1-First Step: Prepare the dough and filling Start by bringing your pizza dough to room temperature if it has been chilled. This makes it easier to shape and prevents tearing. Lightly flour your work surface, then divide the dough into about 20 to 30 small pieces, depending on the size of tree you want. Flatten each piece just a little, then add a small bit of mozzarella and pepperoni in the center. Pinch the dough closed around the filling so the cheese stays tucked inside while baking. If you are making the crispy baked goat cheese alongside this recipe for a larger holiday tray, you can prep that at the same time. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Slice the 10 oz goat cheese log into 1/4-inch rounds using twine or floss for neat cuts. Lightly coat the rounds in flour and freeze them for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This step helps the cheese hold its shape later.

2-Second Step: Shape the Christmas tree Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the filled dough balls in the shape of a tree, starting with one ball at the top and widening the rows as you move down. Leave just enough space so the dough can rise and bake evenly. You can make the tree small for a family dinner or larger for a party tray. A little planning here makes the finished appetizer look polished and festive. Once the shape is set, cover the tray lightly with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes. This rise gives the bread a softer, fluffier texture, which makes every pull-apart bite more enjoyable.

3-Third Step: Mix the topping While the dough rises, make the garlic butter topping. Stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. If you like a little extra flavor, you can add a pinch of salt or a tiny bit of Italian seasoning. This topping is what gives the bread its rich, savory finish and that irresistible holiday smell. For the goat cheese coating, process the breadcrumbs and nuts together until they are less coarse, then add the herbs and season with salt and pepper. This mix gives you a coating that is crunchy and flavorful. If you want to keep it simpler, you can omit the nuts and use all breadcrumbs instead.

4-Fourth Step: Coat the goat cheese To finish the crispy baked goat cheese, dip each frozen round into the beaten eggs, then into the breadcrumb mixture. Dip it back into the eggs and breadcrumb mixture again for a double crust. This double coating helps the cheese stay intact and bake into a crisp shell. Place the coated rounds on a greased sheet tray, then spray lightly with pan spray before baking. Keep the rounds frozen until they go into the oven so they hold their shape better.

5-Fifth Step: Bake the bread and cheese Preheat the oven to 375°F for the pull apart bread. Bake the tree for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the last part of baking. Brush the warm bread with the garlic butter mixture as soon as it comes out of the oven so the flavor sinks into the crust. For the goat cheese, bake at 450°F for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown. The coating should look crisp and the cheese should be soft inside. Keep an eye on it during the final minutes, since the crust can go from golden to dark quickly.

6-Final Step: Garnish and serve Once the pull apart bread is out of the oven, sprinkle on a little extra Parmesan, parsley, and the halved cherry tomatoes. Serve it warm so the cheese stays soft and stretchy. If you want to make the tree even more festive, place a small bowl of marinara, ranch, or pesto in the center for dipping. This makes it even more fun for guests to grab and share. Serve the crispy baked goat cheese warm with jam or preserves on top. You can plate it as slices or roll the rounds into small balls for a different look. It also works well as a salad topper or as a crunchy addition to pasta. If you are serving a larger spread, pair it with a drink board or snack tray for a full holiday appetizer table. For a creamy side dip idea, this appetizer also pairs nicely with a tangy yogurt-based sauce, and you can learn more about yogurt benefits from Healthline’s guide to yogurt.