This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This festive Dinner Roll Christmas Tree appetizer is not only eye-catching but also easy to make using frozen dinner roll dough, or pizza dough. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a birthday bash, or a game day gathering, this cheesy bread tree appetizer is guaranteed to wow your guests and keep them coming back for more.
Pull-Apart Dinner Roll Tree
When planning our annual Holiday party, this is always on the menu as one of the party appetizers. Because it is so darn easy to make, I think you will appreciate it (plus it’s delicious!).
This pull-apart bread Christmas tree makes the perfect holiday appetizer recipe. It is made with soft, golden dinner rolls filled with gooey mozzarella cheese (optional).
The tops are brushed with melted garlic butter and parmesan cheese. It has incredible flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheesy pull-apart appetizer is more than just a pretty centerpiece, it’s a cheesy, buttery, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
• Cheesy and Delicious: Each roll is stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese.
• Easy to Make: Uses frozen dinner rolls dough or pizza dough for simple prep.
• Festive and Fun: Shape it like a Christmas tree, or whatever you like. It’s the perfect holiday appetizer.
• Hand-Held Appetizer: No utensils needed, great for mingling and grazing.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Ideal for parties, potlucks, birthdays, or game day. Change the shape to fit the occasion.
Read on for the easy step-by-step photos and instructions to learn how to make a super cute and super easy Dinner Roll Christmas Tree stuffed with mozzarella sticks (optional).
Ingredients in Dinner Roll Tree Appetizer
How to Make a Dinner Roll Christmas Tree
Thaw and Rise Dough
Assemble the Christmas Tree:
• Arrange 24 frozen dinner roll dough balls in a tree shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet:
Row 1: 1 roll, Row 2: 2 rolls, Row 3: 3 rolls, Row 4: 4 rolls, Row 5: 5 rolls, Row 6: 6 rolls (base) Use 2–3 extra for a tree trunk below.
• Lightly mist with nonstick spray and cover with plastic wrap.
• Let rise at room temperature for 3–4 hours, until doubled in size.
Prep the Mozzarella and Toppings (during thawing/rising)
• Slice each refrigerated mozzarella stick into equal 1-inch pieces. Place in the refrigerator.
• Prep the butter mixture by adding the butter, salt, herbs, and garlic to a small bowl. Set aside.
• In another small bowl, mix together the topping of parmesan cheese and minced fresh rosemary. Set aside.
Stuff the Rolls
• After they rise, gently flatten each risen dough ball into a small disc and place a chilled mozzarella piece in the center.
• Pinch the edges together to seal and roll into a smooth ball. Place the seam-side down back into place in the tree shape.
• Re-cover with the plastic wrap and let rise again for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Preheat Your Oven
• After the rolls have risen, preheat oven to 350°F.
Melt the Garlic-Butter
• Melt the butter mixture in the microwave about 20 seconds. Stir together.
Brush with Garlic-Butter
• Brush butter mixture generously over the rolls. Use it all.
Add Parmesan Topping
• Sprinkle buttered rolls with the grated Parmesan cheese topping. Use it all.
Bake to Golden Perfection
• Bake for 18–22 minutes, until rolls are puffed and golden.
Garnish Your Cheesy Pull-Apart Appetizer
• Let tree rest 5 minutes.
• Tuck rosemary sprigs between rolls for “pine needles.”
• Dot with cherry tomatoes as “ornaments.”
Serve Your Dinner Roll Christmas Tree Appetizer
• Serve these stuffed dinner rolls warm or at room temperature with marinara dipping sauce (or ranch, etc.).
Tips, Tricks, and Variations
Herb Butter Upgrade: Swap Italian seasoning for fresh chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme).
Garlic-Parmesan Dip: Serve extra melted garlic-Parmesan butter on the side.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
Mini Version: Use 12 rolls and 1–2 mozzarella sticks for a tabletop version.
Pizza Dough Version: Swap frozen dinner rolls for a 1 lb ball of store-bought pizza dough. Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces, roll each into a ball, stuff with mozzarella pieces, and follow assembly, brushing, and baking instructions as written. You may need to bake 2–3 minutes longer until golden and cooked through.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
Crock Pot Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Soft Chewy Ginger Cookies
Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy
This adorable and delicious Stuffed Dinner Roll Christmas Tree appetizer will be a hit at your Holiday party, or whichever occasion you serve it at.
Wether stuffed with cheese or not, your guests will enjoy dipping the rolls in marinara sauce and being able to eat them without utensils!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade dough? Absolutely! Substitute your favorite yeast dinner roll dough, ensuring it’s risen once before shaping.
How do I store leftovers? Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or in an air fryer.
Can I prep ahead? Yes. Assemble the dinner roll tree, brush with butter, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready. Add 2–3 extra minutes to the bake time.
Dinner Roll Christmas Tree
Equipment
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Sheet
- Knife
Ingredients
- 24 Frozen Dinner Roll Dough Balls (such as Rhodes)
Optional for Stuffing
- 6 Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (cut in 1-inch pieces. Amount may vary by size)
Garlic Butter
- ¼ cup Unsalted Butter
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Minced Fresh Rosemary Leaves
- 2 cloves Garlic, pressed
Parmesan Cheese Topping
- ⅓ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Tablespoon Minced Fresh Rosemary Leaves
For Dipping
- Marinara sauce (or Ranch, etc.)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
- Cherry Tomatoes or Small Mozzarella Balls, for "ornaments"
Instructions
Thaw the Dough
- Place frozen dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet in shape of a tree. Start with 1 ball at the top, then 2 in the next row, 3 in the next, and so on. Use extra dough balls at the base to make a trunk if desired.
- Lightly spray with nonstick spray and cover with plastic wrap.
- Let thaw and rise until about doubled in size, 3–4 hours at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
- Leave a little space between each ball for rising and expansion during baking.
Prep the Topping
- It's good to get the other prep done while the dough is thawing and rising. Put the Garlic Butter ingredients in a small bowl, then put the Parmesan topping ingredients in another small bowl and set both aside.
- Also, cut the cheese sticks into 1-inch pieces (if using), and put in the fridge.
Stuff the Rolls (optional)
- Once the rolls have thawed and risen, you can stuff them with the cheese pieces (if using). Gently flatten each roll a little and place a piece of cheese in the middle and pinch the dough closed around it.
- Place the stuffed roll seam-side down back in place. Re-cover with plastic wrap.
- They will need to rise again. It can take an hour or longer.
Preheat Oven
- When the rolls have risen, preheat oven to 350°F.
Brush and Season
- Place the small bowl with butter, garlic, salt and Italian seasoning in the microwave for about 20 seconds to melt. Stir well.
- Brush or spoon butter mixture over the dough balls generously. Use it all.
- Then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese mixture over the top. Use it all.
Bake
- Bake the dinner roll tree for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown.
Garnish and Serve
- Once baked, let cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs (as “pine needles”) and cherry tomatoes or mozzarella balls for “ornaments.”
- Serve warm or at room temperature with marinara sauce or ranch for dipping.
Notes
Total Recipe Time
Please note that this recipe will take longer if you stuff the rolls with cheese as they will need to rise a second time. This is a great make-ahead appetizer, so plan accordingly.Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is so delicious! I have made it both stuffed and not stuffed, both versions are delicious. I can’t wait to make it again!