Hosting a holiday party or family dinner? Let’s ditch the same-old appetizers and wow your guests with a stunning Holiday Wreath Pizza—a dish that blends visual appeal with festive flavor. Not only is this pizza incredibly easy to make, but it also becomes a show-stopping centerpiece that tastes just as good as it looks. In this article, you’ll discover how to create this wreath-shaped pizza using only six simple ingredients, how to customize it, and how to serve it like a pro.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Fresh & Flavorful Broccoli Salad as a refreshing side to this festive main!
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Why Holiday Wreath Pizza is the Ultimate Holiday Appetizer
A Perfect Centerpiece for Festive Gatherings
The holiday season is all about gathering, sharing, and celebrating—and what better way to kick things off than with a dish that looks like it belongs in a magazine spread? The holiday wreath pizza not only dazzles with red cherry tomatoes, white mozzarella balls, and vibrant green pesto, but it also captures the spirit of the season in every bite. Serve it as an appetizer or light dinner and watch it disappear before your eyes.
Loved by Adults and Kids Alike
Kids love pizza. Adults love elegance. This festive pizza combines both. With a chewy golden crust, melted cheese, and herby pesto, even picky eaters will be grabbing slices. Plus, it’s interactive! Let kids help place toppings in wreath fashion—it’s a fun kitchen activity for the whole family.
Visual Appeal Meets Delicious Simplicity
Despite its showy presentation, this pizza is as simple as it gets. You’ll only need six ingredients, most of which are pantry staples or easily found at the grocery store. The best part? You don’t need special baking tools or advanced cooking skills. Just a little creativity and a baking sheet.
Simple Ingredients with a Big Impact
Only 6 Everyday Ingredients Needed
To create a holiday wreath pizza, here’s all you need:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated Pizza Dough | 1 can | Store-bought works great |
| Pizza Sauce | ½ cup | Use your favorite jarred brand |
| Mozzarella Balls | 10–12 small balls | Fresh for best results |
| Cherry Tomatoes | ½ cup, halved | Adds color and sweetness |
| Pesto Sauce | ¼ cup | Homemade or store-bought |
| Fresh Basil | ¼ cup, divided | For garnish and flavor |
Discover great ideas like our Apple Cranberry Pie to round out your holiday dessert table!
Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Needs
Need to go gluten-free? Swap in a gluten-free pizza dough. Prefer dairy-free? Use plant-based mozzarella and a cashew or walnut pesto. Want to add protein? Toss on sliced chicken, turkey, or pepperoni.
Best Store-Bought Doughs and Sauces to Use
For best results, look for refrigerated pizza dough that isn’t too elastic, such as Trader Joe’s or Pillsbury. When it comes to pizza sauce, Rao’s or Muir Glen offer rich flavor without needing extra seasoning.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Pizza Wreath
Preparing the Dough for Wreath Shape
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Unroll your refrigerated dough onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently stretch it into a large ring, leaving a 4-5 inch hole in the center to mimic a wreath. Pinch edges to shape and prebake for 8–9 minutes.
Topping Tips for Even Flavor and Color
Once pre-baked, spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Arrange cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls around the wreath, alternating for a festive color pattern. Drizzle pesto over the top and sprinkle half of the basil. Lightly press toppings into the dough to help them stay put during baking.
Baking, Cooling, and Garnishing
Bake for 10–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese begins to brown. Let cool slightly, then add the remaining basil for freshness. For extra sparkle, drizzle olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper.
Don’t miss our Marry Me Chicken Pasta if you’re planning a full holiday meal—it pairs beautifully with this pizza!
Creative Holiday Pizza Wreath Variations
Meat-Lover’s Wreath Version
Want to add more protein and make it hearty? Layer in pepperoni, crumbled Italian sausage, or chopped ham along with the mozzarella balls. For an elegant touch, try thinly sliced prosciutto draped over the wreath just before serving—it adds saltiness and visual appeal.
Veggie-Loaded Wreath with Seasonal Greens
If you’re looking for a plant-based punch of flavor, toss in roasted red peppers, sautéed spinach, or caramelized onions. You can even use kale chips or arugula added after baking for crunch and color contrast. For a pop of sweetness, roasted butternut squash cubes or sun-dried tomatoes make a lovely addition.
Gluten-Free and Vegan-Friendly Adaptations
Going gluten-free? Use a ready-made GF pizza crust or dough, and follow the same shaping and topping method. For a vegan pizza wreath, opt for dairy-free mozzarella balls (like Miyoko’s or Violife), and use a vegan pesto—many grocery stores carry versions made without cheese or swap in homemade cashew pesto.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Cozy German Potato Soup as a warm, hearty side to your wreath!
Tips for Serving and Storing Your Holiday Wreath Pizza
Make-Ahead and Reheating Instructions
If you’re short on time the day of your gathering, you can partially assemble the wreath in advance. Shape and pre-bake the dough, add sauce and toppings (except fresh basil), and refrigerate it on a tray, covered, for up to 6 hours. Before serving, bake it fresh for 10–15 minutes.
Reheating leftovers? Pop individual slices into the oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes or use an air fryer for quick crisping.
Presentation Tips for Parties
Want to impress your guests? Place the wreath on a wooden serving board or a large white platter. Garnish the center hole with sprigs of rosemary or a small bowl of dipping sauce. You can even tie a bow with a red bell pepper strip for that perfect festive finish.
Don’t miss our Eggnog Pie Recipe as a sweet ending to your holiday spread!
What to Serve Alongside Your Pizza Wreath
Balance your table with dishes that complement the warm, savory pizza flavors:
- A crisp salad like our Fresh Broccoli Salad
- Festive drinks like sparkling apple cider or Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- Dips like hummus or whipped ricotta in the center of the wreath for extra flair
This dish pairs well with both casual and formal holiday dinners—so whether it’s game night or Christmas Eve, it works.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make a pizza wreath ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the dough, add the sauce and toppings (except fresh basil), then refrigerate it unbaked for up to 6 hours. When you’re ready, bake and garnish for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
How do I keep the wreath shape from shrinking?
Use parchment paper and stretch the dough into a ring evenly. Prebaking the dough helps lock in the shape. Avoid overloading the center, which can pull the dough inward during baking.
Can I freeze a cooked pizza wreath?
Absolutely. Once cooled, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through. Avoid adding fresh basil before freezing—add that after reheating for best flavor.
What’s the best way to transport this for a party?
Let the baked pizza wreath cool slightly, then transfer it to a large round platter or baking tray. Cover loosely with foil or use a pizza carrier. Garnish with basil and pesto once you arrive to keep it looking fresh.
Check out other holiday-perfect treats like our Molasses Cookies to round out your menu!
Conclusion: Make This Holiday Pizza Wreath Part of Your Tradition
The Holiday Wreath Pizza isn’t just festive—it’s functional, flexible, and downright delicious. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas Eve dinner, attending a potluck, or planning a themed family night, this six-ingredient masterpiece adds joy and flavor to your table. It’s fast to make, fun to assemble with kids, and sure to impress even the pickiest guests.
So, bookmark this one, prep your dough, and create memories with every slice.
Don’t miss our Lofthouse Cookies for the perfect soft-baked finish to your holiday meal.
PrintHoliday Wreath Pizza
This festive Holiday Wreath Pizza is made with just six simple ingredients and shaped like a holiday wreath. It’s a visually stunning and delicious appetizer or centerpiece that’s perfect for Christmas parties, holiday dinners, or family pizza nights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 large wreath pizza (serves 6–8 as an appetizer)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 10–12 small mozzarella balls
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup pesto sauce
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, shredded and divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing edges (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll pizza dough and stretch it into a large ring, leaving a hole in the center to form a wreath shape.
- Prebake the dough for 8–9 minutes.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the pre-baked dough.
- Place cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls evenly around the wreath.
- Drizzle pesto sauce all over and sprinkle half the shredded basil.
- Season with salt and pepper and brush edges with olive oil if desired.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven, cool slightly, and garnish with the remaining basil leaves.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- You can prep the dough and toppings ahead and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking.
- For a protein boost, add pepperoni, sausage, or prosciutto.
- Vegan mozzarella and pesto make this dish plant-based friendly.
- Use gluten-free dough to accommodate dietary needs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of wreath)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
