Name: Mini Pizzas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: All-Purpose Flour (2 cups); Salt (½ teaspoon); Instant Yeast (½ teaspoon); Lukewarm Water (½ cup + 1 tbsp); Extra Virgin Olive Oil (½ tablespoon); Flour or Semolina (½ or 1 tablespoon); Pizza Sauce (½ cup); Fresh Mozzarella (5 oz); Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon); Fresh Basil (3 tablespoons, chopped)

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The aroma of melting mozzarella wafts through the air, drawing your family and friends into the kitchen where bite-sized delights are sizzling away. Picture this: a golden crust that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, waiting to be adorned with your favorite toppings. These Mini Pizzas aren’t just a fun appetizer; they’re a canvas for creativity, turning mealtime into a playful experience for everyone involved. Whether it’s a cozy family night or a lively gathering, the joy of sharing these perfectly sized pizzas stirs a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of childhood pizza parties filled with laughter and love.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Mini Pizzas
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Mini Pizzas

As the weather turns crisp and school buzz fills the air, there’s the perfect excuse to gather around the kitchen and whip up a batch of these delightful mini goodies. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. So roll up your sleeves, grab your rolling pin, and let’s make some Mini Pizzas that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Who’s ready to dig in?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a last-minute snack.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh mozzarella, aromatic herbs, and homemade sauce creates a flavor explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Miniature pizzas are not just delicious; they’re cute and fun to eat!
Flexible Serving: Ideal for snack time, parties, or even breakfast—your creativity is the only limit.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust to gluten-free or dairy-free using alternative crusts and cheese.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): This forms the foundation of your pizza dough. Bread flour can also be used for a chewier texture.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough structure.
Instant Yeast (½ teaspoon): Speeds up the rising process; active dry yeast works too, but may need to be dissolved first.
Lukewarm Water (½ cup + 1 tbsp): Activates the yeast, ensuring a lovely rise. Aim for about 110°F.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (½ tablespoon): Adds richness and flavor while contributing to the soft texture of the dough.
Flour or Semolina (½ or 1 tablespoon): Dust your work surface to keep the dough from sticking. Semolina adds a nice crunch.
Pizza Sauce (½ cup): Homemade or store-bought—either option works so long as it’s tasty! Check out my favorite pizza sauce recipe for a little extra love.
Fresh Mozzarella (5 oz): Either sliced or shredded, simply irresistible when melted!
Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Pops with flavor, taking your mini pizzas from good to unforgettable.
Fresh Basil (3 tablespoons, chopped): Brightens up your pizzas and adds a fresh touch.

How to Make Mini Pizzas

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast until thoroughly combined. This initial mix is crucial for even distribution of the yeast, ensuring a perfect rise in your dough.

Whisk Wet Ingredients: In the same bowl, add the lukewarm water and olive oil. Stir with a spoon until the mixture begins to come together, resembling shaggy dough. The warmth of the water will activate the yeast, making this step extra important!

Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about a minute. Don’t stress if it’s not perfectly smooth; a minute of gentle handling is all it needs to become cohesive.

Let It Rise: Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm area. You’re aiming for it to double in size, which should take about 30-45 minutes. This magical transformation is what gives your crust a delightful texture.

Preheat and Prepare: Position your oven rack in the lowest setting and preheat to 450°F (230°C). Grab a large baking sheet, grease it lightly, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Roll and Cut the Dough: After the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out to about 0.12-inch thickness. Use a 2.7-inch cutter to make circles, yielding around 20 mini pizzas. Perfectly sized for munching!

Add Toppings: Arrange the dough circles on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a teaspoon of pizza sauce onto each and top with a piece of mozzarella. Sprinkle with oregano and add those vibrant basil leaves for fresh flavor.

Bake Until Golden: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let your mini pizzas bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for golden edges with bubbling cheese on top. The kitchen is about to smell heavenly!

Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, give your mini pizzas a sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if you like. They’re best enjoyed hot, so gather around and enjoy every bite!

Storing & Reheating

Leftover Mini Pizzas can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If you have more leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For long-term storage, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When reheating, pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. Keep in mind that while the flavor will still shine, the texture might change slightly, but refreshing them in the oven helps maintain that crave-worthy crispiness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your water is lukewarm, as too hot can kill the yeast.
For fluffier dough, don’t skip the rising time—even a short rest can make a difference.
If the mini pizzas seem to be getting too brown, rotate the tray halfway through baking for even cooking.
Feel free to experiment with toppings—pepperoni, veggies, or even a drizzle of pesto can elevate your mini pizzas.
If you prefer a thicker crust, roll the dough to about 0.25 inches before cutting.

There’s something so special about making Mini Pizzas at home. Not only are they quick and easy to whip up, but they also allow you to get creative with toppings tailored to your family’s taste. Whether it’s a quiet evening with a family movie or a lively gathering with friends, these mini treats are bound to bring smiles all around. Don’t hesitate to explore different flavor combinations and toppings; after all, cooking should be fun and imaginative!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using store-bought pizza dough can save you prep time. Just follow the package instructions for rolling and baking, and then pile on the toppings!

What kind of cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?

While fresh mozzarella is a classic choice, you can use shredded mozzarella, provolone, or even vegan cheese if you prefer a dairy-free option. Each cheese brings its own delightful twist to the flavor!

How can I customize my mini pizzas?

The options are endless! You can customize your mini pizzas by adding your favorite proteins, like pepperoni or cooked chicken, or loading them up with veggies like bell peppers, olives, or spinach. Experiment and let your taste buds guide you!

Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time! After kneading, store the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before you roll it out.