Oh my gosh, you HAVE to try this Christmas pizza recipe with delightful holiday flavors! It’s become our family’s go-to for Christmas Eve gatherings – the moment that cheesy, peppery aroma fills the kitchen, everyone comes running. I’ll never forget the year my niece declared it “Santa’s favorite pizza” after sneaking three slices!
What makes this pizza special? It’s all about those festive toppings mingling with classic Italian flavors – the bright bell peppers look like little Christmas lights, and the pepperoni adds just the right savory kick. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser that’s way more fun than traditional holiday dishes. Trust me, once you serve this at your holiday party, it’ll become your new Christmas tradition too!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Pizza Recipe Delightful Holiday Flavors
Let me tell you why this pizza is about to become your new holiday obsession! First off, it’s ridiculously easy—we’re talking 25 minutes from fridge to table. Perfect for when you’ve got a house full of hungry relatives and zero time. But here’s the real magic:
- Festive vibes: Those colorful bell peppers and pepperoni stars? Pure Christmas cheer on a crust!
- Totally customizable: Swap toppings to match your family’s tastes—my cousin adds pineapple (controversial, I know).
- Kid-approved: Even picky eaters gobble it up. Bonus: little hands love helping decorate!
- Leftover potential: Cold pizza for breakfast on Christmas morning? Yes please!
Seriously, it’s the holiday dish that keeps on giving.
Ingredients for Christmas Pizza Recipe Delightful Holiday Flavors
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this festive masterpiece – I’ve measured everything exactly how Grandma taught me (no eyeballing here!):
- 1 pre-made pizza crust (the 12-inch round ones work perfectly)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (I use the jarred stuff – no shame!)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (measured loosely, not packed)
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni (cut into little stars if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1/4 cup cooked sausage crumbles (mild or hot – your choice!)
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (I do half red, half green for holiday colors)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (trust me, they add amazing salty bites)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (rub between your fingers first to wake up the flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (the secret ingredient that makes everyone ask “what’s in this?”)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Listen, I get it – sometimes you gotta improvise! Here’s how to tweak things without losing that Christmas magic:
For the crust, homemade dough works beautifully if you’ve got time (my quick recipe takes 15 minutes). Vegan? Swap in dairy-free cheese – the melty kinds work best. Not a meat lover? Double up on those colorful veggies instead! Just pat them dry first so your pizza doesn’t get soggy.
Pro tip: If you’re using fresh garlic instead of powder, sauté it lightly in the tomato sauce first. And whatever you do, don’t skip the oregano – it’s what makes this taste like Christmas in Italy! Traditional Italian cooking often relies heavily on fresh herbs.
Equipment Needed
Okay, let’s gather our pizza-making tools – nothing fancy required! You’ll need:
- A baking sheet or pizza stone (I use my trusty old cookie sheet)
- Oven mitts (that cheese gets HOT!)
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Spatula for serving
That’s it! No special equipment needed to make this Christmas magic happen. Though I will say – a festive apron makes the experience more fun!
How to Make Christmas Pizza Recipe Delightful Holiday Flavors
Alright, let’s get this holiday pizza party started! I’ve made this recipe so many times I could do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through every delicious step. Just follow along and you’ll have a festive masterpiece in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat that oven! Crank it up to 425°F (220°C) – this gives us that perfect crispy crust. While it heats up, let’s assemble our toppings.
- Sauce it up: Spread your 1/2 cup tomato sauce evenly over the crust, leaving just a tiny border for that classic pizza edge. I use the back of a spoon in little circles – it’s oddly satisfying!
- First cheese layer: Sprinkle half your mozzarella (about 3/4 cup) over the sauce. This creates a “glue” for our toppings – genius, right?
- Top it festive: Now the fun part! Arrange your pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers and olives however you like. I sometimes make little Christmas trees with the peppers!
- Final cheese blanket: Cover everything with the remaining 3/4 cup cheese – this keeps all our toppings cozy and melty.
- Seasoning magic: Dust with oregano and garlic powder – don’t skip this! It makes all the difference.
- Bake to perfection: Pop it in for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust edges turn golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like Christmas heaven!
- Rest time: Let it cool for just 2 minutes – I know it’s hard to wait, but this keeps the cheese from sliding off when you slice!
Pro Tips for Perfect Pizza
Here’s what I’ve learned from years of Christmas pizza-making (and a few disasters!):
First, pat those veggies dry! Wet toppings = soggy pizza. I lay them on paper towels while prepping. Second, rotate your pizza halfway if your oven heats unevenly. And the golden rule? Don’t overload toppings! Too many and your cheese can’t melt properly. Stick to our measurements for pizza perfection every time.
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Pizza Recipe Delightful Holiday Flavors
Now for the best part – serving up your holiday masterpiece! I love cutting this pizza into 8 generous slices for family-style sharing. For parties, make two pizzas (they disappear fast!) and pair them with:
- A crisp winter salad with pomegranate seeds
- Festive cranberry spritzers (or hot cocoa for the kids)
- Garlic bread wreath for extra carb lovers
- Marinara and ranch dipping sauces – because why not?
Pro tip: Use cookie cutters to make mini pizza stars for little hands – instant holiday magic!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Okay, let’s talk leftovers – because this Christmas pizza tastes almost as good the next day! Just pop any uneaten slices in an airtight container (I swear by my glass ones) and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to revive that holiday magic, skip the microwave – it’ll make the crust soggy. Instead, reheat slices on a baking sheet at 350°F for about 5 minutes until the cheese gets melty again and the edges crisp up. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know what you’re biting into, here’s the scoop on one slice of our Christmas pizza (but let’s be real – who stops at one?). Keep in mind these values are estimates and can change based on your specific ingredients:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 14g (6g saturated)
- Carbs: 26g
- Protein: 12g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
Not too shabby for a festive treat packed with holiday flavor! And remember – Christmas calories don’t count if you’re eating them while wearing an ugly sweater. For more information on general nutritional guidelines, check out these resources.
FAQs About Christmas Pizza Recipe Delightful Holiday Flavors
I get asked these questions every holiday season – let me save you the trouble!
Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely! Wrap slices tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen at 375°F for 10 minutes – perfect for those post-holiday lazy days.
How can I make it spicier? Oh, I love this one! Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use hot Italian sausage. My brother-in-law swears by adding jalapeños too – but warn your guests first! If you are looking for other spicy options, check out this spicy drink recipe.
Can I prep this ahead? You bet! Assemble everything except the final cheese layer, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Add that last cheese right before baking.
What if I don’t eat meat? No problem! Skip the pepperoni and sausage, then double up on veggies. Mushrooms and artichokes make amazing holiday toppings too.
Why does my crust get soggy? Usually means too much sauce or wet toppings. Measure carefully and pat those veggies dry – it makes all the difference!
Share Your Festive Creation
I’d absolutely LOVE to see your Christmas pizza masterpieces! Snap a photo of your cheesy, festive creation and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing families enjoying this recipe. Leave a comment below telling me how you customized it, or what your kids thought (the honest reviews are the best!). Happy holiday pizza-making, friends!
Print
25-Minute Christmas Pizza Recipe with Delightful Holiday Flavors
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 large pizza (8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A festive pizza recipe perfect for Christmas gatherings with delicious holiday flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup cooked sausage crumbles
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spread tomato sauce evenly over pizza crust.
- Sprinkle half the cheese over the sauce.
- Add pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, and olives.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Sprinkle oregano and garlic powder on top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese melts and crust turns golden.
- Let cool for 2 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- You can use homemade pizza dough if preferred.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas pizza, holiday pizza, festive pizza recipe