Christmas Tree Cheesy Pizza Dough Balls
A festive, cheesy holiday appetizer perfect for gatherings
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Rate this RecipeEquipment
- Baking Sheet Lined with parchment paper for non-stick baking
- Rolling Pin For flattening pizza dough
- Pastry Brush For applying egg wash and butter
Ingredients
- 12 ounce mozzarella sticks Cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 pound pizza dough Roll to an even thickness
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 1 egg Whisked with 1 tbsp water for egg wash
- 2 tablespoon butter Melted for brushing after baking
- 2 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese Use more for garnish if desired
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley Fresh for garnish
- 1 cup marinara sauce For dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roll out the pizza dough into a flat sheet and cut it into 32 equal pieces. Place a piece of mozzarella and a pinch of Italian seasoning on each piece. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, ensuring it’s sealed to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
- Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in the shape of a Christmas tree. Start with a single dough ball at the top, then create progressively larger rows as you move downward. Leave a little space between each ball as they will expand while baking.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the dough balls generously with egg wash to achieve a golden, glossy finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough balls are puffed up and golden brown on top.
- As soon as the tree comes out of the oven, brush the dough balls with melted butter for extra richness. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top to add a cheesy, festive flair. Let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve your cheesy Christmas tree with a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping. Watch your guests light up as they pull apart the gooey, cheesy dough balls. It’s a festive delight that’s impossible to resist!
Notes
Freeze leftover dough balls and reheat in the oven for a quick snack. Experiment with other fillings like cooked sausage or spicy pepperoni.