Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a festive, fun, and absolutely delicious twist on traditional pizza, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you. This Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe is not only eye-catching but also packed with cheesy goodness that everyone at your holiday table will adore. I first tried this when I wanted something a little extra special for Christmas Eve, and let me tell you, it was a big hit! The combination of cheese-filled dough shaped into a charming tree and topped with vibrant veggies and pepperoni really brings the holiday spirit to your plate.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe really comes from using easy-to-find ingredients that blend together perfectly: stretchy mozzarella, fragrant Italian herbs, and colorful toppings to look like ornaments on your pizza tree. I always recommend fresh, good-quality cheese and veggies for the best flavor and appearance.

• Pizza dough: I use either a pound of fresh pizza dough or refrigerated bread dough from cans — both work great and save prep time.
• Mozzarella cheese sticks: These get tucked inside the dough to create a melty cheese surprise when you bite in.
• Olive oil: Brush this on to give a beautiful golden crust and a little extra flavor.
• Italian herbs: A simple mix of oregano, basil, and thyme really amps up the aroma and taste.
• Alfredo sauce: This creamy base keeps the pizza rich without the tomato tang.
• Pesto sauce: Just a smear adds an herby, bright touch that pairs wonderfully with the other flavors.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: To sprinkle on top for that classic stretchy pizza texture.
• Green bell pepper: Thin slices work perfectly as “garland” on the tree — plus, they add a fresh crunch.
• Cherry tomatoes: Cut in halves, they look like tiny ornaments and add a juicy pop.
• Mini pepperoni slices: My family goes crazy for these little bursts of spicy, meaty flavor.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A finishing sprinkle for a salty boost.

Variations

While I love the classic version of this Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe, I encourage you to make it your own! Swap toppings based on what your family loves or dietary preferences. Sometimes I swap out the pepperoni for sliced olives or even cooked sausage for variety.

• Vegetarian Version: Use extra bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives instead of meat — it’s just as festive and full of flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for a bit of heat my family enjoys.
• Gluten-Free Dough: I’ve tried this with gluten-free pizza dough and it worked beautifully, just watch the baking time as it can vary.
• Kids’ Favorite: Let the little ones decorate the tree with their favorite toppings — it’s a fun way to get them in the kitchen.

How to Make Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dough and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and positioning your rack in the center to ensure even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat — I swear by these liners to keep the crust from sticking and help with cleanup. Then, shape your dough into a rough Christmas tree form right on the baking sheet. You’ll want a wide base tapering to a point at the top, with branches scored into the sides to look like tree limbs.

Step 2: Stuff the Tree with Mozzarella

Now for the fun: slice the mozzarella sticks into smaller pieces and tuck them inside the dough between the scored “branches.” This is what makes each bite cheesy and melty — a total game changer. Be careful not to overstuff, or the cheese might leak out while baking, but enough to get that delicious stringy effect.

Step 3: Brush with Olive Oil and Add Herbs

Brush the entire surface with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian herbs for that classic pizza aroma. This layer helps the crust develop a beautiful golden color and some extra flavor to pull everything together.

Step 4: Spread Sauces and Sprinkle Cheese

In a small bowl, mix the Alfredo and pesto sauces, then spread this mixture evenly over your dough tree, avoiding the edges. This rich, creamy base adds depth beyond traditional tomato sauce. Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously on top for that irresistible cheese pull.

Step 5: Add Your “Ornaments” and Bake

Decorate your pizza tree with green pepper slices to look like garlands, halved cherry tomatoes as ornaments, and mini pepperoni slices as festive treats. Pop it into the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Keep an eye on it towards the end — ovens can vary!

How to Serve Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top right after baking to add brightness and a pop of green. A drizzle of balsamic glaze also adds a lovely sweet tang that complements the cheesy richness perfectly. Plus, those “ornaments” of pepperoni and cherry tomatoes are so charming, you almost don’t want to eat them — almost!

Side Dishes

This pizza stands out on its own, but pairing it with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted garlic green beans balances the meal nicely. For a fun touch, serve with a bowl of marinara or ranch dipping sauce — perfect for dipping those cheesy branches.

Creative Ways to Present

When I serve this at holiday parties, I place the pizza tree on a wooden board surrounded by festive napkins and little bowls of extra toppings so guests can personalize their slices. You can also add edible glitter or shredded Parmesan “snow” for an extra holiday vibe that makes everyone smile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, wrap leftover pizza slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. I usually keep them in the fridge and they stay delicious for up to 3 days — just don’t forget to reheat properly to keep the crust from getting soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover Christmas Tree Pizza slices by wrapping each one well in foil and placing them in freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat as described below for best results.

Reheating

To keep that crust crisp and cheese melty, I reheat leftover pizza slices in a skillet over medium heat with a lid on for a few minutes or pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Microwaving can work but may yield a softer crust, so the oven or stovetop is my top recommendation.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe holds a special place in my holiday cooking arsenal because it combines creativity, ease, and incredible taste all in one. Whenever I make it, the whole family gathers around, admiring the festive shape before devouring each cheesy, flavorful bite. If you want to impress your guests without stress, this pizza is a winning choice — give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a holiday favorite of your own!

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