Homemade Mini Pizzas Recipe
Making homemade mini pizzas is a fun and delicious way to enjoy pizza with a personal touch. They’re perfect for parties, family dinners, or just a casual night in. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these tasty treats from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup canned tomato sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Sliced pepperoni
- Sliced bell peppers
- Sliced mushrooms
- Black olives
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Any other favorite toppings
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. If the yeast doesn’t froth, it may be expired or the water too hot/cold. Start again with fresh yeast and water at the correct temperature.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of flour and the salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, if the dough is too sticky.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Sauce: For a richer flavor, you can simmer the sauce in a saucepan over low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Let it cool before using.
3. Assemble the Mini Pizzas:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
- Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8-10 equal portions, depending on how mini you want your pizzas. Roll each portion into a small circle, about 4-6 inches in diameter, on a floured surface.
- Add the Sauce: Spread a thin layer of sauce over each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle each pizza with shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Add your desired toppings—pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or whatever you prefer.
4. Bake the Pizzas:
- Bake: Place the mini pizzas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or directly onto the preheated pizza stone if you’re using one. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice and serve while hot.
Tips and Variations:
- Dough Variations: For a whole wheat version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Sauce Alternatives: Experiment with different sauces like pesto or white sauce for a unique twist.
- Topping Ideas: Consider adding caramelized onions, cooked sausage, or fresh arugula as alternative toppings.
- Freezing: You can freeze leftover mini pizzas by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.
Enjoy your homemade mini pizzas with a variety of toppings and sauces to suit your taste. They’re a versatile and crowd-pleasing option that can be customized to your heart’s content!
