Mediterranean Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas

Mediterranean Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas are a healthy and delicious snack. They contain pizza dough, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, mini pepperoni, green bell pepper, and olive oil. These items are simple, and we can easily get them from all supermarkets. They have mozzarella cheese in them, so they are not good for a dairy-free diet. We have to add vegan mozzarella cheese, so they become perfect for a dairy-free diet. These mini pizzas are prepared in 30 minutes, so they are good for quick snacks and Christmas parties. Serve these mini pizzas with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, and marinara sauce. Mediterranean Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas are best served fresh, though we can store them in airtight boxes in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

STATS:

• No of Calories: 180 kcal
• Time for Prep: Fifteen minutes
• Serving size: 2
• Cook time: 12 minutes
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Course: Appetizer
• Diet: Mediterranean
• Serving: 8

EQUIPMENT:

• Parchment paper
• Christmas tree cookie cutter
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush
• Spoon
• Pizza cutter
• Oven

INGREDIENTS:

• Pizza dough – One pack
• Mozzarella cheese– 1 cup
• Mini pepperoni – ½ cup
• Green bell pepper – ¼ cup
• Pizza sauce – ½ cup
• Flour – ¼ cup
• Olive oil – 1 tbsp.

INGREDIENT NOTES:

PIZZA DOUGH:

• Use the pizza dough to create the Christmas tree shapes. We have to roll the dough evenly so the mini pizzas bake consistently. It should be whole-wheat pizza dough, which is good for our diet.

PIZZA SAUCE:

• Add the pizza sauce to provide a rich tomato flavor and keep the dough moist. We have to use a tomato-based sauce without excessive added sugar or sodium for a healthier option.

MOZZARELLA CHEESE:

• Include the shredded mozzarella cheese to add creaminess and a melted taste to the dish. Utilize the vegan mozzarella cheese to make it safe for a dairy-free diet.

MINI PEPPERONI:

• Add the mini pepperoni to provide a savory and meaty flavor to the mini pizzas. We can also utilize the plant-based pepperoni instead if you want to make them vegetarian or vegan.

GREEN BELL PEPPER:

• Add the diced green bell pepper to freshness & crunchy taste. We can also utilize the red bell pepper instead if you want to include a festive Christmas color combination.

FLOUR:

• Use the flour to prevent the dough from sticking while rolling and cutting. We have to add only as much as needed to keep the dough easy to handle.

OLIVE OIL:

• Add the olive oil to brush the dough and provide a rich Mediterranean flavor. We can also use extra-virgin olive oil for its characteristic taste.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and put the parchment on the tray.
2. Now lightly sprinkle the flour on the shelf, then roll the pizza dough to ¼ inch thick.
3. Take a tree cookie cutter and cut the dough in mini shapes till all dough is utilized.
4. Add the Christmas tree to the prepared tray with some space.
5. Put the pizza sauce on each tree and add the mozzarella shreds, mini pepperoni, & green bell pepper on them.
6. Apply the oil to the corners lightly and bake for 12 to 15 minutes till it gets golden and the cheese melts.
7. When it is baked, cool them for some time, then serve.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

DIPS AND SAUCES:

• Basil pesto
• Tzatziki sauce
• Hummus

FRESH SALADS:

• Greek salad
• Arugula salad
• Spinach salad

ROASTED VEGETABLES:

• Roasted zucchini
• Garlic-roasted broccoli
• Roasted bell peppers

PROTEIN SIDES:

• Roasted chickpeas
• White bean salad
• Grilled halloumi

TIPS:

• Roll the dough evenly so the mini pizzas will bake in equal time.
• Add the thin pizza sauce layer to avoid making the soggy dough.
• Utilize the whole wheat pizza dough to add more fiber content.

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

• Properly cool these mini pizzas, then add them to the box and store for three to four days.

FREEZER:

• Leave these pizzas to cool, then put them in one layer and freeze till it gets firm, then put them in the bag and store for 2 months.

FAQs:

Can I make them in advance?

• Yes, we can cut the shapes, chop the items, shred the cheese, and store them in different vessels, then assemble them and bake fresh.

How to make the vegan mini pizzas?

• We have to utilize the vegan dough, cheese, and pepperoni to make it vegan.

What to do to prevent making the soggy pizzas?

• We have to add a little sauce and strain the water from the vegetables so the pizzas will not become soggy.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Calories: 180 kcal

Net carbs: 19 g

Iron: 1.5 mg

Serving: 1

Total carbs: 21 g

Serving size: 2

Vitamin A: 120 mcg RAE

Fiber: 2 g

Calcium: 130 mg

Protein: 9 g

Iron: 1.5 mg

Sodium: 480 mg

Potassium: 170 mg