Save Festive, flaky, and cheesy, these puff pastry pizza bites shaped like Christmas trees make the perfect holiday appetizer or party snack.
These bites always bring smiles at our family gatherings and disappear quickly from the platter.
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 pizza bites has become a cherished tradition every holiday season in our family.
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
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.
Save These festive bites bring joy and flavor to any holiday party.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of cheese works best for these bites?
Shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan provide a creamy, melty texture and a sharp flavor that complements the puff pastry and toppings perfectly.
- → Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bites and refrigerate them briefly before baking, but they are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for optimal flakiness.
- → Are there vegetarian options for the toppings?
Absolutely. Using vegetarian-friendly cheeses and the included vegetables like tomatoes and olives makes these bites perfect for vegetarian diets.
- → How can I achieve a golden crisp finish?
Brushing the exposed edges with olive oil before baking helps to create a beautiful golden brown and crisp texture on the puff pastry.
- → What can I substitute for the Christmas tree cookie cutter?
If unavailable, cutting the pastry into triangles or a tree-like shape with a sharp knife works well to maintain the festive theme.