Wreath Pizza is a fun and festive twist on your regular pizza, shaped like a big, round wreath that’s perfect for sharing. It’s loaded with gooey melted cheese, colorful veggies like red and green peppers, and savory pepperoni or sausage, all baked on a soft, chewy crust that’s easy to pull apart. The bright, circular design makes this pizza not just tasty but super eye-catching, especially for holiday gatherings or any time you want to add a bit of cheer to the table.
I love making Wreath Pizza because it’s such a playful way to enjoy pizza night. I usually let the kids help arrange the toppings in a circle—sometimes they even get creative and make patterns or smiley faces. It feels like a pizza and a craft project all in one! Plus, cutting it into slices feels extra satisfying when you can see all the colorful ingredients laid out like a pretty wreath.
My favorite way to serve this is with a side of garlic dip or a simple fresh salad. It’s great for casual dinners or parties because everyone can grab a slice and enjoy the festive vibe without any extra fuss. If you’re looking for a way to spice up your usual pizza routine, this wreath-shaped version will definitely bring some fun to your meal and smiles to the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Fresh dough gives the best texture and flavor. You can use store-bought dough if short on time. For a gluten-free option, you can find gluten-free dough at most grocery stores.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for melty, creamy texture. You can mix in provolone or fontina for extra flavor. For a dairy-free version, vegan mozzarella works well.
Pepperoni: Pepperoni adds a nice spicy, savory touch. If you prefer a veggie option, try thinly sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or olives instead.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add bright pops of color and sweetness. If unavailable, grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes work well too.
Fresh Sage: This gives an herby, slightly earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with the cheese and pepperoni. You can swap with fresh basil or oregano if you want a milder or different flavor.
How Do You Shape the Dough into a Perfect Wreath?
Getting that beautiful wreath shape just right can be tricky. Here’s how I do it:
- Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking.
- Roll the dough evenly into a large circle about 12-14 inches wide, keeping thickness uniform for even cooking.
- Use a small bowl or ramekin in the center as a guide and cut out a circle with a knife or pizza cutter.
- Transfer dough to parchment paper or a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal to keep it from sticking when moving it to the oven.
- Be gentle so you don’t stretch or tear the dough while transferring it.
Taking your time here ensures the dough holds its shape and bakes evenly. The hole in the center helps create that festive wreath look which makes the pizza extra fun to serve.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Pizza stone or baking sheet – helps create a crispy crust and cooks the pizza evenly.
- Rolling pin – makes it easier to roll out the dough evenly into a wreath shape.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – perfect for cutting the dough and slicing the finished pizza.
- Baking parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes transferring your wreath pizza to the oven easier.
- Mixing bowl – for prepping and proofing the dough if making from scratch.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage for a heartier, spicy flavor twist.
- Add sautéed mushrooms and roasted red peppers to bring more vegetable variety and depth.
- Try fresh basil instead of sage for a sweeter, lighter herb note on top.
- Use gouda or fontina cheese mixed with mozzarella for a richer, creamier cheese blend.
How to Make Wreath Pizza?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough and Base:
- 1 ball of pizza dough (about 12-14 inches diameter after shaping)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Flour or cornmeal for dusting the baking surface
For The Toppings:
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni
- 15-20 cherry or grape tomatoes
- 15-20 fresh sage leaves (or fresh basil leaves as an alternative)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and shape, plus 12-15 minutes to bake. Allow a few extra minutes for resting before slicing and serving. Overall, plan about 30 minutes from start to finish for a delicious and festive Wreath Pizza.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dough:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside to heat up. On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a ring or wreath shape, roughly 12 to 14 inches across and about 1/4-inch thick. Use a small bowl or ramekin to cut out the center, creating the wreath hole. Transfer your shaped dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal.
2. Add Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, staying clear of the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top. Then arrange the pepperoni slices evenly around the wreath. Place the cherry tomatoes spaced around the pizza.
3. Bake and Finish Your Pizza:
Drizzle olive oil lightly over everything, then bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes. Bake until the crust turns golden and the cheese bubbles and starts to brown. Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately add fresh sage leaves spaced evenly to wilt slightly without burning. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a tasty finishing touch. Let it rest a few minutes before slicing and serving your beautiful festive pizza.
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough for Wreath Pizza?
Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly! Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping to make it more pliable and easier to roll out.
How Do I Store Leftover Wreath Pizza?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to keep the crust crispy.
Can I Make This Pizza Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the pepperoni and add extra veggies like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers. Fresh basil makes a great herb substitute for sage if you prefer a milder flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Wreath Pizza?
For best results, reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from getting soggy.
