Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread

Name: Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1 packet active dry yeast; 1 cup warm milk; 2 tbsp melted butter; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 egg (for egg wash)

Author: Tessa

Published: July 1, 2025

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Oh, the smell of warm, cheesy bread wafting through the house on Christmas morning—that’s what holiday magic tastes like! My Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread has been our family’s go-to for years, ever since my Aunt Marge showed up with a steaming loaf at our annual gift exchange. The way everyone gathers around, pulling off gooey chunks while the cheese stretches gloriously? Pure joy.

What makes this recipe special isn’t just the melty cheddar and mozzarella (though trust me, that’s a big part of it). It’s how effortlessly it brings people together. No fancy skills needed—just stretchy dough, pockets of bubbling cheese, and 25 minutes in the oven. Whether you’re hosting brunch or need a last-minute potluck hero, this bread turns any table into a celebration. Pro tip: Bake two. They disappear faster than Christmas cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread

Listen, I know holiday recipes can feel overwhelming, but this one? It’s like your favorite cozy sweater—comforting, reliable, and downright magical. Here’s why it’ll become your new tradition:

Effortless joy: No fancy techniques—just mix, stack, and bake. Even my 10-year-old nephew can help (and trust me, he does!).
Shareable happiness: The pull-apart design means no slicing—just hands reaching in with laughter and melted cheese strings everywhere (the good kind of mess).
Your rules: Swap in gouda, add rosemary, or sneak in garlic butter—it’s a blank canvas for your cravings.
That cheese pull: One tug and you’ve got golden, gooey perfection. Instagram-worthy? Absolutely. Soul-warming? Even more so.

Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread - detail 1

Ingredients for Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread

Gather these simple ingredients—I promise they’re probably already in your kitchen! The magic happens when ordinary things like flour and milk meet melty cheese. Just one golden rule: fresh yeast makes all the difference. If your packet’s been hiding in the pantry since last Christmas, grab a new one. Here’s what you’ll need:

3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled—no packing!)
1 tbsp sugar (just enough to wake up the yeast)
1 tsp salt (balances the richness)
1 packet active dry yeast (check that expiration date!)
1 cup warm milk (110°F—think baby-bottle warm)
2 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for greasing)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (pack it in—no skimping!)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (for that legendary stretch)
1 egg (for the golden egg wash)

See? Nothing fussy. Now let’s turn these into cheesy holiday magic!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry—you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this cheesy masterpiece! Just grab these basics (I bet they’re already in your kitchen):

A large mixing bowl (the bigger, the better—dough likes to stretch!)
9×5-inch loaf pan or round cake pan (buttered up for easy release)
Rolling pin (or an empty wine bottle in a pinch—we’ve all been there)
Pastry brush (for that golden egg wash magic)
Measuring cups/spoons (no eyeballing the yeast—trust me on this)

That’s it! Now let’s get our hands doughy.

How to Make Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread

Okay, let’s get to the good stuff! This bread comes together in three simple stages—dough, assembly, and the best part: baking. Follow these steps, and you’ll have everyone hovering around the oven in no time.

Preparing the Dough

First, wake up that yeast! In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Pour in the warm milk (test it on your wrist—if it’s comfy there, it’s perfect) and melted butter. Stir until shaggy, then turn it out onto a floured surface.

Now, knead for about 5 minutes—just until smooth and slightly tacky (not sticky!). Over-kneading makes tough bread, so stop when it springs back lightly when poked. Pop it back in the greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s doubled in size and looks delightfully puffy.

Assembling the Bread

Here’s where the fun begins! Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12×8-inch rectangle. Cut into roughly 2-inch squares—no perfection needed. Now, layer half the squares in your greased pan, sprinkle with most of the cheese (save some for the top!), then add the remaining squares. Tuck them in haphazardly—the messier, the better for that pull-apart magic!

Let it rise again for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F. The dough should look puffed and cozy in the pan. Just before baking, brush the top with beaten egg for that golden glow and scatter the reserved cheese over it. Hello, beauty!

Baking and Serving

Bake for 22–25 minutes until deeply golden and bubbling. If cheese starts browning too fast, tent with foil. The real test? The heavenly aroma—you’ll know it’s done when you can’t resist sneaking a peek. Let it cool for 5 minutes (if you can wait!), then serve warm. Watch those cheese pulls stretch as everyone digs in—pure holiday happiness!

Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread

After making this bread every Christmas for the past decade (and occasionally “testing” batches in July—no judgment!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:

Cheese at room temp: Cold cheese = uneven melting. Let it sit out while your dough rises.
The milk thermometer test: Too hot kills yeast, too cold won’t wake it. Aim for 110°F—wrist-test like baby milk.
Flour your hands: Sticky dough? A quick flour dusting makes kneading (and cleanup!) easier.
Underbake slightly: Pull it at 22 minutes if your oven runs hot—it keeps cooking as it cools.

Bonus tip: Hide leftovers (if any exist) in the microwave. Otherwise, they’ll vanish by morning!

Variations for Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread

The beauty of this bread? It’s endlessly adaptable! Swap in gouda or pepper jack for a twist, or mix in garlic powder and Italian herbs for a savory kick. Feeling festive? Add a sprinkle of crumbled bacon or sun-dried tomatoes. For a sweet-savory vibe, toss in a handful of caramelized onions. The only limit? Your imagination (and maybe how much cheese your fridge can hold!).

Serving Suggestions

This bread turns any meal into a celebration! Serve it warm alongside tomato soup for classic comfort, or let it star on your holiday brunch spread with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. It’s also perfect with winter salads—the cheesy richness balances bitter greens beautifully. Just keep napkins handy!

Storage & Reheating

If by some miracle you have leftovers (seriously, who does?), here’s how to keep the magic alive: Store cooled bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, skip the microwave—it turns cheese gluey. Instead, pop slices in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes until warm and melty again. Pro tip: A quick spritz of water before reheating keeps it soft!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, these estimates are based on standard ingredients – your actual numbers might dance around a bit depending on cheese brands or flour types. A typical serving gives you that perfect balance of gooey joy and comforting carbs. (And let’s be honest – cheesy holiday bread is worth every bite!)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 350°F oven until warm and gooey again. The cheese might lose a bit of stretch, but the flavor stays perfect.

Can I make the dough ahead?
You bet! After the first rise, punch down the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes before rolling and assembling. The slow rise actually gives the bread more flavor!

Why didn’t my bread rise enough?
Oh, I’ve been there! Usually it’s one of three things: old yeast (check that expiration date!), milk that was too hot/cold (110°F is the sweet spot), or a chilly rising spot. Try placing the dough near your oven while it preheats next time.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly shredded melts smoother since pre-shredded has anti-caking coatings. If you’re in a pinch, just toss pre-shredded cheese with a teaspoon of cornstarch—it helps mimic fresh cheese’s meltiness!

Share Your Creation!

I’d love to see your cheesy masterpiece! Snap a photo of that glorious cheese pull and tag me—there’s nothing better than seeing your holiday tables filled with warm bread and happy faces. Leave a comment below telling me your favorite cheese combo too!