Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread

Recipe Ingredients

You only need 4 simple ingredients for this Christmas tree pull-apart bread.

Crescent Rolls: Convenient refrigerated Pillsbury™ Crescent Rolls are the secret to this flaky, golden Christmas pull-apart tree with no extra effort. They bake up light and tender—just grab 2 cans, and you’re ready to go.

Boursin® Cheese: This creamy, spreadable cheese is usually found near the deli or specialty cheese section. It combines garlic, herbs, and rich cheese flavor in one easy ingredient. Garlic & Fine Herbs is our go-to, but other flavors work well, too.

Salted Butter: A quick brush of melted butter gives the baked bread a golden, glossy finish.

Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of green color for a festive touch. You can also try chopped fresh chives or basil for a flavorful twist.

Cookware You’ll Need

Here’s the cookware you’ll need for this easy Christmas pull-apart tree.

Cookie Sheet: Based on years of testing, we’ve found that large, flat cookie sheets without rims provide the most even baking. If needed, a large, rimmed sheet pan will work, too.

Cooking Parchment Paper: Makes cleanup easy and helps transfer the baked bread to a serving platter.

Pastry Brush: We prefer a silicone brush for applying melted butter smoothly and for easy cleanup afterward, but a natural bristle brush works well, too.

Other Cookware You'll Need: Cutting board, pizza cutter, measuring spoons, cooling rack, small microwaveable bowl, and a chef’s knife.

How to Make Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread

Here’s how to make this easy Christmas pull-apart tree.

1. Cut Crescent Dough

While the oven heats, unroll the crescent dough, and separate it into triangles. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise, starting at the tip and slicing through the wide end to form two smaller triangles. A pizza cutter makes this easier. It rolls cleanly through the dough without dragging or tearing.

2. Fill and Roll Dough Pieces

Place cheese on the wide end of each triangle, and roll toward the point. No need to seal the ends; they’ll bake together. Arrange the rolled pieces in a tree shape on the lined cookie sheet, starting from the trunk and working up.

3. Bake Tree

Bake until golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes. Then, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with parsley. Allowing the bread to cool slightly before transferring to the platter helps it retain its shape.

Possible Variations

We’ve heard from you that you love making this bread Christmas tree recipe your own.

Swap the Filling: Try Boursin® cheese flavors like shallot and chive, or use mozzarella sticks with pesto. For a breakfast twist, try cooked sausage and sharp cheddar.

Make it Sweet: One reviewer shared, "I swapped the filling for cream cheese and raspberry jam, then frosted it with cream cheese frosting. It was fabulous!" You can also try fruit-flavored cream cheese.

Seasonal Shapes: Shape the dough like a pumpkin, heart, etc., for holidays, and choose a sweet or savory filling.

Keep the festive fun going with more easy-to-make Christmas appetizers.

Storing and Reheating Christmas Tree Bread

Here are the best methods we’ve tested for storing and reheating this Christmas tree pull-apart bread.

Refrigerator

Store any leftover bread in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating

• Microwave: Place an individual serving on a microwave-safe plate, and cover loosely. Microwave on medium-high (70%) for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until warmed through.
• Oven: Place the Christmas tree bread on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, and reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes.

We don’t recommend freezing baked or unbaked Christmas tree cheese bread. Once thawed, the crescent dough can lose its light, flaky texture and turn soggy or chewy.

Why Pillsbury Users Love This Recipe

We’ve heard from users that this festive appetizer checks all the boxes—fun to make, quick to prep, and always a hit at holiday gatherings. Loved by over 150 reviewers with top ratings across the board, our Christmas pull-apart bread is praised for being beginner-friendly and easy to assemble using crescent roll dough. The playful tree shape makes it a centerpiece-worthy addition to any celebration.

Users also love how customizable it is. From savory options, like pesto and mozzarella, to sweet twists with raspberry jam, the variations are endless. Many enjoy crafting different shapes for other occasions, such as pumpkins for Halloween or hearts for Valentine’s Day. Reviewers say it disappears fast—especially with kids—and many come back to make it again with their own unique fillings. Whether for Christmas, brunch, or themed parties, this Christmas tree cheese bread sparks creativity and brings people together.