Christmas Pizza Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple these pizza bites are to put together while still making a big impact on the table. The customizable toppings make them easy to tailor to everyone’s tastes, and their festive shape turns a basic pizza snack into a holiday showstopper. They’re easy to prep ahead, bake up quickly, and are always the first to disappear at gatherings. Plus, they’re fun to make with kids or friends when I want to get into the holiday spirit.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• refrigerated pizza dough

• shredded mozzarella cheese

• mini pepperoni or chopped salami

• grated Parmesan

• garlic powder

• Italian seasoning

• egg (for egg wash)

• melted butter

• Optional: chopped basil, crushed red pepper, sliced olives, or diced bell peppers

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. I roll out the pizza dough and cut it into 2×2-inch squares.

3. In the center of each square, I place a pinch of mozzarella and a few pieces of pepperoni or other toppings.

4. Then, I fold the corners together and pinch to seal the dough into small balls.

5. I arrange the stuffed dough balls into a festive shape—a Christmas tree or a wreath—on the prepared baking sheet.

6. I brush the tops with egg wash and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.

7. Once out of the oven, I brush them with melted butter and sprinkle over the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Parmesan, and any optional herbs or toppings.

8. I serve them warm with a side of marinara or pesto for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 pizza bites.
Total time: 22 minutes

Variations

• I like swapping out the pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, black olives, or bell peppers when making a vegetarian version.

• For a fancier flavor, I use fresh mozzarella pearls and add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.

• When I’m in the mood for something sweet, I make a dessert version filled with Nutella or apple pie filling and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after baking.

• For a spicy twist, I add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey before serving.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers (which is rare), I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes until heated through. I avoid microwaving them to keep the dough from getting rubbery.

FAQs

Can I make these pizza bites ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the dough balls a few hours in advance and keep them in the fridge until I’m ready to bake. I just bring them to room temperature for a few minutes before popping them in the oven.

What kind of cheese works best?

I love using shredded mozzarella for its meltiness, but I sometimes mix in a little provolone or fontina for extra flavor. Fresh mozzarella also works, but I make sure to drain it well so it doesn’t make the dough soggy.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, once baked and cooled, I freeze them in an airtight container. To reheat, I place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) straight from the freezer for 10–12 minutes.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

I make sure not to overfill the dough squares and seal them tightly by pinching the corners together firmly. A little egg wash around the edges also helps keep them sealed.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. I just use a gluten-free pizza dough, and the rest of the ingredients stay the same. The bites turn out just as tasty and festive.

Conclusion

Christmas Pizza Bites are one of those fun, easy holiday recipes that I come back to year after year. Whether I’m serving them at a big holiday party or cozy night in, they always bring smiles and satisfy those cheesy, pizza-loving cravings. Festive, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, these bites are a holiday win every time.

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