CHRISTMAS PIZZA centerpiece to enjoy together
Every year as Christmas approaches, I start thinking about what I could prepare. I always think of thousands of sweet recipes, perhaps because they come out better for me, while for savory ones, I have to think much more.
And let’s say it, being creative in dessert presentation is much easier than with savory dishes; a decoration, an artistic plating, and you’re done, while savory dishes, as I often say, are good but not very “photogenic,” so I always end up cooking something traditional.
A few Christmases ago, I prepared the Bread Shaped like a Christmas Tree, for an appetizer the Puff Pastry Christmas Trees, the Christmas Tree Sandwiches, and a cake named NATAKIWI, always in the shape of a tree, but this year I wanted to bring something auspicious to the table.
The idea of a wreath came to mind, which many use to decorate the front door during the Christmas period. I did some research and discovered it has a very long history.
Since the times of the ancient Greeks, when wreaths were used to honor Olympic winners because the circular shape of the Wreath represents eternity as it has no beginning or end.
So why not bring a beautiful Wreath to the table, not as a simple centerpiece, but “edible” and especially super delicious to share with friends and family, hoping that luck will be on our side!
Preparing the Pizza Wreath is really easy, and you will make it with just a few moves and without effort, and even if it doesn’t come out of the oven perfectly, remember that the Christmas atmosphere depends only on us, and this will surely be a wonderful Christmas all the same. For more Christmas-themed recipes, also check out:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Economical
- Rest time: 2 Hours
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 12
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Winter, Christmas
- Energy 341.88 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 47.69 (g) of which sugars 4.09 (g)
- Proteins 12.03 (g)
- Fat 11.19 (g) of which saturated 3.41 (g)of which unsaturated 1.70 (g)
- Fibers 2.50 (g)
- Sodium 307.33 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 120 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 2.2 lbs pizza dough (ready-made)
- 1 cup tomato sauce (about 8.8 oz)
- 4.4 oz mozzarella (grated)
- 3.5 mozzarella (balls)
- 4.2 oz cherry tomatoes
- A few leaves basil
- to taste salt
- extra virgin olive oil (for seasoning)
- dried oregano (to taste)
Tools
- Baking Sheet
Steps
Preheat the oven to 410°F. Roll out the pizza dough into a large circle on a floured surface. Using a smaller circular cutter (or a bowl), cut out a circle from the center to create a wreath shape. Alternatively, you can form a large cylinder and place it on the baking sheet, closing the ends. Use the technique you feel most comfortable with.
Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the tomato sauce evenly, leaving a slight border for the crust. Top with grated mozzarella. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, and sprinkle with oregano if you like.
Bake for about 15 minutes. Take the Pizza Wreath out of the oven, being careful not to burn yourself. Arrange the cherry tomatoes and halved mozzarella balls on the surface to mimic Christmas tree ornaments. Bake again and finish cooking (it will take about another 5 minutes). The crust should be nicely golden. Decorate with fresh basil leaves before serving.
NOTES
BASIC PIZZA DOUGH: To save time, as Christmas is always busy with a thousand preparations, I bought pre-leavened pizza dough from the bakery. If you prefer to prepare the pizza dough at home, check out this RECIPE
MOZZARELLA: For the pizza base in the first baking, I used a whole mozzarella cut into small pieces. Mix Parmesan with mozzarella for a richer, cheesier pizza.
VARIATIONS: To create smaller Wreaths to use, for example, as place markers, cut the dough into many balls and form small circles with the same procedure.
Add red and green peppers to resemble holly leaves and berries for an extra festive touch.
STORAGE
The PIZZA WREATH centerpiece for Christmas can be prepared in the morning and baked to be heated at the last minute. It’s excellent both warm and at room temperature. If any is left over, it can be stored in a closed container in the refrigerator for one day. When eating it, just heat it up a bit. Alternatively, it can be frozen; in this case, I recommend portioning it first.
