Introduction
Pizza Tree on a Stick is a playful and festive treat that’s perfect for getting little ones excited about Christmas mealtime. These mini pizza trees are made by layering mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, and favorite toppings on a skewer, creating a fun, tree-shaped snack that is both delicious and easy to eat. Whether you’re preparing a special holiday dinner or need a creative food idea for a Christmas party, this colorful treat is sure to make any toddler’s eyes light up.
What makes Pizza Tree on a Stick so fun is how customizable it is. The little trees can be decorated with a variety of toppings to suit your child’s taste. Choose from pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, or any of their favorite pizza toppings—let your imagination run wild! The cheesy, saucy layers on each skewer are the perfect bite-sized portion, and the bonus of having everything on a stick makes it much easier for toddlers to handle.
I love how this food brings a sense of holiday magic into the kitchen. It’s not just the yummy flavors that make these Pizza Trees a hit; it’s the joy of crafting them together as a family. I remember the first time I made these for a Christmas dinner—watching the little ones eagerly assemble their own pizza trees was as fun as eating them! This recipe also makes for great hands-on cooking with kids. They’ll love choosing their toppings and creating their own personal tree.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies. By adding spinach or broccoli as “tree decorations,” you can give them a little extra nutritious boost while still keeping the meal fun and festive. Whether it’s part of your Christmas feast or a playful food idea for a holiday-themed party, Pizza Tree on a Stick will quickly become a new favorite for kids and grown-ups alike.
Perfect For:
- Christmas parties for kids
- Toddler-friendly meals
- Holiday movie nights
- Quick lunch or dinner for busy parents
- Family cooking sessions
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid-Friendly: Simple ingredients and easy-to-eat, making it perfect for toddlers.
- Fun to Make: Little ones will love putting together their own pizza trees.
- Customizable: You can add extra toppings to personalize the pizza to your child’s taste.
- Quick & Easy: A simple and fast recipe that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
- Festive and Cute: The pizza tree shape makes this a fun and special treat for the Christmas season.
Preparation and Cooking Time
Total Time: 20 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Servings: 4-6 pizza trees
Calories per Serving: Approximately 200-250 calories per tree
Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Calcium: 15% DV, Vitamin C: 8% DV
Ingredients
For the Pizza Trees:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup pizza or marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mini beef pepperoni slices or chopped cooked veggies (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
- Wooden skewers or lollipop sticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Ingredient Highlights
- Pizza Dough: Use your favorite dough, whether store-bought or homemade. It forms the base for the cute pizza trees.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The go-to cheese for a stretchy, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Mini Pepperoni or Veggies: Fun optional toppings to add flavor and a touch of holiday spirit.
- Egg Wash: Helps give the pizza trees a golden finish once baked.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Pizza Trees:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out your pizza dough onto a clean surface, and with a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into strips about 1-inch wide.
- Form the Tree Shape: Take a strip of dough and use the skewers to thread the pieces, forming a Christmas tree shape. Start from the point at the top and gradually work your way down, making the dough wider toward the bottom of the tree. The skewers will act as the tree trunk while the dough forms the branches.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Brush each pizza tree with pizza sauce, then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over it. If using, add mini pepperoni slices or chopped veggies on top for extra flavor.
- Season: Sprinkle dried oregano or Italian seasoning over each pizza tree for a burst of flavor.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the dough edges with the beaten egg to give a golden color when baked.
Bake the Pizza Trees:
- Bake the Trees: Place the prepared pizza trees onto the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pizza trees cool for a minute or two before serving them on their skewers.
How to Serve
- As Finger Food: Perfect for little hands, making them an easy, self-serve snack.
- With Extra Dips: Serve with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch dressing, or garlic butter for added flavor.
- On a Fun Plate: Present the pizza trees on a fun Christmas-themed plate to make them even more festive.
- Serve with Veggies or Fruit: Pair with carrot sticks, apple slices, or a side of holiday salad for a balanced meal.
- At a Christmas Party: Set up a DIY pizza station where kids can assemble their pizza tree before baking for an interactive treat.
Additional Tips
- Make Your Own Dough: If you prefer, you can make the dough at home using simple ingredients like flour, yeast, water, and olive oil.
- Customize Toppings: Top your pizza tree with your favorite toppings such as olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Pre-Make and Freeze: Prepare the pizza trees ahead of time and freeze them unbaked. When you’re ready to serve, bake directly from frozen and enjoy freshly made pizza trees.
- Vegan Options: For a dairy-free version, substitute the cheese for vegan cheese, and use olive oil instead of egg wash.
- Use Cookie Cutters: If you prefer, you can also use Christmas-themed cookie cutters to create different festive shapes, like stars or wreaths, for variety.
Recipe Variations
- Mini Tree Pizzas: Cut the dough into smaller pieces for individual bite-size tree pizzas.
- Veggie Pizza Trees: Skip the pepperoni and load up with chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Sweet Pizza Trees: Use cinnamon and sugar with melted marshmallows and drizzle chocolate sauce for a sweet holiday treat.
- Cheesy Garlic Trees: Sprinkle minced garlic over the crust and drizzle with garlic butter before baking for a garlicky twist.
- Gluten-Free Pizza Trees: Use a gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free alternative that still tastes just as festive and delicious.
- Stuffed Pizza Trees: Add cheese and pizza sauce inside the dough for a stuffed crust version of the pizza tree.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing Unbaked Pizza Trees: To freeze pizza trees, prepare them up until the point of baking. Lay the unbaked pizza trees on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, store them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 425°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftover baked pizza trees in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes or microwave until warm.
- Freezing Leftovers: Baked pizza trees can also be frozen. Wrap them tightly in foil or place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.
Special Equipment
- Skewers or Lollipop Sticks: Used to form the “tree” shape for the pizza.
- Pizza Cutter: A handy tool for cutting the dough into neat strips or shapes.
- Baking Sheet: Necessary for baking the pizza trees in the oven.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Helps prevent sticking and makes for an easy clean-up.
- Basting Brush: Useful for brushing the egg wash on the dough for that golden finish.
FAQ
Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?
Yes, pre-made pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe and saves time. You can also use biscuit dough or crescent roll dough for a quicker alternative.
What can I use instead of skewers?
If you don’t have skewers, you can use popsicle sticks, wooden chopsticks, or simply make the pizza tree shape without them and bake them flat.
Can I make these pizza trees ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pizza trees ahead of time, freeze them unbaked, and bake them when needed.
How do I store leftover pizza trees?
Store leftover pizza trees in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave for best results.
Can I make these pizza trees vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the meat toppings with more veggies like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly pizza tree.
Conclusion
Pizza Tree on a Stick – Christmas toddler fun food is a creative and festive way to enjoy pizza while getting into the holiday spirit. This fun food idea combines all the flavors of a classic pizza with a whimsical tree shape, perfect for little hands to enjoy. The simple ingredients and fun presentation make it a big hit for Christmas-themed parties or family gatherings with young children.
This easy-to-make dish is great for introducing kids to cooking, as they can participate in assembling the pizza trees with their favorite toppings. Plus, you can customize it to accommodate picky eaters or dietary preferences, making it a versatile addition to any holiday meal.
Make some today, and let the laughter and joy fill your home! Don’t forget to snap a picture of your festive creations and share them on Instagram—be sure to tag me, so we can celebrate your merry kitchen success together. Happy holiday cooking!