Christmas Pizza Bites Recipe

Introduction

Bring festive cheer to your holiday gatherings with these delightful Christmas Pizza Bites. Bite-sized and bursting with cheesy goodness and savory pepperoni, they’re perfect for sharing around the table or as a fun appetizer.

Ingredients

• 2 tubes refrigerated pizza dough
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup mini pepperoni or chopped salami
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• Optional: chopped basil, crushed red pepper, or festive toppings like sliced olives or bell peppers

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Roll out the pizza dough on a clean surface and cut it into small squares about 2×2 inches each.
3. Step 3: Place a pinch of shredded mozzarella and a few pieces of pepperoni or your choice of toppings in the center of each dough square.
4. Step 4: Fold the corners of each square toward the center and pinch them together tightly to form small sealed balls.
5. Step 5: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in a festive shape, such as a Christmas tree or wreath.
6. Step 6: Brush each ball lightly with the egg wash to help them brown beautifully.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes until the bites turn golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and brush with melted butter. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Parmesan, and any optional herbs or spices over the top.
9. Step 9: Serve warm with marinara sauce or pesto for dipping and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add finely chopped fresh basil or a pinch of crushed red pepper before baking.
• Try swapping pepperoni for chopped cooked sausage or vegetables to suit your taste.
• Make a wreath shape by placing the bites in a circle on the sheet; you can add sliced olives or bell peppers as decorative “ornaments.”
• If you don’t have egg for the wash, brushing with a little olive oil works well too.

Storage

Store any leftover pizza bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to keep them crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pizza bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pizza bites and refrigerate them unbaked for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to brush with egg wash right before baking for best results.

What dipping sauces go well with these bites?

Classic marinara sauce is a perfect match, but pesto, ranch, or a spicy aioli also complement the flavors wonderfully.

Christmas Pizza Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 64 reviews

These Christmas Pizza Bites are festive, bite-sized snacks made with refrigerated pizza dough, melted cheese, and savory pepperoni. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they are shaped in delightful holiday forms like Christmas trees or wreaths, then baked to golden perfection and finished with garlic butter and Italian seasonings.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: 30-33 minutes
• Yield: About 24 pizza bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Dough

• 2 tubes refrigerated pizza dough

Filling

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni or chopped salami

Topping

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Finishing

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped basil
• Crushed red pepper
• Festive toppings like sliced olives or bell peppers

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean up easier.
2. Prepare Dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a clean surface and cut it into small squares approximately 2×2 inches in size to create the base for each pizza bite.
3. Add Filling: Place a small pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese along with a few pieces of mini pepperoni or chopped salami in the center of each dough square for a delicious savory filling.
4. Form Bites: Bring the four corners of each square together and pinch them tightly to seal and form small, ball-shaped pockets ready for baking.
5. Arrange Shapes: On the prepared baking sheet, arrange these dough balls into festive shapes such as a Christmas tree or a wreath to elevate the holiday spirit.
6. Apply Egg Wash & Bake: Brush each shaped bite generously with beaten egg wash to help achieve a glossy, golden crust. Bake in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
7. Add Flavorful Toppings: Once baked, brush the bites with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and optional herbs like chopped basil or red pepper flakes for extra aroma and flavor.
8. Serve Warm: Serve the Christmas Pizza Bites warm alongside dips like marinara sauce or pesto for a festive and crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Use refrigerated pizza dough for convenience, but fresh dough can also be used if preferred.
• Customize the filling with other festive toppings like olives or bell pepper slices for added color and flavor.
• Ensure the dough edges are pinched tightly to prevent the cheese from leaking during baking.
• Serve immediately for best taste and texture, but leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer.
• These bites can be made ahead and stored unbaked in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking.

Keywords: Christmas pizza bites, holiday appetizers, bite-sized pizza, festive snacks, pizza dough snacks, easy holiday recipes