This Christmas Tree Pizza Is A Cute Christmas Dinner For Kids Recipe

I’m totally in love with this Christmas Tree Pizza because it turns a regular pizza into an artful holiday feast. I enjoy the mix of tomato sauce, melty mozzarella, and vibrant toppings that create a charming tree shape. It’s a fun, creative twist that makes me feel festive every time I bite in.

I’ve always believed that food should be fun and nutritious so I created this Christmas Tree Pizza specially for kids. I love how the pizza dough is rolled out into a 10-inch circle giving us plenty of room to shape it into a festive tree.

I mix 1/2 cup of tomato sauce with 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and a 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese giving you plenty of protein and calcium, which I think is awesome. My favorite part is when I add a few sliced green bell peppers to create branches and then top it off with 10 mini pepperoni slices and 8 halved cherry tomatoes to give some color.

Sometimes, I toss on a few fresh basil leaves if I’m feeling extra creative. This recipe makes a great alternative for Christmas lunch or dinner and is perfect for a fun kids food party during the holiday season.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love how fun this recipe is. I can actually shape the pizza dough into a Christmas tree and it makes me feel creative and festive. The way the tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and even the pepperoni come together just makes it taste so awesome. I appreciate that it isn’t too complicated, which means I can whip it up pretty quick even if I’m not a master chef. Plus, it’s perfect for kids and family get-togethers because it feels both playful and delicious.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough is mostly carbs that give energy and a crispy base for fun.
• Tomato sauce is tangy, sweet, and rich in lycopene and vitamins boosting flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese provides protein and calcium making your pizza almost nutritional.
• Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick and extra protein that makes the taste pop.
• Green bell pepper is full of fiber and vitamins then gives a fresh crunchy bite.
• Mini pepperoni offers fat and protein for a spicy meaty bite that excites.
• Cherry tomatoes are vitamin loaded and deliver juicy, tangy sweetness in every bite.
• Basil adds a fresh herbal note, enhancing the aroma and overall flavor unmistakably.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 ball of pizza dough (about 10 inches in diameter)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 green bell pepper thinly sliced
• 10 mini pepperoni slices
• 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
• A handful of fresh basil leaves (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly flour a baking sheet so that your dough wont stick.

2. Roll out the pizza dough on a clean surface and shape it into a Christmas tree form. It doesnt have to be perfect, just try to get a tree silhouette with a wider base and a pointy top.

3. Spread the tomato sauce evenly inside your tree shape leaving a small border for the crust.

4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the sauce so that every inch gets a taste.

5. Next, scatter the grated Parmesan cheese on top for a little extra flavor.

6. Arrange the thinly sliced green bell pepper along one side of the tree branches to mimic some natural design.

7. Place the mini pepperoni slices and the halved cherry tomatoes over the tree as festive decorations.

8. If you like, tuck a few basil leaves around the tree for a pop of color and extra aroma.

9. Slide your pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it up so its just the right temperature for kids to enjoy.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – used to bake the pizza at 425°F
2. Baking sheet – for placing the dough (remember to lightly flour it so it doesnt stick)
3. Rolling pin – to roll out the pizza dough
4. Clean work surface – a smooth area to shape the dough into a tree form
5. Measuring cups – to accurately measure ingredients like tomato sauce and cheeses
6. Spatula or large spoon – for spreading the tomato sauce evenly
7. Knife – to slice the green bell pepper and, if needed, to halve the cherry tomatoes
8. Pizza cutter or sharp knife – for cutting the pizza into slices after baking
9. Cheese grater – if your Parmesan cheese isn’t pre-grated

FAQ

• Q: How long should I bake this pizza?
  A: Bake it in a preheated 425°F oven for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it coz ovens can vary.
• Q: Can I use pre-made pizza dough?
  A: Yes you can. Just let it come to room temp before you shape it, so it stretches easier.
• Q: What if my kid doesnt like one of the toppings?
  A: Its totally fine to swap or leave out any topping. The idea is to have fun and make it just how they like.
• Q: How do I shape it to look like a Christmas tree?
  A: Arrange the mini pepperoni and veggies after baking or even before if you prefer a defined look. You might even score the dough lightly to guide the shape.
• Q: Can I store leftovers?
  A: Yup, leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in a skillet or oven for a crisp touch when ready to enjoy.

This Christmas Tree Pizza Is A Cute Christmas Dinner For Kids Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you’re low on tomato sauce, you can swap in a bit of pesto or even a homemade marinara. It gives a fun twist!
• Don’t have mozzarella? Try using provolone or even cheddar cheese for a slightly different flavor.
• If you’re missing Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano works pretty well as a substitute.
• Out of green bell pepper? Red or yellow bell peppers are a great swap since they’re a bit sweeter.
• If mini pepperoni slices are hard to come by, thin slices of salami can totally do the trick.

Pro Tips

1. Let your dough rest a bit at room temp before you roll it out. This helps make it less likely to tear and easier to shape into that cool tree shape.
2. When you spread the sauce, go easy on it near the edges so that your crust can come out nice and crispy instead of soggy.
3. Don’t pile on the toppings too heavy. A lighter touch on the pepperoni and bell pepper not only keeps the pizza balanced but also helps the dough cook evenly.
4. Always let your pizza cool for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. This helps the cheese set just right and stops you from burning your fingers when you’re slicing it up.