Save to Pinterest Festive, flaky, and cheesy, these puff pastry pizza bites shaped like Christmas trees make the perfect holiday appetizer or party snack.
I remember making these with my kids every holiday season and watching their faces light up as they decorated each little tree.
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
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare pastry:
- 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).
- Arrange trees:
- Place the pastry trees on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add sauce:
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each tree, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add cheese:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the sauce.
- Decorate:
- Decorate each tree with cherry tomato halves and olive slices to resemble ornaments.
- Season:
- Sprinkle with dried oregano and a crack of black pepper.
- Brush edges:
- Brush the exposed pastry edges lightly with olive oil for a golden finish.
- Bake:
- Bake for 16 18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove from oven, cool slightly, and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.
Save to Pinterest These bites have become a holiday tradition at family gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping to enhance the festive flavors.
Variations
Add finely chopped cooked ham or pepperoni for a meaty twist, or swap basil for parsley to change the flavor profile.
Storage Tips
Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these festive bites as a delightful start to your holiday celebrations, adding a touch of fun and flavor to any party.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What is the best puff pastry to use?
Use ready-rolled, thawed puff pastry sheets for convenience and reliable flaky texture.
- → Can I prepare these bites in advance?
They are best enjoyed fresh but can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving for optimal crispness.
- → How can I make them more colorful?
Adding fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or swapping parsley for basil can enhance the color and freshness.
- → Are there vegetarian options for the toppings?
Yes, using vegetarian cheeses and plant-based toppings keeps the bites vegetarian-friendly.
- → What alternatives are there to the cherry tomatoes and olives?
Finely chopped peppers, spinach, or artichoke hearts can provide tasty and colorful alternatives.