Save Festive, flaky, and cheesy, these puff pastry pizza bites shaped like Christmas trees make the perfect holiday appetizer or party snack.
This recipe brings back fond memories of sharing festive treats with family during the holidays.
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 Sharing these pizza bites always lights up our holiday gatherings with joy and smiles.
Preparation Tips
Keep the puff pastry chilled until ready to cut to maintain its flakiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with extra pizza sauce or a side salad for a complete appetizer experience.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Save These festive bites are sure to be a hit at any holiday party and are simple to customize.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of puff pastry works best?
Use ready-rolled puff pastry thawed properly for easy handling and even baking.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can assemble the bites and refrigerate them briefly before baking, but best served fresh and warm.
- → How do I get the pastry golden and flaky?
Brush the edges lightly with olive oil before baking to enhance browning and crispiness.
- → What can I use instead of cherry tomatoes?
Substitute with red bell pepper pieces or roasted red peppers for color and sweetness.
- → Are these bites suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, when using vegetarian cheese and skipping meat toppings, they fit a vegetarian diet.
- → How can I add a meaty option?
Include finely chopped cooked ham or pepperoni before baking for additional savory depth.