperoni

• Fig jam

• Marinara (double up if that’s your thing!)

• Pesto

• Hot honey

Pull Apart Bread Dipping Sauces

Go the extra mile and serve some of these on the side as well!

• More garlic butter

• Ranch dressing

• Garlic Sauce (a la Papa John’s)

• Hot honey

Show Me Your Christmas Tree Bread

I hope this post inspires you to make this pull apart bread. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the snacks and apps you create from my tips. If you make something inspired by this post, please tag me at @ainttooproudtomeg so I can see and share! 

And, If you liked this recipe, please rate and review.

Photos by Haley Hunt Davis of Salt Worth Creative. Food styling with Ryan Norton.