What type of pastry is ideal for these bites?

Ready-rolled, thawed puff pastry sheets work best for a flaky texture and easy shaping.

Can I use different cheeses for variation?

Yes, mozzarella and parmesan provide classic flavors, but you can experiment with other melting cheeses or add grated pecorino for extra sharpness.

Brushing the pastry edges lightly with olive oil before baking helps achieve a beautiful golden finish and crisp texture.

Halved cherry tomatoes and sliced black olives mimic ornaments, providing vibrant color and complementary taste.

They are best served fresh but can be assembled earlier and baked shortly before serving or reheated gently in the oven.

Yes, finely chopped cooked ham or pepperoni can be added for extra savory depth.

Festive, flaky, and cheesy, these puff pastry pizza bites shaped like Christmas trees make the perfect holiday appetizer or party snack.

I love making these pizza bites for our family gatherings because they add a special festive touch and everyone enjoys the cheesy goodness.

Puff Pastry: 1 sheet (about 250 g) ready-rolled puff pastry, thawed if frozen
Sauce: 3 tablespoons pizza sauce or marinara sauce
Cheese: 100 g (about 1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese, 30 g (about 1/4 cup) grated parmesan cheese
Vegetables & Toppings: 8 cherry tomatoes, halved, 8 black olives, pitted and sliced, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional), 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step 1:: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 16 Christmas tree shapes using a cookie cutter (or cut triangles for a tree effect).
Step 3:: Place the pastry trees on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4:: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each tree, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 5:: Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the sauce.
Step 6:: Decorate each tree with cherry tomato halves and olive slices to resemble ornaments.
Step 7:: Sprinkle with dried oregano and a crack of black pepper.
Step 8:: Brush the exposed pastry edges lightly with olive oil for a golden finish.
Step 9:: Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 10:: Remove from oven, cool slightly, and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.

My kids always look forward to helping decorate these pizza bites and it turns our kitchen into a festive workshop every holiday season.

Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping and a side salad for a complete appetizer.

Add finely chopped cooked ham or pepperoni for a meaty twist, or swap basil for parsley to change the flavor profile.

These bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven for up to 2 days.

Enjoy these festive bites warm for the best flavor and texture every holiday season.

→ What type of pastry is ideal for these bites?: Ready-rolled, thawed puff pastry sheets work best for a flaky texture and easy shaping.
→ Can I use different cheeses for variation?: Yes, mozzarella and parmesan provide classic flavors, but you can experiment with other melting cheeses or add grated pecorino for extra sharpness.
→ How do I keep the pastry edges golden and crisp?: Brushing the pastry edges lightly with olive oil before baking helps achieve a beautiful golden finish and crisp texture.
→ What are good toppings to decorate the Christmas tree shapes?: Halved cherry tomatoes and sliced black olives mimic ornaments, providing vibrant color and complementary taste.
→ Can these bites be prepared ahead of time?: They are best served fresh but can be assembled earlier and baked shortly before serving or reheated gently in the oven.
→ Are there meat options to add?: Yes, finely chopped cooked ham or pepperoni can be added for extra savory depth.