Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Pizza Bites are festive little treats that bring together flaky puff pastry, gooey melted cheese, and classic pizza flavors like tomato sauce and pepperoni. Shaped like tiny Christmas trees, they’re as fun to look at as they are delicious to eat. With their crispy layers and cheesy, savory fillings, these bites are perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights in.
I love making these because they’re so easy and bring a little holiday spirit to snacking. Sometimes I like to sneak in extra goodies like olives or mushrooms, but the classic pepperoni and cheese combo wins every time in my house. Plus, they’re a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen—they’ll have fun cutting and decorating their own little trees.
The best part about Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Pizza Bites is how perfect they are for sharing. Whether it’s a party, a family movie night, or just a special snack, they always disappear fast. I usually serve them with a side of marinara for dipping, and watching everyone grab one after another never gets old. They bring smiles and a festive feeling with every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star for flaky, buttery layers. Frozen puff pastry works great—just thaw it properly before using. If you’re short on time, pre-rolled sheets make this even easier. For a dairy-free option, check labels for vegan puff pastry.
Pizza Sauce: You can use marinara or any pizza sauce you like. If you don’t have sauce on hand, a simple mix of tomato paste with a pinch of garlic powder and herbs works well. For less acidity, cream cheese or pesto are tasty alternatives.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella gives great melt and stretchiness, but shredded mozzarella is easier to handle. Feel free to try other melty cheeses like cheddar or provolone if you want a different flavor twist.
Pepperoni: This adds classic pizza flavor and a pop of color. For a vegetarian version, swap pepperoni for olives, roasted red peppers, or small veggie pieces. Turkey pepperoni is a leaner choice if you prefer.
How Do You Get Puff Pastry Perfectly Flaky and Golden?
The key is to keep the puff pastry cold until baking and use an egg wash for a shiny, golden finish. Here’s what I do:
- Thaw puff pastry in the fridge, not at room temperature, to keep it firm and easy to handle.
- Roll it out gently on a floured surface to smooth it, but don’t overwork it—this keeps layers intact.
- Seal the edges of your pastry trees well by pressing firmly but gently, so they puff up nicely inside while staying sealed.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg before baking; this helps create the beautiful golden color and slight crispness.
- Bake on a parchment-lined tray to avoid sticking and ensure even browning.
Following these simple steps, your pizza bites will come out flaky, golden, and full of that satisfying puff pastry texture everyone loves!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I like to line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Rolling pin – helps to smooth out the puff pastry evenly for cutting.
- Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter – makes perfect festive shapes, but a sharp knife works if you don’t have one.
- Pastry brush – for applying the egg wash, giving the bites a shiny, golden finish.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for ingredients like sauce, cheese, and herbs, ensuring accuracy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked sausage, cooked bacon, or shredded chicken instead of pepperoni for different protein options.
- Try different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a mix of cheeses for varied flavors.
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for extra texture and taste.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for a little extra spice or herb flavor.
Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Pizza Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 10-12 small slices of pepperoni, cut into small squares
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 12-15 minutes of baking. In about 25 minutes total, you’ll have these delicious, golden, festive pizza bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your pizza bites from sticking.
2. Cut Out the Christmas Tree Shapes:
Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth it out. Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter (or a small knife to cut shapes) to cut as many tree shapes as you can from the pastry sheet.
3. Add Sauces, Cheese, and Pepperoni:
Place half of these tree shapes on your baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on each one, leaving a small border around the edge to prevent leakage. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce, then scatter the small pepperoni squares over the cheese.
4. Seal the Toppings and Add Finishing Touches:
Place the remaining tree shapes on top of the prepared halves. Gently press around the edges to seal them well. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to get that beautiful golden shine when baked. Finally, sprinkle dried Italian herbs on top for a festive touch.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake your pizza bites for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry puffs up and turns golden brown, and the cheese melts beautifully. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. For extra yum, serve with warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry Straight from the Freezer?
It’s best to thaw the puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight or for about 30-60 minutes at room temperature before using. This makes it easier to roll out and cut without cracking.
Can I Make These Pizza Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the bites and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 4 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
What Are Good Alternatives to Pepperoni?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, try chopped olives, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms. For other meats, cooked sausage or bacon bits work great and add delicious flavor.
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 about 5-7 minutes to bring back the crispiness.