Pin It Celebrate the season with Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites—festive, fun-sized treats that bring holiday cheer to any party. These delightful appetizers feature a golden crust topped with bubbly mozzarella cheese, a trusty pepperoni “belt,” and a charming olive buckle that makes them instantly recognizable and kid-friendly. Perfect for family gatherings or festive events, these mini pizzas combine classic flavors with a playful twist that everyone will love.
Pin It Craft these mini pizzas with refrigerated dough and your favorite pizza sauce, then add shredded mozzarella and arresting pepperoni stripes with olive accents. The result? A warm, crispy, cheesy bite that’s just waiting to make your holiday spread extra special.
Ingredients
- Dough: 1 lb (450 g) refrigerated pizza dough
- Sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml) pizza sauce
- Toppings: 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 24 slices pepperoni (or vegetarian pepperoni)
- 12 small black olives, pitted and sliced
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (8 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Roll out the pizza dough to about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick. Using a 2-inch (5 cm) round cookie cutter, cut out 24 circles. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- 3. Brush the dough circles lightly with olive oil.
- 4. Spread 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce onto each dough circle.
- 5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over each mini pizza.
- 6. Place a slice of pepperoni horizontally across the center of each pizza to resemble Santas belt.
- 7. Add a slice of black olive on the center of the pepperoni strip to mimic the belt buckle.
- 8. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- 9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and dough is golden.
- 10. Let cool for 2 minutes before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Roll your dough evenly to ensure uniform baking and consider chilling the dough before cutting circles to help maintain shape during baking. Lightly brushing with olive oil adds a golden finish and enhances flavor. For even cooking, space the mini pizzas evenly on your baking sheet.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Swap out traditional pepperoni for vegetarian or meatless alternatives to suit dietary preferences. For a festive touch, add a slice of yellow bell pepper to mimic a golden buckle. You can also customize toppings by experimenting with different cheeses or adding herbs like oregano or basil.
Serviervorschläge
Serve warm alongside extra pizza sauce for dipping to keep guests coming back for more. These mini bites pair beautifully with holiday drinks and make an irresistible addition to any appetizer platter or kids' party tray.
Pin It With these Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites, holiday hosting is a breeze. Combining simple ingredients into visually festive treats, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite. Enjoy the warmth, the flavors, and the smiles these mini pizzas bring to your table!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What dough is best for mini pizzas?
Refrigerated pizza dough works well for convenience and consistent texture, rolling out easily to create uniform mini rounds.
- → How do I shape the mini pizza bites?
Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut dough circles, ensuring even sizes for uniform baking.
- → Can I make these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, substituting regular pepperoni with a vegetarian alternative keeps the flavor profile while accommodating dietary preferences.
- → What is the purpose of the olive slice on each bite?
The olive slice mimics a belt buckle, adding a decorative touch and a burst of salty flavor.
- → How long should mini pizzas bake?
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and dough turns golden brown.
- → Can I add extra toppings?
Yes, adding ingredients like yellow bell pepper can enhance color and flavor while maintaining the festive look.