Easy Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Recipe | Festive & Fun Holiday Food

Posted on June 25, 2023 by Kate

Introduction

Oh, the holidays! They’re filled with twinkling lights, cozy nights, and the delicious aroma of all things festive. And what says “holiday gathering” more than a dish that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat? This Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza brings back all those warm, fuzzy feelings of childhood holidays, but with a grown-up twist that everyone will adore. It’s incredibly easy, surprisingly quick, and guaranteed to be the star of any holiday party or casual get-together. Seriously, it’s a recipe that will have your guests asking for it year after year!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: From start to finish, you’ll have a beautiful, edible centerpiece in under an hour. Perfect for those last-minute get-togethers!
Easy: With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, even the most novice cooks can nail this one. No fancy techniques needed!
Giftable: While you can’t exactly gift a hot pizza tree, the recipe itself is so straightforward, it’s perfect to share with friends who might need a little holiday cheer or a fun activity.
Crowd-pleasing: Who doesn’t love pizza? And when it’s shaped like a Christmas tree? It’s a guaranteed win for kids and adults alike. It’s perfect for parties, game nights, or just a fun family dinner.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to bring this festive pizza tree to life:

2 (7.8 oz) cans refrigerated pizza crust: These are your building blocks! They bake up so nicely and make this recipe a breeze. Any brand will do.
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The classic pizza cheese! Get the pre-shredded kind to save time, or shred your own for extra freshness.
1 ½ cups pizza sauce: Your favorite jarred pizza sauce is perfect. You can also use a marinara if that’s what you have on hand.
20 pepperoni slices: These little guys are going to be the perfect festive “ornaments” on our tree.
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: This is for brushing on top to get that gorgeous golden crust and add a little extra flavor.
½ tsp garlic powder: A little something extra to make that buttery glaze irresistible.
½ tsp Italian seasoning: Brings all those lovely Mediterranean herbs together for a classic pizza flavor boost.
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of this salty, nutty cheese adds a final touch of deliciousness and a beautiful finish.
Fresh basil, for garnish: A few leaves of fresh basil add a pop of color and a lovely fresh aroma. It’s like the perfect star on top of your tree!

How to Make It

Alright, chef, let’s get this delicious Christmas tree assembled! It’s a magical process, really.

Preheat your oven: First things first, let’s get that oven nice and toasty. Check the instructions on your pizza crust package for the perfect temperature.
Prep your dough: Gently unroll both cans of pizza crust onto a lightly floured surface. We want to make sure it doesn’t stick!
Cut into bite-sized pieces: Grab your pizza cutter or a knife and cut each crust into roughly 1-inch squares. Think of them as little pizza cubes!
Get saucy and cheesy: In a big bowl, combine your pizza crust squares, shredded mozzarella cheese, and pizza sauce. Give everything a gentle stir until all those little squares are coated in a delicious layer of sauce and cheese. We don’t want to mush them, just coat them!
Shape your tree: Now for the fun part! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (this makes cleanup a breeze!). Start arranging your coated pizza squares on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Start with a wider base and gradually make it narrower as you go up. Don’t worry if they overlap a little; that’s what helps it hold its shape.
Add the ornaments: Place your pepperoni slices on top of the pizza squares. They look so festive, like little red ornaments!
Whip up the butter glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This is going to make the crust extra special.
Brush on the goodness: Gently brush this lovely butter mixture all over your pizza tree. Make sure to get into all those nooks and crannies!
Parmesan sparkle: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the entire pizza. It adds a wonderful salty kick and a beautiful golden hue when baked.
Bake to perfection: Pop your pizza tree into the preheated oven. Bake according to your pizza crust package directions, or until the crust is a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is all melty and bubbly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Garnish and serve: Once it’s out of the oven and smelling amazing, scatter some fresh basil leaves over the top. It’s the perfect finishing touch! Serve immediately and watch it disappear!

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is fantastic as is, but feel free to get creative! It’s your holiday masterpiece, after all.

Veggies: Love veggies? Try adding some finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the mix before shaping the tree. Make sure they’re small so they cook through.
Different Cheeses: While mozzarella is classic, a sprinkle of cheddar or provolone can add a fun twist.
Meat Lovers: Besides pepperoni, cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or mini meatballs can be delicious additions.
Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture or sprinkle them over the pizza before baking.
Dipping Sauce: Serve with extra pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or even a honey mustard for dipping those delicious pull-apart pieces.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks can make your pizza tree even more spectacular!

Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure there’s a little space between your pizza squares when you first start arranging them. They’ll puff up as they bake.
Even Coating: When you’re tossing the squares with sauce and cheese, be gentle! You want them coated, not mashed.
Prep Ahead: You can cut your pizza crust squares ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can even assemble the tree (without the butter and Parmesan) a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just brush and bake when ready!
Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Seriously, don’t skip the parchment paper. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities.

How to Store It

Leftovers? Unlikely, but if by some miracle you have any, here’s how to keep them tasting delicious.

Once the pizza tree has cooled completely, you can store any remaining pieces in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days. To reheat, you can pop it in a toaster oven at around 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Microwaving will work, but it can make the crust a bit chewy.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?: Yes! You can cut the pizza dough into squares and even assemble the tree (without the butter and Parmesan) a few hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator. Brush with the butter mixture and sprinkle with Parmesan just before baking.
What kind of pizza sauce should I use?: Your favorite store-bought pizza sauce is perfect! You can also use a good quality marinara sauce if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure it’s not too watery.
Can I make this into a different shape?: Absolutely! While the Christmas tree is super festive, you could also arrange the pieces into a wreath, a star, or even just a simple circle for any occasion!
How do I prevent the dough from being too raw in the middle?: Ensuring the dough pieces are cut into roughly equal 1-inch squares will help them bake evenly. Also, make sure your oven is preheated properly and that the cheese is nice and bubbly before removing it from the oven.

Festive Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza

Print Recipe

A fun and easy Christmas-themed pull-apart pizza shaped like a tree, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 0 people

Ingredients

Scale

Main ingredients

2 cans refrigerated pizza crust (7.8 oz each)
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1.5 cups pizza sauce (your favorite jarred)
20 slices pepperoni

Butter Glaze

3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp Italian seasoning

Garnish

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
fresh basil (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven. Check the instructions on your pizza crust package for the perfect temperature.
Gently unroll both cans of pizza crust onto a lightly floured surface.
Cut each crust into roughly 1-inch squares.
In a large bowl, combine pizza crust squares, shredded mozzarella cheese, and pizza sauce. Gently stir until coated.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the coated pizza squares in the shape of a Christmas tree, starting with a wider base and gradually making it narrower.
Place pepperoni slices on top of the pizza squares.
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Gently brush the butter mixture all over the pizza tree.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the entire pizza.
Bake according to your pizza crust package directions, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Once out of the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

While the Christmas tree is super festive, you could also arrange the pieces into a wreath, a star, or even just a simple circle for any occasion! For best results, use parchment paper and ensure pizza squares are cut evenly. You can prep dough and assemble the tree (without glaze) ahead of time.