These mini pizzas are a delightful and versatile option for any meal or snack. Made with a simple homemade dough and a flavorful pizza sauce, they are customizable with your favorite toppings. Whether for a family dinner, a party, or a quick snack, these mini pizzas will surely be a hit!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups warm water
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup oil
- 2 tablespoons yeast
- 6 cups flour
- 3 tablespoons powdered milk
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 5 tomatoes, diced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
For the Toppings:
- Olives, sliced
- Bell peppers, diced
- Sausage, sliced
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
- Add the oil to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, powdered milk, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Pizza Sauce:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and translucent.
- Add the diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Cook for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the ketchup and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Assemble the Mini Pizzas:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F).
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small portions to form mini pizzas.
- Roll each portion into a small, round shape about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place the dough rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce over each dough round.
- Add your desired toppings: olives, bell peppers, sausage, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake the Mini Pizzas:
- Bake the mini pizzas in the preheated oven at 220°C (430°F) for about 12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Freezing Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough for Freezing:
- Follow the instructions to prepare the dough and roll it into mini pizza rounds.
- Instead of adding sauce and toppings, bake the plain dough rounds in a preheated oven at 220°C (430°F) for 3 minutes. This par-baking step helps set the dough.
2. Freeze the Dough:
- Allow the par-baked dough rounds to cool completely.
- Place the cooled dough rounds on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm (about 1 hour).
- Once frozen, transfer the dough rounds to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
3. To Use the Frozen Dough:
- Remove the desired number of mini pizza dough rounds from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Add the sauce, toppings, and cheese to the thawed dough rounds.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Tips
- Cheese: Feel free to use a blend of mozzarella and other cheeses for extra flavor.
- Toppings: Customize with your favorite toppings like mushrooms, spinach, or pepperoni.
- Dough: Ensure the dough is kneaded well for a soft and fluffy texture.
Conclusion
These homemade mini pizzas offer a wonderful combination of a crispy crust, savory sauce, and delightful toppings. They are perfect for freezing, making them a convenient option for a quick meal. Enjoy the process of making them from scratch, and savor every bite of these delicious mini pizzas!