Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pizza Stockings combine the joy of Christmas with the flavors of pizza in a creative, hand-held treat. They’re easy to make using store-bought or homemade dough, fun to decorate, and fully customizable with different fillings. Whether you’re making them with kids or serving them at a party, these edible stockings are guaranteed to spread holiday cheer.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- Pizza sauce or marinara
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Pepperoni, sausage, or your favorite pizza toppings
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Italian seasoning
- Optional: parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, fresh basil
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use a stocking-shaped cookie cutter or a template and knife to cut out stocking shapes from the dough. You’ll need two for each pizza stocking—one for the bottom and one for the top.
- On the bottom piece, spread a small spoonful of pizza sauce, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add shredded mozzarella and your desired toppings.
- Place the second dough cutout on top and press the edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning or parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool slightly, then serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6–8 pizza stockings depending on size.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Lover’s: Use a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone for extra cheesiness.
- Veggie Stockings: Fill with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, peppers, or olives.
- Spicy Option: Add crushed red pepper or jalapeños to the filling.
- Breakfast Version: Fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese for a holiday brunch idea.
- Dessert Twist: Use sweetened cream cheese and jam for a dessert version (skip the sauce and herbs).
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pizza stockings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer for 3–5 minutes until heated through and crisp.
They can also be frozen before or after baking. To bake from frozen, add 5–7 minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Yes, puff pastry will make them flakier and more delicate. Adjust baking time to prevent burning.
Do I need a stocking-shaped cutter?
No, you can use a paper template and cut around it with a knife or just shape them freehand.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake right before serving for best texture.
Can I use biscuit dough?
Yes, biscuit dough will give a softer, more tender crust—just make sure to seal the edges well.
What sauces work best inside?
Classic pizza sauce or marinara are great, but pesto or Alfredo sauce also make tasty variations.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pizza dough and ensure all your ingredients are gluten-free.
How can I decorate them?
Use extra dough to add cut-out decorations like stars or initials, or brush with colored egg wash for a festive look.
Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love shaping, filling, and eating these fun pizza treats.
Can I serve them at room temperature?
They’re best warm, but they can be served at room temperature for parties or lunchboxes.
Can I use vegan cheese?
Yes, plant-based cheese works well—just keep the filling light to avoid leakage.
Conclusion
Pizza Stockings are a creative and festive way to bring holiday spirit to the dinner table. With their fun shape, gooey filling, and endless customization options, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family night, or just because, these merry little pizzas are guaranteed to add joy (and flavor) to your holiday season.
PrintPizza Stockings
Pizza Stockings are festive, stocking-shaped mini calzones filled with melty cheese, savory sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings. Perfect for holiday parties or a fun family dinner, they’re baked until golden and served warm for a delicious, hand-held Christmas treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 pizza stockings
- Category: Appetizer, Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pepperoni, sausage, or other toppings
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Optional: grated parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, chopped basil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out pizza dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Use a stocking-shaped cookie cutter or template to cut out even pairs of dough shapes.
- Spoon a little sauce onto the center of one piece (leave a small edge), top with cheese and toppings.
- Place the second dough cutout on top and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush tops with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning or parmesan.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Let cool slightly, then serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can shape the stockings by hand or use a paper template and knife if no cutter is available.
- Don’t overfill to prevent leaks.
- Try sweet fillings like cream cheese and jam for a dessert version (omit sauce and seasoning).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza stocking
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
