Christmas Tree Pizza with Pesto and Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, festive twist to brighten up your holiday table, **Christmas Tree Pizza with Pesto and Cheese Recipe** is exactly what you need. Not only does this pizza look adorable with its tree shape, but the combo of cheesy goodness and pesto flavor will make you and your guests swoon. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it every Christmas season – it’s that good!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create a festive pizza that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, they’re mostly pantry staples or easy to find at the store during the holiday season.

• Pizza dough: I usually grab refrigerated bread dough for ease, but fresh pizza dough works great too.
• Mozzarella cheese sticks: These melt wonderfully inside the dough, creating cheesy pockets that are irresistible.
• Olive oil: Adds a lovely golden color and slight crisp to the dough edges when brushed on.
• Italian herbs: A mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme—it deepens the flavor without any extra effort.
• Alfredo sauce: Creamy and mild, it balances the pesto’s bright punch perfectly.
• Pesto sauce: Choose a good quality jarred pesto for convenience and a fresh basil kick.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Essential for that classic pull-apart pizza texture.
• Green bell pepper: Sliced into thin strips to mimic garland decorations.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved for “ornaments” that add pops of color and juicy bursts.
• Mini pepperoni slices: Adds a little savory spice and pairs fabulously with cheese.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A finishing sprinkle for a salty, nutty boost.

Variations

I love how versatile this Christmas Tree Pizza with Pesto and Cheese Recipe can be. You can easily swap or add ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. It’s all about making it your own and adding personal touches that keep the holiday vibe joyful and delicious.

• Meat Lover’s Version: Adding cooked sausage or bacon bits gives it a smoky depth that my husband adores.
• Vegetarian Twist: Load it up with artichoke hearts, black olives, or mushrooms for more veggie goodness.
• Gluten-Free Dough: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza crust to accommodate dietary needs—just keep an eye on cooking times.
• Spicy Kick: A light drizzle of hot honey or red pepper flakes brings a nice balance to the creamy pesto and cheese.

How to Make Christmas Tree Pizza with Pesto and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough & Shape the Tree

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat — makes cleanup so much easier! Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a triangle shape that resembles a Christmas tree. Don’t worry about getting it perfect; the charm is in its rustic look. This shape is what gives the pizza that festive flair I absolutely love.

Step 2: Stuff the Dough with Mozzarella Sticks

Next, slice the mozzarella cheese sticks lengthwise, then place them evenly across the dough, leaving space for folding strips. I like to tuck each cheese stick inside the dough by folding the sides over them like little branches—this creates cheesy bites that ooze out when baked. It took me a couple of tries to get the folding just right, so don’t fret if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Just make sure the cheese is well enclosed.

Step 3: Add Sauces and Seasonings

Spread the Alfredo sauce gently over the dough, then dollop spoonfuls of pesto on top. This layering adds richness and that fresh herbal pop you crave. Sprinkle Italian herbs on the surface and brush the dough edges with olive oil so it gets beautifully golden in the oven. This is a step I learned to never skip because it makes such a difference in crust texture.

Step 4: Twist the Branches & Add Toppings

Carefully, take small strips of dough on each side of the triangle and twist them to create branches—this gives the tree its 3D effect. Once twisted, sprinkle your shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then artfully arrange the green bell pepper slices as garland, halved cherry tomatoes like ornaments, and mini pepperoni slices for that classic pizza flavor. Finish with a dusting of grated Parmesan. This decorating step is my favorite part—it feels like crafting a tasty edible ornament.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy!

Bake the pizza on the center rack for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it towards the end so it doesn’t overcook. When it’s out of the oven, let it cool a few minutes before slicing into the branches for that oozy, cheesy experience. You’re going to love the way the mozzarella stretches with each pull!

How to Serve Christmas Tree Pizza with Pesto and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing my Christmas Tree Pizza with a fresh sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley to brighten the flavors even more. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a subtle sweet tang that’s unexpectedly delicious. If you want to be festive, some edible gold or silver glitter for food can turn it into a party centerpiece!

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are a crisp Caesar salad or roasted garlic green beans—something fresh balances the rich, cheesy pizza perfectly. Sometimes I serve it alongside a simple tomato soup to keep the theme cozy and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve had great success placing the pizza on a festive wooden board surrounded by mini bowls of dipping sauces—like ranch, marinara, or extra pesto. Another fun idea is to let family and friends add their own toppings to the branches before baking, turning it into an interactive holiday activity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover pizza slices tightly with plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for about 3 days – enough time for a quick reheat and a second round of cheesy indulgence.

Freezing

Since the dough and cheese are fresh, I’ve found it’s best to freeze the pizza *before* baking. Assemble it, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen, adding a little extra time. This way, cleaning your calendar around the holidays gets easier.

Reheating

To get that fresh-from-the-oven vibe, I reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat with a lid on for about 5 minutes. This revives the crisp crust while warming the cheese without making it gummy. The oven works too just fine—about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Tree Pizza with Pesto and Cheese Recipe has become one of my absolute holiday staples because it’s easy, festive, and so darn delicious. The cheesy pockets, fresh pesto zing, and cute presentation always bring smiles around our table. I really hope you give it a try, whether as a fun appetizer or a main course at your gathering. You’ll be glad you did — and your family and friends will be asking for seconds!

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