Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Recipe

Introduction

This Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza is a festive and fun twist on classic pizza, perfect for holiday gatherings. Shaped like a tree and filled with gooey mozzarella, pepperoni, and savory sauce, it’s as delicious as it is eye-catching.

Ingredients

• 2 (7.8 oz) cans refrigerated pizza crust
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 ½ cups pizza sauce
• 20 pepperoni slices
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Unroll both pizza crusts and stack them. Cut into a large triangle shape resembling a Christmas tree. Gently separate the two layers.
3. Step 3: Place one dough triangle on the baking sheet. Spread pizza sauce evenly over it, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and layer with pepperoni slices.
4. Step 4: Place the second dough triangle on top and press lightly around the edges to seal the layers together.
5. Step 5: Use a sharp knife to cut horizontal slits about 1 ½ inches apart on both sides of the triangle, leaving a center strip intact for the “trunk.” Twist each strip a few times to create tree branches.
6. Step 6: Mix melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture over the entire dough for a golden, flavorful crust.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh basil before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Try swapping pepperoni for cooked sausage or sliced olives to customize your flavors.
• For a cheesy twist, add a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese inside.
• Use fresh herbs like oregano or rosemary for brushing the butter instead of Italian seasoning.
• Make sure to twist the branches firmly so they hold their shape while baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from getting soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pizza tree and keep it refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the oven.

What can I use if I don’t have refrigerated pizza crust?

You can substitute with store-bought fresh pizza dough or homemade dough. Just roll it out to the desired thickness and shape it as directed.

Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 115 reviews

Celebrate the festive season with this fun and flavorful Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza. Made with layers of cheesy, saucy goodness sandwiched between two pizza crusts, then twisted into branches and baked to a golden finish, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy winter treat.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Base and Filling

• 2 (7.8 oz) cans refrigerated pizza crust
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 ½ cups pizza sauce
• 20 pepperoni slices

Seasoned Butter Topping

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

Finishing Touches

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
2. Shape the tree: Unroll both pizza crusts and stack one on top of the other. Using a knife, cut the stacked dough into a large triangle resembling a Christmas tree shape, then gently peel the two layers apart carefully.
3. Add the filling: Place one dough triangle on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over its surface, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then layer with pepperoni slices for that classic pizza flavor.
4. Seal it up: Carefully place the second dough triangle over the layered one, gently pressing around the edges to seal the two layers and encase the fillings.
5. Make the branches: With a sharp knife, cut horizontal slits approximately 1 ½ inches apart along both sides of the triangle, leaving the middle strip intact to represent the tree trunk. Twist each strip a few times to create the appearance of branches.
6. Add the buttery goodness: In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Using a brush, generously spread this seasoned butter over the entire dough surface to enhance flavor and encourage browning.
7. Bake and serve: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the dough is golden and cooked through. Once out of the oven, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves over the top. Let it cool slightly before serving and enjoy your festive masterpiece!

Notes

• You can substitute pepperoni with other pizza toppings such as cooked sausage, vegetables, or olives for variety.
• Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
• Make sure to twist the dough strips gently but securely so they hold their shape during baking.
• Serve with extra pizza sauce or marinara on the side for dipping.
• For a crispier crust, pre-bake the bottom dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.

Keywords: Christmas pizza, pull-apart pizza, holiday recipe, cheesy pizza, festive appetizer, party food, pepperoni pizza