Christmas Pizza Bites

If the holidays had an official snack, I’m pretty sure Christmas Pizza Bites would be in the running. They’re warm, cheesy, festive, and—best of all—ridiculously easy. You know those days in December when your to-do list is longer than a CVS receipt and someone is always hungry? Yep. This recipe was made for that moment.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, need a fun appetizer for Christmas Eve, or just want something joyful to snack on while wrapping gifts in leggings and a messy bun, Christmas Pizza Bites deliver big comfort with minimal effort. They’re the kind of food that disappears fast, so fair warning: you may want to double the batch.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Pizza Bites

Let me count the ways—because there are many.

  • Festive without being fussy. Shaping them into a Christmas tree or wreath makes them look impressive, even though they’re secretly simple.
  • Kid-approved and adult-loved. Cheesy, pizza-flavored bites? Nobody’s saying no.
  • Perfect make-ahead appetizer. Prep them early, bake when guests arrive.
  • Customizable. Pepperoni today, veggie-packed tomorrow, or whatever’s in your fridge.
  • Comfort food energy. Your house will smell like a cozy hug from an Italian bakery.

This is one of those recipes that feels special but doesn’t ask much of you—and during the holidays, that’s the real gift.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here. Just solid, reliable ingredients doing what they do best.

  • 2 tubes refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup mini pepperoni or chopped salami
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Optional festive extras:
Chopped basil, crushed red pepper flakes, sliced olives, diced bell peppers, or anything that feels merry to you.

How to Make Christmas Pizza Bites (Step by Step)

Don’t worry—this is very much a “turn on some music and enjoy the process” kind of recipe.

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks (and cleanup stays easy).

Step 2: Cut the Dough

Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into small squares, about 2×2 inches. They don’t need to be perfect—rustic is charming.

Step 3: Fill with the Good Stuff

Place a pinch of mozzarella in the center of each square, followed by a few mini pepperoni or your chosen toppings. Resist the urge to overfill (learned that the messy way).

Step 4: Shape the Bites

Fold the corners of the dough up and pinch them together tightly, forming little dough balls. Think “tiny pizza presents.”

Step 5: Make It Festive

Arrange the balls on your baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree or wreath. This is where the magic happens visually, and kids love helping with this part.

Step 6: Bake

Whisk the egg and brush it over the tops of the dough balls. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Step 7: Finish with Flavor

While they’re still warm, brush with melted butter. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Parmesan, and any herbs you love.

Serve warm with marinara or pesto for dipping—and watch them vanish.

Cooking Tips for Foolproof Pizza Bites

  • Seal tightly. If the dough isn’t pinched well, cheese will escape. Delicious, but messy.
  • Use parchment paper. Trust me on this one.
  • Go light on fillings. More isn’t always better when it comes to stuffing dough.
  • If they brown too fast, loosely tent with foil for the last few minutes.
  • Extra crispy fan? Bake on the lower rack for the last 2 minutes.

And if your cheese bubbles out a bit? Congratulations—you’ve made chef’s snacks.

A Little Holiday Kitchen Story

I first made these Christmas Pizza Bites during a December where everything felt rushed—school events, work deadlines, gift lists taped to the fridge. I needed something fun that didn’t require a full grocery run or hours in the kitchen.

They came out golden, my house smelled amazing, and suddenly everyone was gathered around the kitchen island dipping and laughing. That’s when I remembered: food doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. Sometimes, it just needs cheese and a little holiday spirit.

Plate of golden Christmas Pizza Bites shaped like mini trees, topped with melted mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and herbs, perfect for a festive holiday appetizer.
Warm, cheesy Christmas Pizza Bites baked until golden and stacked into festive tree shapes—an irresistible holiday party favorite.

Fun Variations to Try

Once you make these once, you’ll start dreaming up variations.

  • Veggie Christmas Pizza Bites: Use bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, and spinach.
  • Four-Cheese Version: Mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, and a touch of cheddar.
  • Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper or spicy salami.
  • Pesto Inside: Swap marinara flavors by adding a tiny spoon of pesto inside each bite.

Same method. New vibe every time.

FAQs About Christmas Pizza Bites

Can I make Christmas Pizza Bites ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Bake fresh for best texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crisp.

Can I freeze them?

Absolutely. Freeze baked or unbaked pizza bites. Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding a few extra minutes.

What dipping sauces work best?

Marinara is classic, but pesto, ranch, or garlic butter are all delicious with Christmas Pizza Bites.

Bringing Holiday Joy, One Bite at a Time

At the end of a busy holiday day, recipes like Christmas Pizza Bites remind us why we cook in the first place. They’re fun, comforting, and meant to be shared—no perfection required. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just feeding your favorite people, this is one of those dishes that quietly becomes a tradition.

So pour yourself something warm, turn on the Christmas music, and let these Christmas Pizza Bites bring a little extra cheer to your table. You deserve easy wins like this—especially during the holidays.

Make Your Holiday Table Even More Fun

If you’re already loving these Christmas Pizza Bites, why stop here? Turning them into part of a full holiday spread is half the fun—and it makes hosting feel effortless. Here are a few reader-favorite recipes that pair beautifully with these cheesy bites and help you create a cozy, crowd-pleasing menu everyone will remember:

  • Serve something festive to sip on, like this refreshing and family-friendly Easy Christmas Punch—it’s colorful, cheerful, and perfect for guests of all ages.
  • Add another warm, cheesy appetizer with these crispy Spinach Artichoke Dip Wonton Cups that disappear just as fast as pizza bites.
  • Create a show-stopping appetizer board by pairing these with Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Trees—they’re adorable, flaky, and totally holiday-worthy.
  • End the night with something sweet and playful, like this no-bake Christmas Tree Dirt Cake that’s always a hit with kids and adults alike.

If you give these Christmas Pizza Bites a try, I’d absolutely love to hear how they turned out for you
Leave a quick review and tap those ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars below—it helps other readers and means so much to me. Happy cooking and happy holidays!

Print
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Festive Christmas Pizza Bites stacked on a plate, made with golden pizza dough, melted mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni, perfect for holiday parties.

Christmas Pizza Bites


  • Author: Mounia
  • Total Time: 38 minutes
  • Yield: 24 pizza bites 1x

Description

Christmas Pizza Bites are cheesy, golden, and irresistibly festive appetizers made with refrigerated pizza dough, melty mozzarella, and pepperoni. Shaped like mini Christmas trees or arranged into a wreath, they’re perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home. Easy to prep, fun to serve, and always the first snack to disappear.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tubes refrigerated pizza dough

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup mini pepperoni or chopped salami

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Optional Toppings

  • Chopped fresh basil or parsley

  • Crushed red pepper flakes

  • Sliced olives or diced bell peppers


Instructions

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

  2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into 2×2-inch squares.

  3. Place a small pinch of mozzarella cheese and a few pieces of pepperoni in the center of each dough square.

  4. Fold the corners of the dough up and pinch tightly to seal, forming a small ball.

  5. Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheet in a Christmas tree or wreath shape.

  6. Whisk the egg and brush the tops of the dough balls with egg wash.

  7. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.

  8. Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter.

  9. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and optional herbs.

  10. Serve warm with marinara or pesto for dipping.

Notes

Don’t overfill the dough or the cheese may leak out during baking.

These can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to keep them crisp.

Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or Christmas Eve snacking.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 bites
  • Calories: 260 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg