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This Christmas Tree Veggie Pizza is a festive and fun holiday appetizer that brings a burst of color and flavor to any party table. Made with flaky crescent dough, creamy hummus, and a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, it’s designed to be easy to assemble and perfect for sharing with family and friends during the Christmas season. These mini pizzas offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes while being visually charming.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent dough sheet: takes the stress out of making dough from scratch and ensures a flaky, golden crust
- All-purpose flour: is used to lightly dust the surface for rolling out the dough evenly without sticking
- Hummus: provides a creamy base that holds the veggies in place and adds a boost of protein and flavor, you can use plain or flavored varieties depending on your preference
- Fresh vegetables: such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers bring a bright mix of colors and crunch, plus great nutrients – choose firm, vibrant vegetables for the best presentation
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sculpt the Dough:
- Lightly flour your workspace. Unroll the crescent dough and gently roll it into a flat, even sheet about one quarter inch thick. This creates a sturdy base for your mini pizzas.
- Cut Out Tree Shapes:
- Using a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter, press firmly into the dough sheet to cut out shapes. Gather the scraps, re-roll gently, and cut additional trees until dough is used up.
- Bake the Crusts:
- Place the shaped dough trees onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 375 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are lightly golden and flaky.
- Cool Completely:
- Remove the baked crusts from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool fully so the hummus spread doesn’t cause sogginess.
- Prepare the Veggie Topping:
- Finely chop the fresh vegetables into small pieces making sure they are roughly uniform for better texture and appearance. Mix the veggies together for a colorful blend.
- Assemble the Mini Pizzas:
- Spread about one heaping teaspoon of hummus onto each cooled tree-shaped crust. Sprinkle the chopped vegetable mixture on top, pressing gently so the pieces adhere to the hummus.
- Chill Before Serving:
- Loosely cover the assembled pizzas with foil and place in the refrigerator for at least fifteen minutes before serving. This helps set the toppings and keeps the veggies crisp.
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Storage Tips
Store leftover mini pizzas covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. They are best enjoyed cold but can be brought to room temperature if preferred. To keep the crust crisp, avoid adding toppings until just before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want to change things up use flavored hummus such as roasted red pepper or garlic for an extra zing. Try other fresh veggies that hold their shape well like cherry tomatoes green beans or snap peas. Gluten-free crescent dough can be used as an alternative to accommodate dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
These mini pizzas make excellent finger foods for holiday parties or potlucks. Pair with a light mixed green salad or a bowl of warm soup for a simple lunch or appetizer spread. They also work great with assorted dips like tzatziki or baba ganoush for variety.
Pro Tips
- Make sure the dough is rolled evenly to avoid uneven baking or soggy spots
- Chop the vegetables finely to help them stick better and provide a nicer bite
- Don’t skip chilling the assembled pizzas before serving to enhance the texture and flavor
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of dough works best for these pizzas?
Refrigerated crescent dough sheet is ideal for its ease of rolling and shaping into festive forms that bake to a soft, golden crust.
- → Can I use different toppings instead of hummus?
Yes, experimenting with flavored hummus varieties like roasted garlic or red pepper adds extra depth without overpowering the fresh vegetables.
- → How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Allow the baked dough bases to cool completely before spreading hummus to keep the crust crisp and firm.
- → What vegetables are best for topping these pizzas?
Chopped broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers provide color, crunch, and fresh flavor that complements the creamy hummus base.
- → Can these be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, after assembling, cover loosely with foil and chill for at least 15 minutes. They can also be made several hours ahead and kept refrigerated.