Christmas Tree Garlic Bread is soft, buttery, and shaped like a festive tree that’s perfect for holiday tables. Each fluffy twist is packed with roasted garlic and herb butter, making it irresistible.
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Why You’ll Love For Christmas Tree Garlic Bread
This Christmas Tree Garlic Bread is more than just bread; it’s a centerpiece that everyone will gather around. The roasted garlic butter adds deep, savory flavor, while the parmesan brings richness.
The dough bakes up soft inside with a golden, slightly crisp crust. You can serve it with marinara for dipping or as part of a holiday spread. It also works well as a make-ahead recipe, so you’re not rushed on Christmas day.
Whether you’re hosting a big dinner or need a festive appetizer, this tree-shaped bread fits perfectly. It looks impressive but comes together with simple steps. Kids love pulling apart the twists, and adults appreciate the layers of garlic and herbs. Plus, you can prep it ahead of time and bake when ready, keeping holiday stress low.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple pantry staples with a few fresh herbs for flavor. Yeast and honey give the dough a nice rise, while eggs and butter add richness. Roasted garlic brings depth, parmesan adds cheesy saltiness, and herbs balance everything with warmth and aroma. A pinch of chili flakes gives just enough kick.
For the Dough
All-purpose flour, instant yeast, warm milk, honey, eggs, salted butter, kosher salt
For the Garlic Butter Filling
Roasted garlic, salted butter, parmesan, sage, basil, oregano, parsley, chili flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Roast the Garlic
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice the top off a garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 40–55 minutes until soft and golden. Once cooled, squeeze out the cloves.
Make the Dough
In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, honey, eggs, and 2 tablespoons of softened butter. Mix with a dough hook for 4–5 minutes until smooth. If sticky, add a little flour. Cover and let rise at room temperature for 30–60 minutes until puffy.
Prepare the Garlic Butter
Mash the roasted garlic with 1 stick of butter, parmesan, and herbs. Stir until creamy and fragrant. This will be your filling and topping.
Shape the Christmas Tree
Roll dough halves into 15×11-inch rectangles. Stack them and cut into a large triangle, trimming the sides. Place one triangle on a lined baking sheet. Spread with two-thirds of the garlic butter. Top with the second triangle. Cut horizontal slits up each side, leaving the center intact. Twist each strip to form tree branches.
Bake and Serve
Brush with the remaining garlic butter. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Sprinkle flaky salt if you like. Serve warm with marinara for dipping.
Tips for Success
Use instant yeast for faster rise and to keep the dough sturdy enough for shaping. If you want less prep on Christmas day, assemble up to the twisting stage, then refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before baking. Refrigerated dough can sit up to 24 hours before shaping. For extra ease, premade pizza dough works well. When shaping, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to make clean cuts for twisting. Don’t stress about a perfect tree shape—it looks charming even with rustic edges. The roasted garlic step adds a lot of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can mix softened butter with garlic powder instead.
Serving Suggestions
This bread shines on Christmas appetizer boards with cheeses, olives, and dips. Serve with marinara or a creamy ranch dip for variety. It also pairs beautifully with roasted meats or a hearty dish like classic beef bourguignon for a cozy dinner. For a fun party option, place it in the center of a table so guests can pull apart their own piece. It works equally well as a side for soup or salad during holiday weeknights.
Recipe Notes and Variations
For extra indulgence, tuck mozzarella between the dough layers for a gooey pull-apart effect. Swap herbs for thyme or rosemary depending on your favorites. If you prefer a sweet twist, fill with cinnamon sugar and glaze with icing after baking. This bread is best fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 300°F until warm. While freezing hasn’t been fully tested, the dough should handle refrigeration up to 24 hours before baking. Always serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Other recipes you may enjoy
- fudgy chewy brookies perfect for Christmas dessert platters
- cranberry nut bread to balance savory holiday dishes
- Italian cheese log as a festive appetizer idea
- classic beef bourguignon for a hearty Christmas main
Conclusion
Christmas Tree Garlic Bread is festive, flavorful, and so much fun to share. The roasted garlic butter makes every bite rich and comforting, while the twisted tree shape feels special for the holidays. It’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive on the table. Bake it ahead, enjoy it warm, and let it be the centerpiece that brings everyone together this season. For more festive recipe inspiration, check out my Pinterest boards. Wishing you a warm, happy, and delicious holiday season!
Christmas Tree Garlic Bread
Equipment
- Stand mixer With dough hook attachment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet Lined with parchment
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter For cutting dough strips
- Foil For roasting garlic
Ingredients
- 1 head garlic
- extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- ¾ cup warm whole milk
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 stick + 2 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 pinch chili flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut the top off the garlic head to expose cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 40–55 minutes until golden and soft.
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, honey, eggs, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix with dough hook for 4–5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 30–60 minutes.
- Once garlic is cool, squeeze cloves into a bowl. Mash with 1 stick butter, parmesan, and herbs until creamy.
- Roll dough halves into 15×11-inch rectangles. Stack and cut into a large triangle. Place one triangle on a lined baking sheet. Spread with 2/3 of garlic butter, top with second triangle. Cut horizontal slits up each side, leaving a trunk in the center. Twist each strip.
- Brush with remaining butter. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden. Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired and serve warm with marinara.
