Mini Pizza Recipe: A Fun and Easy Snack or Meal
Making mini pizzas is a fantastic way to get creative in the kitchen, engage the whole family, and enjoy a delicious meal or snack. This recipe is simple, adaptable, and perfect for a fun cooking activity with kids or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Sauce:
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Toppings: (Get creative! Use your favorites!)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices
- Sliced mushrooms
- Chopped onions
- Bell peppers (any color)
- Olives
- Sausage
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making the Pizza Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and will make your dough rise properly. Don't skip this step!
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if it's too sticky. This step develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a chewier crust.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch Down and Divide: Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
Preparing the Sauce and Toppings:
- Make the Sauce: While the dough is rising, combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. You can adjust seasonings to your preference.
- Prepare Toppings: Chop any vegetables or prepare any other toppings you've chosen. Having everything prepped will make assembly much quicker and easier.
Assembling and Baking the Mini Pizzas:
- Shape the Mini Pizzas: Roll or flatten each dough ball into a small circle or oval, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
- Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread a thin layer of sauce onto each mini pizza crust. Leave a small border for the crust to crisp up. Add your choice of toppings, starting with cheese then your other desired ingredients.
- Bake: Bake on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for Perfect Mini Pizzas:
- Don't overload with toppings: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.
- Pre-bake the crust (optional): For a crispier crust, partially bake the crusts for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings.
- Experiment with different cheeses: Try using provolone, parmesan, or a blend of cheeses for extra flavor.
- Get creative with toppings: Use fresh herbs, different types of meats, or even leftover vegetables for unique flavor combinations.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your mini pizzas hot and enjoy! They're perfect for parties, game nights, or a fun family meal.
This mini pizza recipe is a great starting point – feel free to customize it to your liking. Experiment with different ingredients and toppings to create your own unique mini pizza masterpieces! Enjoy!