an easy appetizer this vegan christmas tree pull apart bread is fun to make and even more fun to eat. a few simple ingredients make this magical!
the inspiration
I’ve been around the food blogging block for a while so I actually first made a wreath pull apart bread back in 2017! The wreath is fun but I wanted to do a Christmas tree pull apart bread this time. The whole method is the same and it is really easy.
Of course, there are tons of people who have done Christmas tree pull apart bread so I am not claiming this recipe as my own idea. This is just a fun variation on this recipe that is fully vegan!
the ingredients
- Pizza Dough: you can use any pizza dough you like or make it homemade. If you are gluten free and you have a gluten free pizza dough you like you can use that.
- Vegan Mozzarella: I like to use Good Planet, Violife or Follow Your Heart.
- Vegan Butter: we will melt this and make a vegan garlic butter to spread over top.
- Seasonings: for the vegan garlic butter we just need some garlic, salt, and parsley.
- Pomegranate Seeds: I like to use these on top as a little garnish they look adorable.
- Rosemary: also used as a garnish to give more of a tree effect.
the pizza dough
Did you know how easy it is to just get pizza dough? You can usually find it in the food store I like the ones that come in a little plastic bag, they are usually by cheese and Italian food.
You can also get it from a pizzeria! They will usually sell you their dough for about $3 to $5 depending on where you live. I like doing this because you know it is fresh.
Finally, if you want to make homemade pizza dough you can. I actually did for this recipe. I like homemade dough best only because it is usually easier to work with. I took my pizza dough recipe and halved it. If you have a stand mixer (or you can make by hand) and time for the dough to rise, it is well worth making your own!
cutting the pizza dough
Whatever route you choose for getting your pizza dough, the next step will be to cut the dough. I cut the dough into 20 pieces. This is a good amount if you are serving around 4 to 5 people.
I cut them into pieces and then after I will compare all their sizes to make sure they are around equal sizes. The dough balls do not need to be perfect but you want them around the same size so the bake time is similiar.
I personally wouldn’t make them much smaller but if you want to make 22 or 24 pieces you can. Also, just be sure to think about how you will organize the dough balls out then to make the tree shape.
stuffing the pizza dough
Next, we are going to stuff our little vegan dough balls with vegan mozzarella! If you don’t want to do this step you can skip it. However, it only adds about 15 minutes of extra work to the whole process.
Just take the little pizza dough ball and use your hands to stretch and spread it out like a little pizza. Add about 1 tablespoon of vegan mozzarella into the dough. Then wrap the dough up and roll it into a ball.
It is very easy to do and if you have any extra hands laying around (like kids who like to cook) this is great to get them involved in. They will be done even quicker with help!
making the Christmas tree pull apart bread
Now, it is time to assemble! You will do 5 rows that make a triangle starting with 1 dough ball at the top and then a row of 5. Then, I just take the remaining 5 dough balls and do a row of 3 and then 2 to make the base of the tree. So easy!
Then, take any leftover vegan mozzarella and sprinkle it over top of the tree. As the dough bakes it spreads out and puffs up and the vegan cheese gets melted all in between.
Finally, it is time to bake! Pop them it in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Until everything is golden and melted.
making other shapes
Of course if you don’t want to do a tree you can do anything you like! You can do the wreath like I have done in the past. You can make a star, snowman or a heart.
Also, if you want to just make cheesy pull apart bread you can just assemble it in a square or circle. Either way it is delicious, just that the presentation looks cuter and more seasonal depending on what you do.
vegan garlic butter
Once the Christmas tree pull apart bread is all done baking it is time to brush it with garlic butter. To make the vegan garlic butter is very easy. All you need to do is melt some vegan butter, add in dried parsley, salt, and garlic powder.
The vegan garlic butter really makes the Christmas tree pull apart bread come to life. It adds a shine, adds flavor, and the parsley adds green giving it that tree feel. So, all you need to do is brush it over the Christmas tree pull apart pizza bread.
decorating the christmas tree pull apart bread
Once you brush it with the garlic butter now it is time to decorate! I like to add the little pomegranate seeds in between the little dough balls. They look like cute little ornaments. Then, I add a few sprigs of rosemary around to give a pine feel.
You can decorate however you like. You can use halved cranberries, a star made from bell pepper, tomatoes, and whatever else you like. Just have fun and get creative.
more holiday recipes
christmas tree pull apart bread faq
- Is this recipe gluten free? No, but you can use gluten free pizza dough.
- Is this recipe soy free? Yes, depending on vegan butter and vegan mozzarella you use.
- Is this recipe nut free? Yes, depending on vegan butter and vegan mozzarella you use.
- What can I do with the leftovers? You can store them in a container on your counter and then microwave, air fry or put it in the oven to warm it up.
- Can I make this ahead of time? If you want to prep the tree beforehand I wouldn’t do it more than 2 to 3 hours in advance. Keep it stored in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
- Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, just heat it up in the oven and be sure to remove any fresh ingredients.
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Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pizza dough
- ¾ cup vegan mozzarella shreds
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds, as garnish
- Few sprigs of rosemary as garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Divide the pizza dough into 20 dough balls. I like to compare the sizes and make sure they are all around the same size.
- Take 1 dough ball and stretch it out to a thin rectangle. See the picture in the blog post for a visual if needed. Take about ½ tablespoon to 1 tablespoon of the vegan mozzarella shreds and place it in the middle. Then wrap the dough up and roll it back up tightly. Repeat the process until all are made. You will most likely have a little leftover vegan cheese which we will save.
- Assemble into the tree shape on your pan. Sprinkle the remaining vegan cheese over top. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Meanwhile, melt the vegan butter in the microwave and then add in the garlic powder, parsley, and salt.
- Once the bread comes out of the oven brush with the garlic butter. Then add the pomegranate seeds and rosemary around as garnish.
- Serve warm immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Nutrition facts are based on my gram measurements put into Cronometer. Yours may vary, they are to help you get an idea.
- I used Good Planet vegan mozzarella.
- I used Earth Balance vegan butter.
Easy and tasty bread recipe Good for any meal