The Perfect Festive Tear-and-Share Garlic Bread Dough Balls for the Holiday Season!
Hi! If you’ve been following me for long you’ll already know this, but for those who are new, welcome to Far From The Farm. I’m Mona, the Brit behind the recipes, learning life and food in the States while sharing our debt-free journey and what’s on the menu in our home today!
I think it’s safe to say I am absolutely obsessed with all things garlic bread and dough balls at the moment. They’re one of those simple, cozy recipes that bring so much joy for so little effort.
And with us still on baby step 2 of our debt-free journey, we’ve been focused on finding those budget-friendly ways to make family meals special without splurging on takeout or eating out. Homemade bread has become a huge part of that.
A few pantry ingredients can give you bakery-style dough balls for just a few dollars.
And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!
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As we roll into the Christmas season, I wanted to do something festive with my classic dough ball recipe.
So this one turns the same soft, fluffy dough into a pull-apart Christmas tree! Golden, garlicky, with a little cheese inside and dotted around the dough balls – perfect for sharing at any holiday gathering. It’s the kind of thing that disappears the second you set it on the table!
You can shape it as a tree, wreath, or even little clusters for dipping, whatever suits your table setup best.
I love brushing the tops with my homemade Spicy Garlic-Parmesan Butter as soon as they come out of the oven. It gives that glossy, bakery-finish shine and the smell alone makes the house feel like Christmas.
And bonus points – this makes a fantastic festive date night sharing dish, my husband and I enjoyed some warm with our first Christmas movie of the year and we loved them!
As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here in our sweet military base home. No staged lighting or spotless marble counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!
So throw on some Christmas music, and bake along with me. This is the ultimate cozy holiday tear-and-share cheesy garlic bread!
Equipment
- KitchenAid or Stand Mixer with dough hook and mixing bowl
- Measuring jug
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
- Silicone pastry brush
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
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Ingredients
Yield: Makes 16 to 18 dough balls
For the Dough:
- 1 batch of my Pizza Dough Recipe Made with Honey and Bread Flour!
Grab the recipe here:
For the Cheese Center:
- 3 to 4 mozzarella string cheese, cut into small strips or cubes
For the Topping:
- Brush generously with my The Best Spicy Garlic-Parmesan Butter Recipe after baking for that festive shine and flavor!
Grab the recipe here:
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1. Make a batch of my Easy Pizza Dough Recipe Made with Honey and Bread Flour and let it rest for an hour.
Step 2. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and turn it out onto your work surface ( I don’t need to use flour) and divide into 17 equal pieces (if you want to make the Christmas Tree shape in the exact way we did – feel free to change it up!)
Step 3. Flatten each of the 17 pieces into a disc shape and place a little of your cheese in the center of each one.
Step 4. Then roll each into a smooth ball, pinching the bottoms closed to seal making sure that none of the cheese is exposed.
Step 5. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape triangle of dough balls, with a few extra at the base for the trunk.
Step 6. Place any leftover cheese string pieces in between the gaps of the dough balls. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let them rise again for 20 to 30 minutes until puffed.
Step 7. Preheat the oven to 425°F and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and lightly crisped on top, to your preference. Check regularly after the 10 minute mark until you’ve made them a few times and know how they cook in your oven (everyone’s is slightly different).
Step 8. Remove from the oven and brush immediately with melted Spicy Garlic-Parmesan Butter for that irresistible glossy finish. Serve warm for the full pull-apart effect!
Notes and Troubleshooting
Notes:
- You can swap the Italian seasoning for a festive rosemary blend for a Christmas flavor twist.
- Brush with a little extra butter halfway through baking for a deeper golden color.
- Want extra cheese? Add shredded mozzarella between a few of the dough balls before baking.
Troubleshooting:
- If the dough balls spread too much, your dough might have over-proofed. Next time, reduce the second rise by 5 minutes.
- If they’re pale on top, move your oven rack up slightly or broil for 1 minute at the end.
- If they come out dense, check that your yeast is fresh and your water wasn’t too hot.
Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 3.
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 6 to 8 minutes or in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through.
- You can also freeze baked dough balls for up to 2 months. Just thaw and warm gently before serving.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with my Spicy Garlic-Parmesan Butter for the ultimate festive dipping bread.
- Shape it into a wreath and serve with marinara or ranch dip for a holiday party platter.
- Add sprigs of rosemary and cherry tomatoes between the dough balls to decorate like ornaments before baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?!
- Soft, fluffy, golden, and garlicky – just like your favorite bakery tear-and-share bread!
- Budget-friendly and easy with the bread machine doing the hard work
- Festive centerpiece for Christmas parties or cozy date nights in!
- Perfect base for endless flavor twists
- Family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and 100% delicious every time
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes! Make the dough, shape into balls, and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking.
Can I bake it in a round pan instead?
Definitely. Arrange in a circle for a Christmas wreath look.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
You can try a 1:1 gluten-free bread machine blend, though texture may vary slightly.
The Best Cheese Stuffed Spicy Garlic Butter Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Dough Balls Recipe!
December 3, 2025Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make a batch of my Easy Pizza Dough Recipe Made with Honey and Bread Flour and let it rest for an hour.
- Once the dough has risen gently punch it down and turn it out onto your work surface ( I don't need to use flour).Then divide into 17 equal pieces (if you want to make the Christmas Tree shape in the exact way we did – feel free to change it up!)
- Flatten each of the 17 pieces into a disc shape and place a little of your cheese in the center of each one.
- Then roll each into a smooth ball, pinching the bottoms closed to seal making sure that none of the cheese is exposed.
- Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape triangle of dough balls, with a few extra at the base for the trunk.
- Place any leftover cheese string pieces in between the gaps of the dough balls. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let them rise again for 20 to 30 minutes until puffed.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and lightly crisped on top, to your preference. Check regularly after the 10 minute mark until you've made them a few times and know how they cook in your oven (everyone's is slightly different).
- Remove from the oven and brush immediately with melted Spicy Garlic-Parmesan Butter for that irresistible glossy finish. Serve warm for the full pull-apart effect!
Notes
- You can swap the Italian seasoning for a festive rosemary blend for a Christmas flavor twist.
- Brush with a little extra butter halfway through baking for a deeper golden color.
- Want extra cheese? Add shredded mozzarella between a few of the dough balls before baking.
Related Recipes
- my Spicy Garlic-Parmesan Butter goes perfectly with this dish!
- use my easy Pizza Dough Recipe Made with Honey and Bread Flour to get the exact same results I show here.
Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 3.
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 6 to 8 minutes or in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through.
- You can also freeze baked dough balls for up to 2 months. Just thaw and warm gently before serving.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The Takeaway
This Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread Machine Dough Ball recipe brings festive garlic bread joy to your table in the easiest, most budget-friendly way.
Tear, share, and enjoy every buttery bite. Proof that homemade really can beat the bakery!
What to Try Next?
Share & Rate This Recipe!
Baked this for your Christmas buffet or a cozy December dinner? Share it with a friend who loves garlic bread and leave a rating so others can find it too!
Last update on 2026-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
