Go Back

Pull Apart Christmas Tree Garlic Bread

Pull apart Christmas tree garlic bread is shaped into a festive tree, baked until golden brown, and brushed with garlic butter. Finely grated Parmesan and fresh parsley finish each soft, shareable bread ball.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 24 minutes
Rising and resting 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 29 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 336
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2.25 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 1.33 cups water warm, 105–110°F
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
For the garlic butter
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 0.33 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated

Equipment

  • 1 18x13-inch half-sheet pan

Method
 

Make the dough
  1. Whisk the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl.
  2. Add the warm water and olive oil, and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead on a clean counter for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  4. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise at room temperature for 60–90 minutes, until doubled in size.
Make the garlic butter
  1. During the rise, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the parsley and set aside.
Shape and bake
  1. Line an 18x13-inch half-sheet pan with parchment paper.
  2. Divide the dough into 23 equal pieces and roll them into balls.
  3. Arrange the balls in six centered rows of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, with the balls just touching.
  4. Add 2 centered balls below for the trunk.
  5. Cover loosely and let rise for 20–30 minutes, until puffy.
  6. Heat the oven to 375°F while the dough rises.
  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
Finish the bread
  1. Brush the warm bread with all of the garlic butter.
  2. Sprinkle with the Parmesan.
  3. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For even baking, keep the dough balls just touching when arranging the tree. Store airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freeze for up to 2 months. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and dairy-free Parmesan.