Save Festive, flaky, and cheesy, these puff pastry pizza bites shaped like Christmas trees make the perfect holiday appetizer or party snack.
I love serving these at Christmas parties because everyone enjoys the festive shapes and delicious flavors.
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 Making these bites always reminds me of decorating the Christmas tree with my family and sharing festive treats together.
Notes
For a meaty version, add finely chopped cooked ham or pepperoni. Swap basil for parsley or use red pepper for extra color. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping. These bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, Christmas tree cookie cutter (or sharp knife), pastry brush
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 95, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 8 g, Protein 3 g
Save Enjoy these festive bites warm for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of puff pastry works best for these bites?
A ready-rolled puff pastry sheet works best for easy handling and uniform shapes. Thawed if previously frozen.
- → Can I substitute mozzarella with other cheeses?
Yes, mild melting cheeses like provolone or fontina can be used as alternatives to mozzarella.
- → How do I shape the pastry into Christmas trees?
Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut shapes or carefully cut triangles for a tree-like effect on the puff pastry sheet.
- → What is the best way to achieve a golden, flaky crust?
Lightly brushing the exposed pastry edges with olive oil before baking helps create a golden, crispy finish.
- → Can these bites be prepared ahead of time?
They can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.
- → Are there options for adding protein to these bites?
Finely chopped cooked ham or pepperoni can be added for a meatier version of these festive bites.