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Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas

Name: Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F); 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing); 2 cloves minced garlic; 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); ½ teaspoon granulated sugar (for sauce); Shredded mozzarella cheese; Grated Parmesan cheese; Diced bell peppers (for decoration); Mini beef pepperoni slices; Fresh rosemary or dill (for tree trunk)

Christmas is a time for traditions, and what better way to celebrate the festive season than with a whimsical dish that combines creativity and deliciousness? Introducing Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas, a charming and fun take on your favorite comfort food that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, family meals, or cozy nights in. Capturing the spirit of Christmas, these adorable pizzas not only taste amazing but are also a delightful addition to your seasonal spread. Let’s create a festive feast that will impress your loved ones and bring holiday cheer to your dining table!

Why Make This Recipe

Creating Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas is not just a culinary endeavor; it embodies the joy of holiday gatherings. Here’s what makes this recipe special:

Kid-Friendly Fun: Children adore these delightful mini pizzas. They can help with assembling the toppings, making family kitchen time enjoyable.
Endless Customization: These pizzas can easily adapt to personal preferences. Whether you want vegetarian options or extra toppings, you can make them your own.
Perfect for Parties: Bite-sized and visually appealing, these mini pizzas are sure to steal the show at any holiday gathering!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas

Ready to spread some festive joy? Here’s how to make your own Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas from scratch. Each step is designed to be easy and enjoyable, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience.

Prepare the Pizza Dough: Activate Yeast

Start by bringing the magic of homemade pizza dough into your kitchen. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of warm water (105-115°F), 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial as the yeast needs to wake up and become bubbly for the dough to rise beautifully.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of salt to the activated yeast mixture. Stir until well combined. This will enrich the dough, adding flavor and moisture.

Incorporate Flour & Knead

Now comes the fun part! Gradually mix in 3 ½ to 4 cups of all-purpose flour. Continue mixing until a shaggy ball forms. The dough will be a bit sticky at first but don’t worry! Knead the dough by hand for about 10-15 minutes or use a stand mixer for 7-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Feel free to sprinkle a little more flour or a droplet of water if necessary to achieve the perfect consistency.

First Proofing

Once your dough is ready, beautifully grease a clean, large bowl with olive oil. Place the kneaded dough inside and turn it around to coat it in oil. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens as the dough grows and transforms.

Punch Down and Divide Dough

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release excess air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8-10 equal portions for your mini pizzas. You can use all the dough for this recipe or save portions to store in the fridge or freezer for your next pizza night.

Craft the Festive Sauce: Sauté Aromatics

While your dough is rising, let’s move on to the pizza sauce! In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!

Combine Sauce Ingredients

Now, pour in one 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of dried basil, ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice), and ½ teaspoon of granulated sugar to balance the flavors. Stir everything together.

Simmer and Season Sauce

Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. After that, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Once done, allow the sauce to cool slightly before using it on your pizzas.

Assemble Mini Pizzas: Preheat Oven & Prep Pans

Before assembling, preheat your oven to a sizzling 450°F (230°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This step will prevent the pizzas from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Roll Out and Shape Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough into a thin circle or oval, about ¼-inch thick. Now, using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into a triangle shape to resemble a Christmas tree. Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring there’s enough space between each pizza. Don’t toss those scraps; press them into whatever shape you like!

Add Sauce and Cheese

Spoon a modest amount of the cooled pizza sauce onto each dough triangle, spreading it nearly to the edges. Top it off with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by a lighter dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese blend creates a deliciously gooey topping!

Decorate with Toppings

Now comes the fun part of decorating! Scatter finely diced bell peppers and mini beef pepperoni slices to resemble little ornaments on your tree. For an extra festive touch, use a small star-shaped cookie cutter or knife to cut out a tiny star from bell pepper to place on the top. Press a tiny fresh rosemary sprig or a piece of fresh dill into the bottom center of the pizza for the ‘tree trunk.’

Bake the Pizzas

It’s time to bake! Transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the toppings are slightly caramelized. Don’t forget to rotate the sheets halfway through for even baking.

Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the mini pizzas from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 1-2 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. Optionally, sprinkle a bit of extra dried oregano or Italian seasoning, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, or top with torn fresh basil leaves for added flavor. Serve warm and watch as they disappear from the table!

Storage Tips for Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas

Making these delightful mini pizzas ahead of time? Here are some tips on how to store them properly:

Refrigerate: Store leftover mini pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days at 40°F.
Freezing: You can freeze them for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them in the oven for a crispy crust. Bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas

These fun mini pizzas aren’t just a treat for taste buds; they’re a feast for the eyes too! Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your holiday spread:

Appetizer Platter: Arrange the mini pizzas on a festive platter with dips like marinara sauce or ranch dressing for a fun dipping experience.
Holiday Buffet: Include these mini pizzas in a holiday buffet alongside other finger foods for a delightful spread that guests can pick and choose from.
Cozy Family Meal: Pair these pizzas with a fresh salad or a comforting soup for a complete family meal. The warm, golden crust complements the richness of a creamy tomato bisque beautifully.
Outdoor Parties: If you’re hosting an outdoor gathering, serve these mini pizzas on a wooden board for a rustic look.

Tips to Make Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas

When creating your Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas, consider these quick tips for the best results:

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and high-quality cheese for maximum flavor.
Pizza Stone: If you have one, use a pizza stone for baking; it helps achieve a crispy crust.
Prepped Ahead: Prepare the dough and sauce in advance to save time on the day you plan to serve these mini masterpieces.

Variations or Substitutions

Feel free to put your signature spin on these tasty mini pizzas. Here are some options:

Vegetarian Version: Swap out the pepperoni for a mix of diced veggies such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to create a colorful, vegetarian-friendly treat that everyone will love!
Meat Lovers: For the carnivores in your life, add diced spicy sausage or crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top along with the other toppings.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just remember to let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Q: Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
A: Yes, using diced cooked chicken is a great alternative! It works well with other topping combinations too.

Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: To spice things up, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to your sauce or using spicy Italian sausage as a topping. You can also use spicy peppers for additional heat.

With this Christmas Tree Mini Pizza recipe, you’re all set to spread festive joy and deliciousness this holiday season. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones into the kitchen, and let the holiday magic unfold. These little pizzas are more than just a meal—they’re a story waiting to be shared around the table, full of laughter and unity. Happy cooking and even happier feasting!