Pimiento Cheese Pull-Apart Christmas Tree

In a large bowl stir together cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Stir in pimientos and jalapeño. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 400°F. On a large sheet of parchment dusted with flour, unroll one package of pizza crust. Stretch to a 15 x 12-inch rectangle. Starting at the middle of a short side, cut to a corner of the opposite short side. Repeat, cutting to the other corner of the opposite short side (you should have a giant triangle in the center and two skinnier triangles on the side). Remove the side pieces, cover and set aside*. Repeat with remaining package of crust on a separate piece of parchment.

Transfer one crust with parchment to a large baking sheet. Spoon cheese mixture over crust; carefully spread evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Carefully invert remaining crust over cheese mixture; remove parchment. Press edges to seal. Using a sharp knife or scissors, started 2 inches below the top point, make horizontal cuts about 1 1/2 inches apart, cutting toward the center of the tree. Twist each strip two to three times. Bake on the lower-third of the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until browned (some cheese may ooze out). Remove from oven and brush with butter, if using, while still hot. Serve warm.