Save Festive, flaky, and cheesy, these puff pastry pizza bites shaped like Christmas trees make the perfect holiday appetizer or party snack.
I first made these bites for a holiday gathering and everyone loved the flaky texture combined with the cheesy toppings.
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 These pizza bites have become a holiday tradition in our family, bringing joy and festive spirit to every gathering.
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
Calories: 95, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 3 g per serving
Save These pizza bites are perfect for holiday parties and can be customized to suit any taste.
Common Questions
- → What type of pastry is best for these bites?
Ready-rolled puff pastry sheets work best as they create a flaky and golden base that puffs nicely during baking.
- → Can I prepare these bites in advance?
Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate briefly before baking, but for best texture, bake fresh before serving.
- → What cheese varieties enhance the flavor?
A blend of shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan offers a creamy, cheesy richness with a subtle tang.
- → How can I make these suitable for dietary preferences?
Use vegetarian cheese options to keep these bites vegetarian-friendly, or add finely chopped cooked ham or pepperoni for a meatier version.
- → What are good alternatives to the toppings used here?
Fresh basil can be swapped with parsley, and red pepper flakes can add a mild spicy touch for extra color and flavor.
- → How should I serve these bites?
Serve warm with extra pizza or marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the savory experience.