Get ready to make your holiday spread extra special with these adorable Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas! This recipe is the perfect combination of festive fun and delicious flavor, making it a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Whether you need a quick appetizer for a Christmas party, a fun baking project with the family, or a simple weeknight dinner during the busy holiday season, these mini pizzas are the answer. They are incredibly easy to assemble and customize with your favorite toppings.
We use simple, store-bought pizza dough to keep this recipe stress-free, but the result is a wonderfully cheesy and savory treat that looks as good as it tastes. Let’s get baking and add some holiday cheer to your table!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore these festive little bites. They are not only a feast for the eyes but also incredibly simple to prepare, making them a top choice for holiday gatherings.
Perfect for Parties: These pizzas are the ultimate holiday appetizer. They’re easy for guests to grab and enjoy while mingling.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Let the little ones help! Kids love cutting out the tree shapes and adding their own toppings, making this a wonderful family activity.
Super Easy to Make: With refrigerated pizza dough and simple ingredients, this recipe comes together in no time. No culinary expertise required!
Completely Customizable: Stick with classic pepperoni or get creative with a variety of toppings to suit everyone’s tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
Refrigerated Pizza Dough: One tube of classic refrigerated pizza crust is the perfect shortcut. You can also use puff pastry or make your own dough if you prefer.
Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite jarred pizza sauce or marinara.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Pre-shredded, low-moisture mozzarella works best as it melts beautifully without releasing too much water.
Toppings: We’re using mini pepperoni and chopped green bell peppers for a classic look, but feel free to get creative!
Butter & Garlic Powder: A little melted butter mixed with garlic powder and dried parsley makes a delicious crust finisher.
Pretzel Sticks: These make the perfect little “tree trunks” for our pizzas.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to create these festive treats? Follow these simple steps for perfect Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas every time.
Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Shape the Dough: Unroll the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Using a 3-inch Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many trees as you can. You can gently re-roll the scraps to cut out a few more.
Assemble the Pizzas: Place the dough trees onto your prepared baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on each one, leaving a small border around the edges.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Now, decorate your trees! Use mini pepperoni as ornaments and finely diced green bell peppers for a garland effect.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finishing Touches: While the pizzas are baking, melt the butter and stir in the garlic powder and parsley. As soon as the pizzas come out of the oven, brush the crusts with the garlic butter.
Add the Trunk: Carefully insert a small piece of a pretzel stick into the bottom of each pizza to create the tree trunk. Let them cool for a minute before serving warm.
Golden, cheesy perfection in every festive bite.
Tips for the Perfect Holiday Pizzas
Want to make sure your mini pizzas are the star of the show? Here are a few expert tips to guarantee success.
Choosing the Right Dough
While refrigerated pizza dough is the quickest option, you have other choices! Puff pastry will create a flakier, lighter base, while a homemade dough can add a personal touch. If using a dough that rises, be sure to roll it thinly to prevent the trees from becoming too puffy and losing their shape.
Topping Ideas and Variations
The sky’s the limit when it comes to decorating your trees. Try these fun variations:
Veggie Delight: Use diced red onions, black olives, and corn as colorful ornaments.
White Christmas: Use an alfredo or white garlic sauce base instead of red sauce.
Pesto Pizzas: A swirl of pesto before adding cheese gives a vibrant, herby flavor. For another festive appetizer, check out this Christmas Pizza Wreath.
Getting the Perfect Shape
To ensure your trees keep their shape, don’t overload them with sauce or toppings. A thin layer is all you need. If the dough is too sticky to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before cutting.
Getting these cute little trees ready for the oven is half the fun!
How to Make Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas Ahead of Time
Planning a party? You can easily prep these pizzas in advance. Assemble the pizzas completely on the baking sheet, but don’t bake them. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. When you’re ready, just pop them into the preheated oven, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best results, reheat them in an air fryer or a toaster oven for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crisp again. Microwaving will work in a pinch, but the crust may become soft.
For ease and convenience, a tube of refrigerated pizza crust (like Pillsbury) is the best option. It’s easy to work with and bakes up perfectly. You can also use puff pastry for a flakier crust or your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe.
Yes! You can assemble the pizzas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an air fryer or toaster oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Get creative with your toppings! You can use diced bell peppers of different colors (red, yellow, orange) for ornaments, sliced black olives, or even a sprinkle of cooked sausage. For a different flavor profile, try a pesto or white garlic sauce base.
Using a cookie cutter is the easiest way to get a consistent shape. Be sure not to overload the dough with too much sauce or toppings, as this can cause it to spread and lose its shape while baking. A thin, even layer is best.
If you loved these Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas, you might also enjoy some of our other holiday favorites! For a sweet and festive treat, try our Snowman Oreo Balls or these classic Gingerbread Cookies. And for another savory crowd-pleaser, don’t miss our Rotel Sausage Balls.
A Fun and Festive Holiday Treat!
These Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas are more than just a recipe; they’re a way to create happy memories in the kitchen. They prove that the best holiday dishes can be both simple and spectacular. We hope you and your loved ones enjoy making and eating these festive bites! If you make them, we’d love to see! Share your creations with us on Pinterest.
The most festive and fun appetizer for your holiday gatherings!
Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas Recipe
FL Recipes
Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas (Easy Holiday Appetizer)
Create festive fun with these Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas! This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and is perfect for holiday parties or a fun family activity. A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unroll the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a 3-inch Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Gently re-roll scraps to maximize.
Place dough trees on the prepared baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on each, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Decorate with mini pepperoni and chopped green bell peppers.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
While pizzas bake, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley.
Brush the crusts of the hot pizzas with the garlic butter. Carefully insert a pretzel stick piece into the bottom of each pizza for a trunk. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 110kcalProtein: 4gFat: 5gFiber: 1g
Notes
For best results, use low-moisture mozzarella cheese to prevent the pizzas from becoming soggy. Don't overcrowd the baking sheet; give the pizzas a little space to bake evenly. Let the pizzas cool for a minute or two before serving, as the cheese will be very hot.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
