Festive Homemade Pizza Stockings Recipe: A Jolly Holiday Treat

Cozy winter nights call for this delightful pizza stockings recipe that brings comfort right to your plate.

Warm, cheesy goodness wraps inside soft dough like a culinary embrace.

Stuffed with savory ingredients, these delectable parcels promise to chase away the evening chill.

Cheese lovers will adore the melty surprise hidden within each stocking-shaped treat.

Simple ingredients come together in a magical blend of flavor and creativity.

Crispy edges and a golden-brown exterior hint at the deliciousness waiting inside.

You’ll want to gather your loved ones and savor every delightful bite of this playful meal.

Why These Pizza Stockings Bring Festive Fun

• Create Festive Fun: Transform ordinary pizza into a playful holiday-themed treat that sparks joy and excitement for kids and adults alike.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize each pizza stocking with favorite toppings, making it a versatile dish for picky eaters and creative cooks.
• Quick Family Gathering Dish: Prepare a crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone together with minimal cooking skills required and maximum entertainment value.
• Celebrate Seasonal Creativity: Bring a touch of whimsy to mealtime by crafting pizza in a unique stocking shape that delights guests and adds unexpected charm to holiday gatherings.

All the Ingredients You Need for Pizza Joy

• Pizza Dough: A flexible base that creates the festive stocking shape for this creative holiday appetizer.
• Pizza Sauce: A zesty tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and flavor to the pizza stockings.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A classic melting cheese that provides creamy richness and golden color.
• Mini Pepperoni: Tiny pepperoni pieces that offer a spicy and savory topping.

• Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Kosher Salt: A blend of aromatic spices and herbs that infuse the pizza dough with delicious flavor.

• Fresh Basil: A fragrant herb that adds a bright, fresh finish to the pizza stockings.

How to Fill, Fold, and Bake Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This creates the perfect surface for your festive pizza creation.

Step 2: Create Stocking Shapes

Grab your pizza dough and use a stocking-shaped cookie cutter to transform the dough into delightful holiday-themed pieces. The unique shape will make your pizza extra special.

Step 3: Craft Flavor Boost

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt

Gently brush this magical mixture onto each pizza dough stocking to infuse incredible flavor.

Step 4: Add Delicious Toppings

Spread a generous spoonful of pizza sauce across each stocking-shaped dough.

• Shredded mozzarella
• Mini pepperoni

Distribute toppings evenly to ensure every bite is packed with deliciousness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey paradise and the dough turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish by scattering finely chopped fresh basil over the top.

Serve these festive pizza stockings warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Tips for Golden Stockings and Melty Centers

• Use a festive stocking-shaped cookie cutter for a playful holiday presentation that delights guests.
• Brush olive oil mixture generously to enhance flavor and create a golden, crispy crust on the pizza dough.
• Experiment with different toppings like vegetarian cheese, plant-based pepperoni, or colorful bell peppers for dietary variations.
• Allow pizzas to cool slightly before serving to prevent burning and help cheese set for easier handling.
• Prepare pizza dough in advance and store in refrigerator to save time during busy holiday cooking.

Festive Toppings and Fillings to Switch Things Up

• Holiday Heirloom: Replace mini pepperoni with crispy bacon bits and add crumbled goat cheese for a sophisticated seasonal appetizer.
• Veggie Festive: Swap pepperoni with roasted bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms, then sprinkle with feta cheese for a colorful vegetarian option.
• Sweet and Savory: Top pizza stockings with caramelized onions, prosciutto, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant party treat.
• Mediterranean Magic: Use sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and fresh oregano to create a Greek-inspired stocking pizza with crumbled feta.

What to Serve with Your Pizza Stockings

• Pair with Rich Red Wine: Complement the savory pepperoni and melted cheese with a bold Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that cuts through the richness.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Balance the hearty pizza stockings with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to refresh the palate.
• Create Zesty Dipping Sauce: Whip up a spicy marinara or garlic aioli to enhance the pizza's flavor profile and add an extra layer of excitement.
• Serve with Sparkling Beverage: Choose a chilled prosecco or craft beer to cleanse the palate and provide a bubbly contrast to the cheesy, meaty pizza.

Storing Tips for Pizza Stocking Success

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pizza stockings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them flat to prevent soggy edges and maintain crispy texture.
• Freeze: Wrap each pizza stocking individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to preserve quality and taste.
• Oven Reheat: Warm pizza stockings at 350°F for 5-7 minutes on a baking sheet. This method restores crispiness and helps cheese melt evenly without drying out the dough.
• Toaster Oven: Quick reheat option takes 3-4 minutes at 350°F. Ensures crispy edges and prevents sogginess better than microwave reheating.

Pizza Stockings: All Your Questions Answered

• Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use homemade pizza dough. Just ensure it’s rolled out thin and can be easily cut with a stocking-shaped cookie cutter.

• What if I don't have a stocking-shaped cookie cutter?

You can trace a stocking shape on the dough using a knife or create a paper template to cut around. Alternatively, simply cut the dough into a stocking shape freehand.

• Are there kid-friendly alternatives to pepperoni?

Absolutely! You can use ham, cooked chicken, or even just extra cheese for children who might not enjoy pepperoni. Vegetable toppings like bell peppers also work well.

Pizza Stockings Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas Pizza Stockings blend holiday cheer with savory Italian flavors, creating a playful twist on traditional seasonal fare. Delightful appetizers will spark joy and conversation at your next holiday gathering, inviting guests to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Base:

• 1 refrigerated pizza crust

Cheese and Protein:

• 2 cups (473 ml) shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup (150 g) mini pepperoni

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 cups (473 ml) pizza sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 pinch kosher salt

Garnish:

• Finely chopped basil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
2. Transform pizza dough into whimsical stocking-shaped cutouts using a specialized cookie cutter.
3. Craft a flavor-enhancing blend of olive oil, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and a touch of salt. Delicately brush this aromatic mixture across each dough silhouette.
4. Apply a generous layer of pizza sauce to the dough, creating a vibrant base for toppings.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella generously and strategically place mini pepperoni across the surface for maximum coverage and visual appeal.
6. Transfer the decorated pizza stockings into the preheated oven, allowing them to transform for 10-12 minutes until the cheese bubbles and edges turn golden.
7. Remove from oven and add a fresh, verdant garnish of finely chopped basil to elevate the presentation and introduce a bright, herbaceous note.
8. Serve immediately while warm to ensure optimal texture and flavor experience.

Notes

• Customize the stocking shapes by using different cookie cutters for themed parties or seasonal events.
• Swap pepperoni with vegetarian alternatives like sliced bell peppers or plant-based sausage crumbles for dietary preferences.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like provolone or gouda to add unique flavor profiles and texture to the pizza stockings.
• Prepare the pizza dough and cut shapes in advance, then refrigerate for a quick and easy last-minute appetizer or snack.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg