Holiday Wreath Pizza

I love making this Holiday Wreath Pizza every year. It’s one of those fun recipes that brings the whole family into the kitchen. Everyone gets excited when they see the pretty wreath shape covered in cheese and bright toppings.

It’s super simple to make, too. I just shape the dough into a ring and pile on the sauce, cheese, and veggies. It looks fancy but takes hardly any time at all.

And the best part? It’s both a snack and a decoration. When it comes out of the oven, golden and bubbly, it feels like Christmas on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Presentation: This wreath-shaped pizza is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings.
• Easy to Make: While it looks impressive, making this pizza is actually quite simple, with minimal prep time.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of pepperoni, mozzarella, and arugula creates a savory flavor explosion with every bite.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the toppings to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Great for Sharing: The round, wreath-like shape makes it easy to share with friends and family.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make the Holiday Wreath Pizza, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. Here’s the list:

• Large Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone: For baking the pizza evenly.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness.
• Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife: For slicing the pizza into wedges once baked.
• Small Bowl: For tossing the arugula in olive oil and seasoning.
• Pastry Brush: To brush the crust with olive oil for extra flavor and crispness.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this pizza (the exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below):

• Pizza Dough: Use store-bought dough or make your own at home for a fresh base.
• 12” HRI Classic Cheese Pizza: This ready-made pizza provides a great base, with just the right amount of cheesy goodness.
• Baby Arugula: This fresh green adds a peppery bite that balances out the rich flavors of the cheese and pepperoni.
• Green Bell Pepper (Diced): Adds a crunchy, sweet, and colorful contrast to the pizza.
• Red Bell Pepper (Diced and Sliced for Bow): Bright and vibrant, these peppers bring an extra festive flair.
• Parmesan Cheese (Grated): Adds a nutty, salty kick to enhance the flavor of the pizza.
• 13 Slices of Pepperoni: These classic slices bring a savory, spicy element to the pizza.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Holiday Wreath Pizza is straightforward, and you can follow these simple steps to create a pizza that’s as tasty as it is stunning.

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high temperature will help give the pizza a crispy crust while melting the cheese perfectly.

2. Prepare the Pizza Dough

If you’re using store-bought dough, roll it out onto a floured surface until it forms a round or oval shape. If you’re using homemade dough, roll it out to a similar shape, making sure it’s large enough to fit your baking sheet. You can roll it out to about 12-14 inches in diameter.

3. Form the Wreath Shape

Once the dough is rolled out, place it on a large baking sheet or pizza stone. To create the wreath shape, use a small bowl to mark the center of the dough, and then cut around it with a pizza cutter or sharp knife. You should have a circular pizza with a hole in the middle, resembling a wreath. You can use the inner dough as a base for smaller pizzas or snack-sized bites later!

4. Assemble the Pizza

Now comes the fun part—assembling the pizza:

• Layer the Cheese: Start by spreading a layer of HRI Classic Cheese Pizza on the dough base. This gives you that rich, melty cheese flavor that forms the foundation of the pizza.
• Add the Pepperoni: Arrange 13 slices of pepperoni evenly around the pizza. These will cook into crispy, savory pieces that add a delightful crunch to every bite.
• Top with Bell Peppers: Add the diced green and red bell peppers for extra color, sweetness, and crunch.
• Grate Parmesan: Sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top for an extra layer of flavor.

5. Bake the Pizza

Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven. Bake it for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.

6. Prepare the Arugula

While the pizza is baking, prepare the baby arugula. Toss the arugula in a small bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple dressing will elevate the arugula’s natural flavor and add a fresh bite when served on the pizza.

7. Add the Final Touch

Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes. Then, arrange the baby arugula in a ring around the outer edge of the pizza to mimic the look of a wreath. You can also add a few extra slices of red bell pepper around the wreath for additional color and festive flair.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve the Holiday Wreath Pizza

This pizza is as much about presentation as it is about taste. When serving, I recommend cutting the pizza into wedges, just like you would a traditional pizza. The wreath shape adds a bit of holiday cheer to the occasion.

• Garnish with More Greens: If you like, you can sprinkle a little more parmesan over the top of the arugula for extra richness and flavor.
• Serve with Dips: A side of ranch or garlic dipping sauce will complement the pizza and enhance the pepperoni flavor.
• Pair with a Festive Drink: Serve this pizza with a fun, seasonal beverage, like mulled wine or sparkling cranberry juice.

Holiday-Themed Variations

• Swap Pepperoni for Holiday Sausages: For a more festive take, you can use holiday sausage links or even turkey pepperoni for a leaner option.
• Add Cranberries: For a sweet and tart contrast, sprinkle some dried cranberries over the pizza before baking.
• Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with mozzarella and gouda for a richer, creamier pizza.

Storing the Holiday Wreath Pizza

If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the pizza slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted again.

Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350-400
Carbohydrates	40g
Protein	18g
Fat	15g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	600mg
Calcium	15% of Daily Value

Conclusion

The Holiday Wreath Pizza is the perfect recipe for anyone looking to add a little extra holiday magic to their meal. The balance of savory pepperoni, creamy cheese, and fresh arugula makes each bite unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering or enjoying it with family on a cozy winter evening, this pizza will quickly become a favorite.