Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Pizza Bites are a festive and fun snack that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. They’re made with light, flaky puff pastry shaped like little Christmas trees and filled with gooey cheese and your favorite pizza toppings. The crispy layers and melty center create a perfect little bite-sized treat that everybody loves.
I always enjoy making these because they’re surprisingly simple to put together, and the kids get a kick out of helping shape the trees. It’s a fun way to bring some holiday spirit into the kitchen without spending hours cooking. Plus, the combination of savory cheese, pepperoni, or any toppings you prefer inside that buttery pastry is just delightful every time.
My favorite way to serve these bites is right from the oven, when the pastry is golden and the cheese is all stretchy. They’re great as appetizers or alongside a big salad for a light meal. I also like to pair them with some marinara sauce for dipping—because who doesn’t love dunking cheesy pizza in sauce? These little tree-shaped bites always bring smiles and make holiday celebrations a bit sweeter.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base for the recipe and gives you that flaky, buttery texture. If you’re short on time, store-bought puff pastry works great. Want to make it healthier? Try phyllo dough, though it won’t puff as much.
Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade marinara. If you want something quicker, mix ketchup with Italian seasoning for a simple alternative.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and gives that classic pizza stretch. You can swap it with cheddar or provolone for a little twist in flavor.
Mini Pepperoni: These add great flavor and bite-sized protein. For a vegetarian option, use sliced olives, chopped bell peppers, or mushrooms instead.
Egg Wash: Brushing with beaten egg helps the pastry turn golden and shiny. No egg? A little milk or melted butter works too for color.
How Do I Shape and Seal the Puff Pastry Christmas Trees Perfectly?
Getting neat edges and good puff requires proper shaping and sealing. Here’s how I do it:
- Roll out puff pastry gently on a floured surface to avoid sticking but keep it even.
- Cut tree shapes with a cookie cutter for uniform size.
- Layer sauce, cheese, and toppings on one cutout, leaving edges free to seal.
- Top with another tree piece and press edges firmly.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges—this seals the filling in and creates a pretty pattern.
- Brush egg wash over the whole top to get a shiny, golden crust.
Following these steps ensures your little pizza bites hold together well and look great on the plate!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I like using a rimmed one to keep everything contained and easy to handle.
- Parchment paper – makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
- Cookie cutter shaped like a Christmas tree – helps cut out uniform, festive shapes.
- Rolling pin – for smoothing out the puff pastry evenly.
- Pastry brush – to apply the egg wash for a shiny finish.
- Knife or small spatula – for spreading sauce and layering toppings.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mini pepperoni for sliced black olives, chopped bell peppers, or cooked sausage for different flavors and textures.
- Use different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a dairy-free cheese if you prefer.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian herbs to the sauce for more heat or flavor.
- Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley after baking for a fresh touch.
How to Make Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Pizza Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 15-20 mini pepperoni slices
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Flour, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. Including thawing time for the puff pastry, plan for about 30 minutes total so you can enjoy warm, festive pizza bites in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Preheat:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the pizza bites from sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Cut Puff Pastry Trees:
Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the puff pastry gently to smooth any creases. Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter (about 3-4 inches tall) to cut out as many tree shapes as you can.
3. Assemble the Pizza Bites:
Place half of the puff pastry trees onto the lined baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on each tree, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then arrange mini pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.
4. Seal and Glaze:
Top each sauced and topped puff pastry tree with a plain tree cutout. Gently press the edges together, then use a fork to crimp all around, sealing the filling inside. Brush the tops and edges with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish. Optionally, sprinkle dried oregano or Italian seasoning on top.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake your pizza bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry has puffed up and turned golden brown, and the cheese inside has melted. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm, with extra pizza sauce for dipping if you like.
Enjoy your delicious and festive Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Pizza Bites!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before using. Working with cold but pliable pastry helps maintain the flakiness and makes cutting easier.
Can I Make These Pizza Bites Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pizza bites and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Bake them fresh right before serving to keep them crisp and golden.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh the crispiness.
What Can I Substitute for Pepperoni?
You can swap pepperoni for any of your favorite pizza toppings like sliced olives, diced bell peppers, cooked sausage, or even vegetarian options to suit your taste.
