Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Pizza Bites are a fun and festive way to enjoy a savory treat during the holiday season. The buttery, flaky puff pastry forms the perfect base for a combination of melty cheese, savory sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings. These adorable tree-shaped bites are easy to make and will surely impress guests at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
puff pastrymozzarella cheesepepperonimarinara sauceegg, beatenoregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
Using a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter or a knife, cut the pastry into tree shapes.
Place a small spoonful of marinara sauce in the center of each tree shape, leaving space around the edges.
Top the sauce with shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
Fold the edges of the pastry inward to create the tree shape, pinching the dough lightly to seal.
Brush the tops of the pastry trees with the beaten egg and sprinkle with oregano or Italian seasoning.
Arrange the pastry trees on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes approximately 12-16 pizza bites.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 20-25 minutes
Variations
Substitute pepperoni with other toppings like diced ham, sausage, or vegetables.
Use a blend of cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
For a healthier version, use a whole-wheat puff pastry and opt for a lighter cheese like part-skim mozzarella.
Storage/Reheating
Store the pizza bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them up to the point of baking, then refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
Can I use a different shape besides a Christmas tree?
Definitely! You can cut the puff pastry into stars, circles, or any other shape to fit the theme of your party.
Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of marinara?
Yes, pizza sauce will work perfectly in this recipe.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the pepperoni and add extra veggies like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
Can I use puff pastry sheets instead of pre-cut?
Yes, you can roll out regular puff pastry sheets and cut them into tree shapes or any other fun shapes you desire.
Conclusion
Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Pizza Bites are an easy-to-make, delicious, and visually stunning treat perfect for the holiday season. They are sure to be a hit at any gathering and make for a fun and festive appetizer. Enjoy the crisp, buttery pastry paired with cheesy goodness in every bite!
PrintPuff Pastry Christmas Tree Pizza Bites
Festive, fun-to-make bite-sized pizza bites shaped like Christmas trees, using puff pastry, marinara sauce, and melty cheese—perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 pizza bites (depending on size) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface. Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter (or a knife) to cut the pastry into tree shapes.
- Place the pastry trees on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread a small amount of marinara sauce on each pastry tree, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season with oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the edges of each tree with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil (optional). Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, use pizza sauce or pesto instead of marinara sauce.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, make sure your Parmesan cheese is rennet-free.
- For a fun twist, use different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda.
- Feel free to add toppings like pepperoni, olives, or bell peppers on top of the cheese before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza bite
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg