Description
Celebrate the holidays with this festive Holiday Tree Pull-Apart Pizza, a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza. Crafted into a Christmas tree shape, this pull-apart pizza features layers of gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and tangy pizza sauce sandwiched between two dough triangles, brushed with a garlic-herb butter, baked to golden perfection, and topped with Parmesan and fresh basil for a flavorful finish. Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings and sure to impress your guests with its festive presentation and irresistible taste.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 2 cans (7.8 oz each) refrigerated pizza crust
Filling
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce
- 20 pepperoni slices
Butter Topping
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Garnish
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prep the base: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Shape the tree: Unroll both cans of pizza crust and stack them on top of each other. Using a knife, cut into a large triangle shape resembling a Christmas tree. Gently separate the two layers for filling.
- Add the filling: Place one dough triangle on the baking sheet. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the surface, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, and top evenly with pepperoni slices to create the flavorful filling.
- Seal it up: Carefully place the second dough triangle over the filling. Press lightly around the edges to seal the two layers together, keeping the filling enclosed.
- Make the branches: Using a sharp knife, cut horizontal slits about 1 ½ inches apart on both sides of the triangle, leaving a strip down the center to represent the tree trunk. Twist each strip a few times to create pull-apart branches for easy serving.
- Add the buttery goodness: In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush the seasoned butter generously over the entire dough surface to add flavor and promote a golden crust.
- Bake and serve: Bake the pizza tree in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through. Once baked, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Allow to cool slightly before pulling apart and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the dough layers are properly sealed around the edges to prevent the sauce and cheese from leaking during baking.
- Feel free to substitute pepperoni with other favorite pizza toppings or use vegetarian options.
- Twisting the branches firmly helps maintain the tree shape and makes serving easier.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
- If fresh basil is not available, dried basil or other fresh herbs like oregano can be used for garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American