Christmas Pizzas Recipe Ideas Snowman, Tree, Reindeer

The holiday season brings a unique opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. This year, why not ditch the usual treats and try making festive Christmas pizzas? Whether it’s a snowman, a shape of a christmas tree, or a playful reindeer, these pizzas are sure to delight kids and adults alike.

They’re simple to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for holiday gatherings or Christmas Eve dinners. Let’s dive into this festive journey of Italian food with a creative holiday twist.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Pizza Base:

Using ready-made pizza dough is a great way to save time, especially during the busy holiday season. These are widely available at your local grocery store and come in various options, including classic, whole wheat, and gluten-free. If you prefer a homemade touch, preparing your own pizza dough is surprisingly simple and requires just a few basic ingredients: flour, yeast, water, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Adding a dash of garlic powder, basil, or oregano to the dough can elevate the flavor and give your pizza a herby aroma. For a gluten-free alternative, gluten-free dough mixes or pre-made options are easily available in most stores.

Sauce:

A classic pizza sauce is a timeless choice, bringing a tangy, tomato-based flavor to your pizzas. For a twist, try using pesto sauce, which offers a fresh, garlicky, and nutty flavor, perfect for a Christmas tree shape. If you love a richer, slightly sweeter base, marinara sauce is another excellent option. For an adventurous take, consider a thin spread of alfredo sauce for a creamy white pizza. Don’t forget that homemade sauces are also a possibility, allowing you to adjust the seasoning to match your taste.

Cheese:

Cheese is the heart of a pizza, and mozzarella cheese is a favorite for its gooey texture and mild flavor. Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, while grated mozzarella can create a finer layer. If you’re looking for dairy-free cheese options, vegan mozzarella substitutes are readily available and work just as well. For a richer twist, try incorporating dollops of cream cheese on your pizza base for a luxurious texture. To enhance the flavor, sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving for a salty, nutty finish.

Toppings:

This is where the magic happens! The toppings not only add flavor but also bring your festive pizzas to life:

• Black olives make perfect “eyes” or “buttons” on your snowman pizza.
• A small carrot end serves as the cutest snowman nose.
• Cherry tomatoes or mini pepperoni add vibrant red accents, ideal for decorating Christmas trees or creating Rudolph’s nose.
• Thinly sliced jalapeño or green pepper brings a touch of greenery, making your pizzas look like mini Christmas trees.
• Fresh basil leaves are best added as a garnish after baking for a burst of freshness and festive flair.
• A light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese takes the cheesy goodness to the next level.
• Red pepper, can be used for eye brows.

Substitutions:

Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your personal preference or dietary needs. For example:

• Replace cherry tomatoes with red onion slices for a slightly sweet and tangy bite.
• Switch out mozzarella for shredded cheddar to bring a bolder, sharper flavor.
• If you’re short on fresh vegetables, try canned or frozen options like roasted red peppers or spinach.
• Experiment with favorite pizza toppings like pineapple chunks, diced bell peppers, or even cooked sausage for a completely unique holiday creation.

With these flexible ingredients and substitutions, you can design pizzas that cater to the whole family while adding a festive and creative touch to your holiday gatherings.

Helpful Tools

• Christmas tree cookie cutter for precise shapes
• A rolling pin for even dough thickness
• A parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup
• A pizza cutter for slicing into perfect portions
• A small bowl for brushing olive oil
• A wire rack to cool your pizzas evenly

How to Make Christmas Pizzas

Prepping the Dough

• Preheat your oven according to the pizza dough package instructions.

• Lay the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into festive shapes like a Christmas tree, snowman, or reindeer using a rolling pin and cookie cutters.

• Use leftover pieces of dough to create fun shapes or small decorations.

Adding Toppings

• Brush the edges of the dough with olive oil for a golden brown crust.

• Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough using the back of a spoon.

• Sprinkle vegan cheese or cheese of choice for example shredded mozzarella cheese generously.

Decorating The Christmas Pizzas

• Decorate with toppings like black olives, cherry tomatoes, and jalapeño slices. Save basil for garnish after baking.

Leftover pizza dough was used to make the reindeer pizza!

Baking Instructions For The Perfect Christmas Pizzas

• Transfer the pizzas to a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Bake according to the dough package instructions, usually 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

• Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Tips & Tricks

• Room temperature dough is easier to shape and roll.
• Use aluminum foil to support delicate shapes during baking.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle the crust with Italian seasoning before baking.
• Add a drizzle of olive oil after baking for a glossy finish.
• Pair your pizzas with a light dinner salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.