Enjoy the holiday spirit with a fun and festive dish: Christmas Tree Pizza! Shaped like a Christmas tree, this delightful pizza is perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family dinners, or even as a creative snack.
Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or simply looking to add a touch of holiday cheer to your meals, this recipe is as simple as it is delicious.
The Tortilla pizza, bagel, and naan pizzas are other fun recipes to check out.
Why Make a Christmas Tree Pizza?
Christmas Tree Pizza is a unique way to bring the festivities to your table. It’s easy to prepare, highly customizable, and a great activity for kids or family members to join in on. Beyond its adorable appearance, this pizza packs all the classic flavors you love—savory sauce, melty cheese, and your choice of toppings. It’s perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
PRO TIPS for the Best Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe
- Work with cold dough: Chilled dough is easier to handle and shape into a tree.
- Pre-bake the base: Baking the dough briefly before adding toppings ensures it stays crisp and holds its shape.
- Light toppings are key: Too many toppings can weigh down the delicate tree shape.
- Get creative: Use toppings to decorate your pizza like a real Christmas tree—think garlands, ornaments, and stars!
Ingredients
- Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought): The essential base for your pizza; fresh dough ensures the best flavor and texture.
- Pizza sauce (marinara or tomato sauce): Adds a tangy, savory foundation to your tree.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a snowy appearance on your pizza.
- Toppings of choice (e.g., pepperoni, fresh basil): These bring color and festive flair to your edible creation.
How to Bake a Christmas Tree Pizza
Preheat Your Equipment
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F or your oven to 370°F for a few minutes.
Prepare the Dough
- Lightly flour a surface or pastry mat.
- Roll out the pizza dough into a flat sheet.
- Use a knife or pizza cutter to shape the dough into a large triangle to mimic a Christmas tree.
Bake the Base
- Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or air fryer basket.
- Bake in the oven or air fryer for about 5 minutes to partially cook the base.
Add the Sauce and Cheese
- Remove the dough from the oven or air fryer.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly across the surface of the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the top, covering the sauce.
Cook the Pizza
- For air fryer cooking, place the decorated pizza in the basket and cook for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If using an oven, decorate the pizza and bake for another 3-4 minutes until the crust is golden and the toppings are perfectly cooked.
Decorate the Pizza
- Arrange pepperoni slices like garlands across the tree.
- Add fresh basil leaves for a festive pop of green for decoration.
- Return back to the air fryer and bake for an additional 1 minute.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the pizza from the oven or air fryer and let it cool slightly.
- Slice and serve your festive Christmas Tree Pizza warm. Enjoy!
Cooking Methods
- Air Fryer: Ideal for quick cooking with a crispier finish. Great for small portions or individual pizzas.
- Oven: Provides even baking, making it perfect for larger pizzas or batch cooking.
How to Store Leftovers Christmas Tree Pizza
If you have leftovers, wrap slices tightly in aluminum foil or store them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, use your air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes or warm in the oven for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispy crust and melty cheese.
Serving Ideas
Serve your Christmas Tree Pizza with a fresh green salad for balance, a side of garlic bread for an extra indulgence, or a bowl of marinara for dipping. Pair with festive drinks like sparkling cider or holiday-themed cocktails for a complete holiday meal.
FAQ’s
Can I use gluten-free dough?
Yes! Substitute with gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-friendly option.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely, shape and pre-bake the dough earlier in the day, then add toppings and bake just before serving.
What are some alternative toppings?
Think olives for ornaments, yellow peppers for garlands, or even small stars cut from cheese for a festive finish.
Christmas Tree Pizza
Ingredients
- Pizza dough homemade or store-bought
- 2 tablespoons pizza sauce marinara or tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings of choice e.g., pepperoni, fresh basil
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F or your oven to 370°F for a couple of minutes.
Prepare the Dough
- Lightly flour a surface or pastry mat.
- Roll out the pizza dough into a flat sheet.
- Use a knife or pizza cutter to shape the dough into a large triangle to mimic a Christmas tree.
Bake the Base
- Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or air fryer basket.
- Bake in the oven or air fryer for about 5 minutes to partially cook the base.
Add the Sauce and Cheese
- Remove the dough from the oven or air fryer.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly across the surface of the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the top, covering the sauce.
Decorate the Pizza
- Arrange pepperoni slices like garlands across the tree.
- Add fresh basil leaves for a festive pop of green or use additional toppings like olives or bell peppers for decoration.
Cook the Pizza
- For air fryer cooking, place the decorated pizza in the basket and cook for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If using an oven, bake for another 3-4 minutes until the crust is golden and the toppings are perfectly cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy
This Christmas Tree Pizza is a festive and delicious way to celebrate the holidays. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it’s bound to become a holiday tradition. Enjoy and happy holidays!
About the Author
I am Seun, and I love to share my first-hand experience using multiple air fryers. Stick around for yummy delicacies made from the air fryer and many amazing tips on using your newfound Kitchen appliance – the air fryer!
