Easy Christmas Pizza Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to bring everyone together around the table this holiday season, this Easy Christmas Pizza Recipe might just become your new go-to. I love how simple yet flexible it is—you don’t have to stress about buying fancy dough or heading to a specialty store. Plus, it’s got such a cozy, homey vibe that makes it perfect for holiday movie nights or a casual Christmas Eve dinner with friends and family.

What makes this recipe special for me is how the tangy Greek yogurt in the dough adds a little unexpected fluffiness while keeping things light. And honestly, crafting your own pizza toppings lets you get creative with colors and flavors—like using red pepperoni and green basil for that festive holiday palette. I swear, once you make it, this Easy Christmas Pizza Recipe is going to be a staple you come back to year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here are pretty straightforward, and you’ll love how well they come together. The yogurt-based dough is super forgiving, which means even if you’re new to making pizza from scratch, you can totally nail this one.

• Self-rising flour: Using self-rising flour makes this dough recipe a breeze. If you don’t have it, just mix all-purpose flour with baking powder.
• Greek yogurt: Full-fat is ideal—it gives the dough that tender, fluffy texture without weighing it down.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the crust crisp up beautifully in the oven.
• Salt: Enhances all those warm, cozy flavors we’re aiming for in the dough.
• Marinara sauce: Classic choice, but feel free to swap it out for pesto or even a white sauce for variety.
• Shredded mozzarella: Melts gorgeously and gives you that satisfying stretch we all crave.
• Toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, basil, Parmesan: These not only provide festive color but also layers of flavor. Don’t be shy with the Parmesan on top!

Variations

One of the best things about this Easy Christmas Pizza Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I love switching up the toppings depending on what’s in season or what I’m craving—and I encourage you to do the same! It’s all about making a pizza that feels personal and festive.

• Vegetarian option: I’ve often swapped pepperoni for roasted veggies like mushrooms and cherry tomatoes to please my veggie-loving guests.
• Spicy twist: Adding red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeños gives a nice kick, which can balance nicely with sweet bell peppers.
• Gluten-free adjustment: If you need gluten-free, try a gluten-free self-rising flour—or skip the dough and use pita bread as a shortcut crust!
• Pesto base: For a fresh variation, spread pesto instead of marinara. It brightens up the flavors and looks super festive with fresh green basil.

How to Make Easy Christmas Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Whip up the Dough

Start by combining the self-rising flour and salt in a big bowl. If you’re using all-purpose flour, add in baking powder now so your dough gets fluffy. Then, mix in the Greek yogurt and olive oil. Use a fork or your hands to stir everything until it forms a shaggy dough ball. Don’t worry if it feels a little sticky—that’s normal! If it’s excessively sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour. It should be soft but manageable.

Step 2: Shape and Pre-Bake the Crust

Lightly flour your countertop and roll out the dough into a roughly 10-inch circle—don’t stress about perfection. I find this rustic shape adds character! Transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop it in the oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for about 8 minutes. This pre-baking step prevents a soggy crust once you add the sauce and toppings.

Step 3: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings

Once the crust has a little golden start, pull it out and spread your marinara (or pesto) evenly but not too thickly. Next, sprinkle on that beautiful shredded mozzarella, then arrange your pepperoni, bell peppers, basil leaves, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. I usually do a mix of toppings so every bite is a surprise.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Return the pizza to the oven for another 10-12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden and your crust edges are crispy. Keep an eye on it the last few minutes so it doesn’t overcook—every oven is different! I find mine usually hits the sweet spot around 11 minutes.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish my Easy Christmas Pizza Recipe with some fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for brightness. Sometimes, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few shaved Parmesan curls on top add that little extra something. It makes the pizza look as good as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic mashed potatoes if you want something hearty. During the holidays, I love setting it alongside a simple antipasto platter to keep that festive vibe going.

Creative Ways to Present

For a Christmas party, I arranged several Mini Easy Christmas Pizzas on a large wooden board, decorated with sprigs of rosemary for a pine-tree look. Guests loved picking at them! You could also cut the pizza into star or tree shapes with cookie cutters for a really fun, kid-friendly twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the crust from getting too soggy, I like putting a paper towel under the slices—it helps absorb moisture. Just give it a quick reheat before serving.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze fully cooked pizza slices on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. From my experience, they keep well for up to 2 months and make for a super quick holiday snack.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer putting slices on a wire rack inside the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes. This way, the crust crisps back up and the cheese melts nicely without drying out like microwave reheating often does.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Christmas Pizza Recipe truly feels like a little holiday gift in itself—simple to make yet special enough to make the season brighter. I hope you enjoy the process as much as the delicious results. Whether you’re sharing it with family or nibbling on it solo during a cozy winter night, it’s one of those recipes that wraps you up in comfort and festive cheer. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll have a new favorite holiday tradition to bake again and again!

Print