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)

Description

A fun and festive take on traditional pizza that brings holiday cheer to your dining table with adorable Christmas tree shapes and customizable toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture and stir.
Gradually mix in flour until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 10-15 minutes until smooth.
Grease a bowl with olive oil, place dough inside, cover, and let rise for 1-1½ hours until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough, divide into 8-10 equal portions.
In a saucepan, heat olive oil, sauté garlic for 30-60 seconds.
Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and sugar to the saucepan. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough into triangles resembling Christmas trees and place on the baking sheets.
Add sauce, mozzarella, and decorate with toppings.
Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients and a pizza stone to achieve a crispy crust. Prepare the dough and sauce ahead to save time.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pizza
Calories: 200
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Christmas, Mini Pizzas, Holiday Cooking, Kid-Friendly, Festive Recipes