If you’re looking for a unique and delicious way to wow your family and friends this holiday season, I have just the thing for you. This Festive Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe is hands down one of my favorite seasonal treats—fun to make, visually stunning, and absolutely tasty. When I first tried this, it was the star of our holiday appetizer lineup, and I can’t wait to share how you can make your own cheesy, garland-decorated pizza tree that everyone will rave about.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Fun: This pizza doubles as a tasty treat and a beautiful centerpiece that brings holiday cheer right to your table.
- Cheese-Filled Goodness: The mozzarella cheese sticks tucked inside create melty, gooey bites everyone adores.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with readily available ingredients, so no stressful shopping trips.
- Great for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a pizza pro or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how the combination of creamy cheese, flavorful sauces, and a crispy crust makes this festive pizza truly sing. Plus, the toppings double as “ornaments” on your Christmas tree-shaped creation, making it as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
- Pizza dough: Using a pound of dough or refrigerated bread dough works great—I usually go for pre-made dough to save time without sacrificing freshness.
- Mozzarella cheese sticks: These are perfect for stuffing inside the dough, giving you those amazing melty cheese pulls.
- Olive oil: Helps create that irresistibly golden, slightly crispy crust.
- Italian herbs: A blend like oregano, basil, and thyme adds a classic flavor lift.
- Alfredo sauce: Creamy base sauce that complements the cheese nicely; store-bought is perfectly fine here.
- Jarred pesto sauce: Adds a vibrant green color and a punch of basil flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For sprinkling on top and boosting cheesy goodness even more.
- Green bell pepper: Sliced thinly to resemble garland weaving through the tree – adds color and crunch.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved to act as ‘ornaments’—juicy, sweet, and festive-looking.
- Mini pepperoni slices: Tiny and perfect for decorating this pizza tree like little baubles.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, salty finishing touch.
Variations
I love making this recipe my own each year, depending on what my family’s craving or what I have in the fridge. Don’t hesitate to swap toppings or add extras to suit your taste—you really can’t go wrong.
- Vegetarian Version: I sometimes leave out the pepperoni and add sliced olives or mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Spicy Twist: My family loves it with a drizzle of hot honey or some red pepper flakes sprinkled on top for a little kick.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan cheese sticks and a dairy-free Alfredo sauce to keep it festive and allergy-friendly.
- Mini Pizzas: For a party, I’ve made smaller individual tree shapes that are perfect finger foods.
How to Make Festive Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and positioning the rack in the center—this ensures even baking. While the oven warms up, roll out your pizza dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a silicone mat. I like to stretch it into a rough triangle shape because that will be the base for your Christmas tree. Make sure it’s not too thick or thin—about ¼ inch thickness works best for a crispy crust without burning.
Step 2: Stuff with Cheese Sticks
Now the fun part: placing mozzarella cheese sticks on the dough. Lay them out evenly spaced inside the triangle, leaving some dough between each so when folded, the cheese is nicely encased. I found this technique makes every bite wonderfully cheesy and avoids leaks during baking. Fold the dough sections around each cheese stick, pressing gently to seal. Brush the entire dough surface lightly with olive oil and sprinkle Italian herbs for that classic pizza aroma.
Step 3: Add Sauces and Toppings
Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce directly onto the dough (avoiding the edges) to create a creamy canvas. Next, spoon small dollops of pesto sauce—I like to make little green ‘ornaments’ by swirling the pesto around. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the top for that extra cheesy finish. Now for the decorative part: arrange sliced green bell pepper strips like garland across the tree, dot cherry tomato halves as ornaments, and place mini pepperoni slices sporadically for a festive pop of color. Finish with a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your masterpiece into the center rack of the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbling. Keep an eye on it after 15 minutes so the toppings don’t burn—each oven behaves a bit differently. When ready, take it out and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly and keeps the toppings from sliding off.
Pro Tips for Making Festive Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe
- Seal That Cheese: Make sure the dough is pinched well around the cheese sticks to avoid any melting cheese escaping and making a mess in your oven.
- Use Parchment or Silicone: Lining your baking sheet helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Don’t Overload Toppings: Too many toppings can make the dough soggy—stick to the suggested amounts for the best crisp crust.
- Rest Before Cutting: Allow pizza to cool briefly; this keeps slices intact and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Festive Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish this pizza with a fresh sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley for a touch of green and brightness. Sometimes a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice finishing touch. The garnish makes it look even more festive and invites you to dig right in.
Side Dishes
I often pair this festive pizza with a simple mixed green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a bowl of roasted garlic mashed potatoes for a warm and hearty combo. My family also loves it alongside a cup of tomato basil soup, especially on chilly winter evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve cut the pizza into smaller “tree slices” and arranged them on a platter with extra cherry tomatoes and herbs sprinkled around. It’s also fun to add a star-shaped piece of crust or pepperoni at the tree top to mimic a real Christmas tree star. Kids especially love helping decorate with extra toppings before baking—it becomes a festive family activity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slices are best stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap and refrigerated. I usually eat them within 2-3 days, and they still taste great—just a little less crispy.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later or prepare ahead, slice the pizza after baking, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop leftover slices in a hot skillet on the stove over medium heat to crisp the crust again or use the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that beautiful, slightly crunchy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought pizza dough for the Festive Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough or refrigerated bread dough works perfectly and saves you time. Just be sure to roll it to the right thickness and shape it into a triangle for that festive tree look.
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What if I don’t have Alfredo or pesto sauce?
No worries! You can substitute with marinara sauce or a simple tomato sauce for a classic pizza flavor. Just be light on the sauce to avoid sogginess. The pesto adds a nice green color but isn’t essential.
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How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?
Make sure to seal the dough well around the mozzarella sticks by pinching the edges firmly. Also, avoid overfilling with sauce or cheese to minimize leaks.
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Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough mix or pre-made gluten-free crust. Just keep an eye on baking times as these can vary depending on the dough.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Festive Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe brings joy and warmth to our holiday gatherings. It’s one of those dishes that sparks smiles the moment you bring it to the table—cheesy, colorful, and festive all in one bite. I hope you have as much fun making it as I do, and that it becomes a cherished tradition in your home too. Give it a try and let me know how your pizza tree turns out—I’m cheering you on from my kitchen to yours!
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Festive Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This festive Christmas Tree Pizza features a unique tree-shaped pizza dough filled with mozzarella cheese sticks and topped with a flavorful blend of Alfredo sauce, pesto, mozzarella, and colorful toppings like green bell pepper slices, cherry tomatoes, and mini pepperoni. Baked to golden perfection, it makes a fun and delicious holiday appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the Dough and Base
- 1 pound pizza dough (or two 11-ounce cans refrigerated bread dough)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian herbs
- ¼ cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon jarred pesto sauce
Cheese
- 5 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings and Garnish
- ½ small green bell pepper (sliced to make garland)
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
- 2 tablespoons mini pepperoni slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and position the oven rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat to prevent sticking and to ensure even baking.
- Shape the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a large triangular Christmas tree shape on the prepared baking sheet. Take care to create a wide base and pointed top to resemble a tree, trimming excess dough as needed.
- Assemble the Cheese-Stuffed Tree: Lay the mozzarella cheese sticks horizontally across the dough shape, leaving space for folding. Fold the dough edges over the cheese sticks to enclose them, forming layers like branches of the tree.
- Mix and Spread Sauces: In a small bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce and pesto sauce. Spread this mixture evenly over the surface of the dough, extending to the edges but avoiding sealing any openings of cheese-filled dough.
- Sprinkle Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce-spread dough, followed by a light dusting of Italian herbs and the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor and appealing golden color after baking.
- Add Toppings to Decorate: Arrange the sliced green bell peppers as garland stripes across the tree. Place halved cherry tomatoes to mimic ornaments, and scatter mini pepperoni slices evenly to complete the festive look.
- Bake the Pizza Tree: Place the baking sheet with the assembled pizza in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown, cheese is melted and bubbly, and the toppings are slightly roasted.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the Christmas Tree Pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. This helps the cheese set a bit for cleaner slices. Serve warm as a festive appetizer or fun main dish during holiday gatherings.
Notes
- This cheese-filled Christmas Tree Pizza is perfect for holiday parties and makes a delightful appetizer or kid-friendly snack.
- You can customize toppings to your preference; consider adding olives, mushrooms, or different bell pepper colors for more festive decoration.
- Use store-bought dough to save time, but homemade pizza dough will also work well.
- Make sure to seal the cheese sticks well inside the dough to avoid leakage during baking.
- Allow the pizza to cool slightly after baking to prevent burns from hot melted cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of pizza)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
