Save Festive, flaky, and cheesy, these puff pastry pizza bites shaped like Christmas trees make the perfect holiday appetizer or party snack.
I enjoy preparing these pizza bites during the holidays because they bring festive cheer and are always a hit with guests.
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry: 1 sheet (about 250 g) ready-rolled puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- Sauce: 3 tablespoons pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- Cheese: 100 g (about 1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese, 30 g (about 1/4 cup) grated parmesan cheese
- Vegetables & Toppings: 8 cherry tomatoes, halved, 8 black olives, pitted and sliced, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional), 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 16 Christmas tree shapes using a cookie cutter (or cut triangles for a tree effect).
- Step 3:
- Place the pastry trees on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4:
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each tree, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the sauce.
- Step 6:
- Decorate each tree with cherry tomato halves and olive slices to resemble ornaments.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle with dried oregano and a crack of black pepper.
- Step 8:
- Brush the exposed pastry edges lightly with olive oil for a golden finish.
- Step 9:
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Step 10:
- Remove from oven, cool slightly, and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.
Save Sharing these pizza bites with family around the tree always makes our holiday moments extra special.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Christmas tree cookie cutter (or sharp knife), Pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (puff pastry), dairy (cheese), and may contain traces of soy or nuts depending on the puff pastry brand. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 95, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 8 g, Protein 3 g
Save These festive bites are quick to prepare and perfect for holiday parties or appetizers.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I shape the puff pastry like Christmas trees?
Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut the thawed puff pastry into tree shapes. If unavailable, cut triangles and add small notches to mimic branches.
- → Can I prepare these bites in advance?
You can assemble the bites ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Bake shortly before serving to maintain their crispiness.
- → What cheese works best for these bites?
Shredded mozzarella offers meltiness while grated parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor. Combining both creates a rich, balanced taste.
- → Are substitutions possible for the toppings?
Yes, try swapping basil for parsley, adding red pepper flakes for heat, or including finely chopped cooked ham or pepperoni for extra flavor.
- → How should I store leftover bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven to restore their crisp texture.
- → What seasoning enhances the flavor?
Dried oregano sprinkled over the cheese adds a classic Italian touch, complementing the tomato sauce and toppings perfectly.