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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
- Transform pizza dough into whimsical stocking-shaped cutouts using a specialized cookie cutter.
- 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.
- Apply a generous layer of pizza sauce to the dough, creating a vibrant base for toppings.
- Sprinkle mozzarella generously and strategically place mini pepperoni across the surface for maximum coverage and visual appeal.
- 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.
- Remove from oven and add a fresh, verdant garnish of finely chopped basil to elevate the presentation and introduce a bright, herbaceous note.
- 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