Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe
A delightful and festive appetizer that blends the buttery flakiness of puff pastry with the timeless flavors of pizza, this Christmas Tree Pizza is perfect for holiday gatherings. With its eye-catching design and irresistible taste, it’s an ideal addition to your festive menu, guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients and Variations
This recipe uses a few simple yet flavorful ingredients to create a stunning dish. Puff pastry provides the base, offering a crisp and buttery texture that perfectly complements the savory tomato passata. Mozzarella adds a creamy, melty layer, while extra virgin olive oil, salt, and optional oregano bring depth and balance to the sauce.
For those looking to enhance the flavors, consider adding fresh basil, garlic powder, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of spice. Substitutions are also easy: opt for gluten-free puff pastry for dietary needs or swap mozzarella with vegan cheese for a plant-based alternative.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Creating this festive dish is simple and enjoyable, with a few key steps ensuring a perfect result.
Prepping the Puff Pastry
Begin by unrolling the cold puff pastry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Keeping the pastry cold is crucial for clean cuts and optimal puffing during baking. Using a cookie cutter, carefully cut out Christmas tree shapes. Remove the excess pastry, and space the trees evenly on the baking sheet to allow air circulation for even cooking.
Making the Pizza Sauce
Combine plain tomato passata with a pinch of salt, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a dash of dried oregano, if desired. Stir thoroughly to achieve a smooth, flavorful sauce. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, ensuring the sauce is not overly salty, as the mozzarella will add additional savoriness.
Assembling the Christmas Trees
Using a small spoon, spread a thin, even layer of sauce onto each puff pastry tree. This prevents the pastry from becoming soggy while ensuring every bite is flavorful. Tear or shred the mozzarella ball into small pieces, distributing them evenly over the sauce-topped trees.
Baking Instructions
Place the baking sheet on the lower rack of your preheated oven, set to 350°F (180°C). Baking on the lower rack helps achieve a crispy pastry base without overcooking the cheese. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, monitoring closely toward the end to avoid burning. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even browning across all the trees.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
How to prevent soggy pastry:
Spread the sauce sparingly and avoid piling on too much cheese or heavy toppings.
Shaping tips:
Use the excess puff pastry to cut out smaller shapes like stars or circles for less waste.
Reheating leftovers:
Reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to restore crispness without drying out the pastry.
Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of making my own?
Yes, store-bought pizza sauce works well, but ensure it’s not overly thick or watery.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
Cheddar, Gruyère, or even feta can be used for a unique flavor profile.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Assemble the trees up to 4 hours in advance and bake just before serving for the freshest results.
How do I store leftovers, and how long will they last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pair these festive pizza trees with a variety of dips to complement their flavors. Garlic aioli, marinara sauce, or even a creamy ranch dressing are excellent choices. For a complete appetizer spread, serve alongside a charcuterie board with cured meats, cheeses, and fresh fruits. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs well, balancing the richness of the pastry.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and occasions. Add toppings like diced bell peppers, mini pepperoni slices, or grated Parmesan for a fun twist. For a non-seasonal variation, try cutting the puff pastry into stars, hearts, or other shapes to fit any celebration. You can also experiment with flavored oils, like chili or basil-infused olive oil, to drizzle on top before serving.
Christmas Tree Pizza is the perfect blend of flavor and festivity, making it a standout appetizer for holiday celebrations. Its easy preparation, customizable ingredients, and eye-catching presentation ensure it will be the highlight of your party spread. Whip up a batch for your next gathering and watch these delicious little trees disappear in no time.
Ingredients
1 rectangular roll of puff pastry
1 mozzarella ball
½ cup plain tomato passata
½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
â…› teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Olive oil, for finishing
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll the cold puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a cookie cutter in the shape of a Christmas tree, cut out as many trees as possible. Carefully remove the excess dough, and space the pastry trees slightly apart on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the pizza sauce by mixing the plain tomato passata with salt, extra virgin olive oil, and dried oregano (if desired) in a small bowl. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary to achieve a balanced flavor.
Using a spoon, spread a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce over each puff pastry tree. Tear or shred the mozzarella ball into small pieces and scatter them evenly over the sauce-topped trees.
Place the baking sheet on the lower rack of the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the trees from the oven, drizzle with a little olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt for added flavor. Serve immediately for a festive and delicious appetizer or snack.
Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 rectangular roll of puff pastry
- 1 mozzarella ball
- ½ cup plain tomato passata
- ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- â…› teaspoon dried oregano optional
- Olive oil for finishing
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll the cold puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a cookie cutter in the shape of a Christmas tree, cut out as many trees as possible. Carefully remove the excess dough, and space the pastry trees slightly apart on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the pizza sauce by mixing the plain tomato passata with salt, extra virgin olive oil, and dried oregano (if desired) in a small bowl. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary to achieve a balanced flavor.
- Using a spoon, spread a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce over each puff pastry tree. Tear or shred the mozzarella ball into small pieces and scatter them evenly over the sauce-topped trees.
- Place the baking sheet on the lower rack of the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the trees from the oven, drizzle with a little olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt for added flavor. Serve immediately for a festive and delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is thawed properly before use. The best method is leaving it in the fridge overnight for even thawing. If short on time, thaw it at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- For fresh puff pastry, remove it from the fridge and let it sit for 5 minutes. Unroll and cut out the tree shapes immediately, as warm pastry can be difficult to handle.
- Save time by preparing the Christmas tree mini pizzas in advance. If using fresh dough, assemble the bites, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.