Last December, after baking two batches of cookies and a tray of fudge, I realized my holiday table was missing something—something cool, savory, and fresh. With family arriving in just a few hours, I scanned the fridge for options. Crescent rolls, cream cheese, and chopped vegetables. That’s when the idea clicked.
I remembered a party years ago where someone brought a chilled veggie pizza. It was shaped like a tree, and guests devoured it. Inspired, I decided to create a wreath version. No stove needed after baking the base. No frosting, no sprinkles. Just crisp veggies, creamy spread, and flaky pastry, all shaped like a festive holiday wreath.
It came together in under an hour. The red and green popped against the golden crust, and it sat proudly in the center of the table. Everyone grabbed a slice. Even the kids reached for seconds. Since then, this wreath has become my signature December appetizer. It’s easy, colorful, and offers a refreshing break from all the sugar.
If you’re looking for something festive that’s also light and crowd-pleasing, this one’s a winner.
Ingredients, Tools, and Dough Assembly
The Essential Ingredients for a Christmas Pizza Wreath
You’ll need:
- 2 cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 to 2 tablespoons vegetable seasoning or your favorite herbs
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped
- ½ cucumber, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (reserve extra slices for garnish)
- Mini grape tomatoes
The crescent roll base gives you a buttery crust. The cream cheese and sour cream blend into a smooth, flavorful layer that holds the vegetables in place. Fresh broccoli and cucumbers bring crunch, while the tomatoes and peppers add vibrant holiday colors.
Tips for Assembling the Perfect Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Open the crescent roll cans and separate along the vertical lines. Fold each strip in half to double the thickness. This helps prevent it from baking too thin.
On an ungreased cookie sheet or pizza tray, lay the dough strips in a circle. The ring should be about four inches wide. If you want a perfect circle, place a small bowl in the center and form the dough around it.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on it. If the dough starts puffing too much, use a fork to poke small holes and release steam. Once it’s baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely before adding toppings.
Vegetable Pizza Christmas Wreath Appetizer
Ingredients
- 2 cans Pillsbury refrigerated crescent rolls {regular size}
- 1 package cream cheese {8 oz} Allow to warm to room temperature or place in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1-2 tbsp vegetable seasoning You can also use other seasonings such as dill rosemary or basil. Pick your favorites or mix it up!
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1 large head broccoli chopped
- 1/2 cucumber finely chopped
- 1 red pepper finely chopped + save extra for the bow
- mini grape tomatoes
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 375F.
- Unroll the dough and separate along the pre-cut vertical lines {not the diagnol lines for the individual crescent rolls}. Fold these in half to double the dough.
- On an ungreased cookie sheet or pizza sheet, start laying the dough down to form a circle. Press the dough down so the width of the ring is approximately 4 inches. {NOTE: If you have a smaller cookie sheet, you may not use all of the dough.} I used an upside bowl on the inside of the ring to get a nice even circle and then just placed the dough around it.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. The baking time can really vary depending on the thickness of the dough, so be sure to check it often to avoid burning on the bottom. If your pastry is puffing up a lot, you can poke it with a fork so it doesn’t rise as high. Remove from oven and cool completely.
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and seasonings until well combined and smooth. Spread evenly over the crust and then add the broccoli, cucumbers and red peppers. Press the vegetables lightly into the cream cheese. Top with mini grape tomatoes. Use the bottom of the red pepper and two strips of red pepper to make the bow.
- While you can serve this immediately, I prefer it chilled. Cover with Saran wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours prior to serving.
Topping, Decorating, and Final Assembly
Mixing the Spread and Layering the Veggies
Once your crescent ring has completely cooled, it’s time to make the flavorful spread that holds everything together. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and your seasoning of choice. Whether you prefer classic vegetable seasoning, dill, basil, or rosemary, the key is to create a smooth, well-blended mix.
Use a spoon or spatula to spread the mixture evenly over the surface of the baked dough. Take your time to cover the full ring, keeping the layer consistent so the vegetables stay in place.
Now for the fun part. Start with the chopped broccoli. Press it gently into the cream cheese base, spacing it evenly around the circle. Follow with finely diced cucumber for added texture and color contrast. Then add the red bell pepper. These little bits of red bring out the holiday theme instantly.
Finish with mini grape tomatoes, spacing them like ornaments. Their bold color and round shape give the wreath a playful, polished finish.
Press all the vegetables lightly into the topping so they stay secure but don’t flatten them. You want the wreath to look full and vibrant from every angle.
Creating a Festive Look Without the Fuss
To bring your wreath to life, shape the leftover red pepper pieces into a bow. Use a thick slice for the base and thin strips for the loops and tails. Position it at the bottom or top of the wreath for a bold decorative touch.
For extra flair, sprinkle with chopped fresh dill or parsley to mimic evergreen needles. Want a little sparkle? Use a light brush of olive oil to add a subtle shine.
While the wreath can be served right away, chilling it for an hour helps the flavors set and the colors stay bright. It also makes slicing easier. Serve directly from the tray or transfer carefully to a serving board using two wide spatulas.
Storage, Serving Tips, and Variations
Making Ahead and Storing the Wreath
This wreath is ideal for prepping ahead, especially during the busy holiday season. Once assembled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for one to two hours before serving. This not only keeps the vegetables crisp but also helps the cream cheese mixture firm up, holding everything in place.
Avoid making it more than four hours in advance. The crust may soften and the vegetables can begin to release moisture. If you need to prepare earlier, store the cooled crust separately and assemble just before serving.
Do not freeze this appetizer. Freezing will alter the texture of the cream cheese and the vegetables. However, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. The crust may soften slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Before serving, give the wreath a quick visual check. If any vegetables have shifted or look uneven, adjust them gently with clean hands or tongs to refresh the appearance.
Creative Variations to Fit Any Crowd
This base recipe is flexible and easy to customize. If you’re serving kids or picky eaters, swap out the broccoli for shredded carrots or finely chopped cauliflower. These ingredients still add crunch but offer a milder taste.
To create a bold flavor twist, mix ranch seasoning or onion soup mix into the cream cheese instead of vegetable seasoning. A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of chili powder can also add a subtle kick.
Going gluten-free? Use a gluten-free crescent dough or a prebaked cauliflower crust cut into a ring. For extra color, add thin slices of yellow bell pepper or halved cherry tomatoes in orange and gold tones.
You can also make smaller, individual mini wreaths using biscuit-sized rounds of dough for a more personalized appetizer experience.
FAQ + Common Questions About Vegetable Pizza Christmas Wreath Appetizers
What is a vegetable pizza Christmas wreath appetizer?
It’s a festive holiday appetizer made with a baked crescent roll crust shaped into a ring. The crust is topped with a creamy spread of cream cheese and sour cream, then layered with chopped fresh vegetables to look like a wreath. It’s served chilled and is perfect for holiday parties.
Can I make this vegetable pizza wreath ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble it one to two hours in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. For the best appearance, wait to add any decorative garnishes, like the red pepper bow, until just before serving.
How do I keep the crust from puffing too much in the oven?
If you notice the dough rising too much while baking, use a fork to gently poke holes in the surface. This helps release steam and keeps the crust flat enough for spreading the topping later.
What vegetables work best for a pizza wreath?
Broccoli, red bell peppers, cucumbers, and grape tomatoes all hold up well and provide great color contrast. You can also use shredded carrots, chopped cauliflower, or yellow peppers for extra variation. Just avoid watery vegetables like tomatoes that have been cut ahead of time.
Conclusion: A Holiday Appetizer That Looks As Good As It Tastes
The Vegetable Pizza Christmas Wreath Appetizer is everything a holiday dish should be. It’s beautiful, simple, and satisfying. The crisp vegetables, creamy base, and flaky crust come together in a colorful wreath that draws people in the moment it hits the table.
Whether you’re prepping for a cozy gathering or a big holiday potluck, this dish adds a fresh touch to your celebration. It’s easy to make, fun to decorate, and disappears quickly once served. Make it once, and it just might become your new Christmas tradition.
