Christmas Tree Pizzas: A Fun and Festive Twist on a Family Favorite

This holiday season, why not add some extra cheer to dinner with Christmas Tree Pizzas? These mini pizzas are not only delicious, but they’re also a fun way to get into the holiday spirit. Shaped like Christmas trees and topped with festive ingredients, they’re perfect for a cozy family dinner, a holiday party, or as a fun activity to do with kids. Get ready to spread the joy with every slice!

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Number of Servings: 6 mini pizzas
• Serving Size: 1 Christmas Tree Pizza per person

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 15g
• Dietary Info: Vegetarian, can be made gluten-free with gluten-free pizza dough.

Ingredients List

For the Pizza Base:

• 1 package (about 400g / 14 oz) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp (15g) olive oil
• 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce or pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Christmas Tree Shape:

• 1 small star-shaped cookie cutter (for the tree topper)
• 6 round pizza bases (about 5-6 inches in diameter)
• Fresh basil leaves (for the tree “branches”)
• Cherry tomatoes (halved, for “ornaments”)
• Red bell pepper (cut into thin strips for garland)
• Green olives (sliced for garland)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for snow effect, optional)

Detailed Method of Preparation

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Shape the Pizzas:
   Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a round pizza cutter or a large cup, cut the dough into 6 equal round bases, about 5-6 inches in diameter. Now, for the Christmas tree shape: take each round base and cut into a triangle shape (like a Christmas tree), leaving the base wide and tapering to a point at the top.
3. Assemble the Pizza Base:
   Place the triangle-shaped pizza dough on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each pizza base lightly with olive oil, then spread a spoonful of tomato sauce over each triangle. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top, ensuring it’s fully covered.
4. Add the Christmas Tree Decorations:
   • Tree Toppers: Use a small star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out stars from a slice of bell pepper or a piece of cheese, and place them on top of each pizza for the tree’s “star.”
   • Tree Branches: Arrange basil leaves around the pizza, layering them like tree branches.
   • Ornaments: Place halved cherry tomatoes and slices of green olives on the pizza to resemble Christmas tree ornaments.
   • Garland: Use thin strips of red bell pepper and green olives to create a garland effect by placing them in zigzag patterns across the pizza.
5. Bake the Pizzas:
   Place the pizzas in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the crust is crisp.
6. Finish and Serve:
   Remove the pizzas from the oven and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a “snowy” effect). Let cool slightly before serving. Slice and serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves if desired.

Tips for Culinary Success

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the pizza dough and toppings ahead of time. Store the shaped dough and toppings separately in the fridge and assemble the pizzas just before baking.
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. You can add other veggies like mushrooms, olives, or peppers, or even some cooked sausage for a heartier pizza.
• Kid-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for kids to help with! Let them decorate their own Christmas tree pizzas by adding toppings in fun patterns.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough if you need a gluten-free option. Many stores offer pre-made gluten-free dough that works great for this recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar, gouda, or a blend of your favorites. Just keep in mind that mozzarella gives a great melt and texture.

Q: How can I make the pizza dough from scratch?
A: You can easily make pizza dough from scratch with just flour, yeast, water, olive oil, and salt. If you prefer, there are plenty of easy pizza dough recipes available online. Homemade dough adds extra flavor and can be fun for a family project.

Q: Can I freeze these pizzas for later?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled pizzas before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I use pre-made pizza bases instead of dough?
A: Yes, pre-made pizza bases or flatbreads can be used. Just make sure they are large enough to cut into a triangular shape to resemble a Christmas tree.

These Christmas Tree Pizzas are not only a festive treat but also a fun way to get the whole family involved in the kitchen. Whether for a cozy holiday dinner or as a playful snack for the kids, these pizzas will bring joy to your holiday celebrations. So gather your loved ones, decorate your tree—and eat it too—with these delicious, festive creations!