The Viral Phenomenon Reinventing the Christmas Appetizer

With just a few days to go before the holidays, a simple yet spectacular appetizer is setting social media on fire. The mozzarella puff pastry tree by Agathe, creator of the TikTok account L’idée assiette, has accumulated over 600,000 views and is establishing itself as the culinary revelation of the end of 2025.

This recipe is a hit thanks to a formidable equation: a stunning visual result without requiring expertise. In a context where invitations follow one after another and time is short, this creation meets the challenge everyone knows: impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The tree-pizza format appeals to both beginner cooks and busy hosts looking for an express yet festive solution.

True to her world of simple and fast cooking, Agathe offers an interpretation here that is accessible to everyone. Her golden and soft tree, melting at the heart thanks to the mozzarella, requires no sophisticated mold or complicated technique. The assembly relies on a clever trick and two universally loved ingredients.

What truly sets this creation apart? Its ultra-convivial sharing format. Each guest pulls off a still-warm ball directly, reinforcing the festive spirit of the appetizer. With less than 30 minutes of preparation including baking, this viral tree promises maximum effect for minimum effort. A promise that explains its lightning success on platforms and in French kitchens this holiday season.

The Minimalist Recipe That Makes All the Impact

What makes this tree so viral comes down to two basic ingredients: pizza dough and mozzarella. No endless lists, no rare products to track down. Just the essentials to create an appetizer that hits the mark every time.

The simplicity of the process eliminates any technical barrier. No need for a specific mold or special skill. The assembly is based on a strategic cutting of the dough into 25 regular squares, which are filled with a mozzarella ball before forming spheres. The progressive pyramidal assembly – from six balls at the base to a single one at the top – naturally draws the silhouette of the tree.

The convivial sharing format amplifies the recipe’s attractiveness. Everyone picks a still-warm ball directly from the golden tree, creating a spontaneous and warm tasting moment. This collective dimension transforms a simple appetizer into a shared festive experience.

Cherry on top: the total preparation does not exceed 30 minutes, including baking. A record time that reassures beginner cooks and caught-off-guard hosts alike. To plan for the big day, the balls can be prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator for a few hours, or even in the freezer for even more flexible planning. Then, just pop them in the oven at the last minute to serve a hot and soft appetizer, topped with garlic parsley butter that flavors every bite.

Detailed Instructions for a Perfect Result

The success of the tree depends on methodical cutting. Spread the pizza dough on the work surface and draw five vertical strips, then five horizontal ones, to obtain 25 regular squares. This uniformity guarantees balls of identical size and a harmonious visual result.

In the center of each square, place a mozzarella ball or a cut piece. Gently close the dough by pinching the edges, then roll between your palms to shape well-sealed balls. The trapped cheese will melt at the heart without escaping during baking.

The pyramidal assembly structures the tree: six balls form the base, then five, four, three, two, and one at the top. Add two to four balls at the bottom to create the trunk. On a tray lined with parchment paper, space each ball slightly to allow for uniform browning.

Beat an egg yolk with a splash of water and brush the whole thing generously. This glaze will give the tree its characteristic golden and shiny appearance. Bake at 200°C for 15 minutes, until a pronounced caramel hue is achieved.

While baking, prepare the parsley butter: melt 40g of unsalted butter, stir in a crushed garlic clove and fresh chopped parsley. Upon leaving the oven, immediately coat the tree with this fragrant mixture which will seep into each still-warm ball. Serve without delay to fully enjoy the contrast between the crispy dough and the melting heart.

Gourmet Variations to Personalize Your Tree

This tree is great on its own, but a few adjustments transform the appetizer into a signature creation. A dipping sauce placed in the center of the table increases the indulgence: homemade tomato sauce seasoned with oregano, green pesto with fresh basil, or lemony crème fraîche for a tangy touch. Everyone dips their ball as they wish.

To enrich the heart of the balls, slip in a piece of chorizo, a slice of cured ham, or a black olive alongside the mozzarella. These extra fillings boost the flavors without complicating the preparation. Just be sure to cut the ingredients into small cubes to make closing the dough easier.

As for herbs, parsley is just one option among others. Chives bring an aniseed sweetness, while basil evokes Italy and enhances the melted cheese. Also try a thyme-rosemary mix for a Mediterranean version, or a touch of Espelette pepper in the butter to wake up the taste buds.

These creative variations allow the tree to be adapted to everyone’s preferences, while maintaining the simplicity that makes it a success. Served warm, this centerpiece guarantees a memorable appetizer where conviviality rhymes with originality, without spending hours in the kitchen or sacrificing the visual effect that hits the mark from the first bite.