Save to Pinterest Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites bring a touch of holiday cheer to any gathering with their festive design and delicious flavors. These bite-sized treats feature a golden crust topped with gooey mozzarella, a slice of pepperoni fashioned into a Santa belt, and a black olive buckle that adds playful detail. Perfect for holiday parties and kid-friendly celebrations, they are quick to prepare and sure to impress guests with both appearance and taste.
Save to Pinterest These mini pizzas can be customized with meatless pepperoni for a vegetarian twist or embellished with colorful touches like yellow bell pepper for an extra festive buckle look. Their small size makes them ideal for snacking, and the combination of melted cheese and savory pepperoni keeps everyone coming back for more.
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
To ensure even baking, space the mini pizzas evenly on the sheet. Brushing the dough with olive oil before adding toppings helps achieve a golden crust. For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of Italian seasoning to the cheese layer. If making vegetarian versions, verify that meatless pepperoni is suitable for your diet.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Use vegetarian pepperoni as a simple meatless option. For a festive twist on the olive buckle, replace black olives with small slices of yellow bell pepper to create a bright gold buckle effect. You can also experiment with different cheeses or add a sprinkle of Italian herbs for added aroma.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these mini pizzas warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. They pair well with fresh salads or vegetable crudités for a balanced party platter. Perfectly sized for finger food gatherings, these bites are great for kids and adults alike.
Save to Pinterest With their playful design and delicious flavor, Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites will quickly become a holiday favorite. Whether for a festive party or a fun family snack, these mini pizzas delight both eyes and taste buds with their creative presentation. Enjoy making and sharing these cheerful appetizers this season!
Common Recipe Questions
- → What dough is best for these mini pizzas?
Refrigerated pizza dough works well, offering easy handling and a tender, golden crust.
- → Can I make these mini pizzas vegetarian?
Yes, using vegetarian pepperoni slices provides a meat-free option without losing flavor.
- → How do the olives enhance the presentation?
Sliced black olives mimic belt buckles, adding a festive decorative touch and rich flavor contrast.
- → What is the ideal baking temperature and time?
Baking at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes ensures bubbly cheese and a golden crust.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
Assembling ahead and refrigerating briefly can save time; bake just before serving for best texture.