Description
This Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza is a festive and fun holiday appetizer that everyone will love! Soft pizza dough balls filled with gooey cheese and brushed with garlic butter form a beautiful edible Christmas tree perfect for parties and family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 lb (450 g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
All-purpose flour, for dusting
For the Filling:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup mini pepperoni or diced cooked sausage (optional)
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp garlic powder
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
3 tbsp melted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
1/2 tsp salt
For Dipping:
1 cup warm marinara or pizza sauce
Instructions
1. Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into about 20–24 small squares.
3. Place a small pinch of mozzarella (and pepperoni, if using) in the center of each square. Pinch and roll the dough around the filling to form sealed balls.
4. Arrange the balls on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree — starting with one ball at the top and adding rows beneath, each row one ball wider. Use a few at the bottom for the “trunk.”
5. Brush lightly with olive oil and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
6. While baking, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt.
7. Once baked, brush the tree generously with garlic butter. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and herbs if desired.
8. Serve warm with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Use refrigerated pizza dough for a quick shortcut.
For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage or pepperoni.
Add festive touches by sprinkling red pepper flakes or chopped basil before serving.
Best served warm straight from the oven!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Category: Appetizer, Holiday Recipes, Christmas
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 pieces
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza, Holiday Appetizer, Festive Pizza Bread, Christmas Party Snack, Pull Apart Bread