Save Celebrate the holiday season with these Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites, a festive twist on classic mini pizzas. Each bite-sized treat features a cheesy base topped with a pepperoni "belt" and a black olive buckle, making them both visually delightful and deliciously satisfying. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or any festive occasion, these mini pizzas are quick to prepare and loved by kids and adults alike.
Save These bite-sized pizzas turn snacking into a merry event. The combination of melty mozzarella and the holiday-themed pepperoni belt with an olive buckle makes them stand out on any appetizer table. Plus, they can be adapted to suit your dietary preferences without losing flavor or charm.
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 cooking, make sure the dough is rolled out uniformly to about 1/4 inch. Brushing the dough lightly with olive oil helps achieve a golden crust. Use a sharp cookie cutter for clean circles and work quickly so the dough doesn't dry out.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, substitute traditional pepperoni with meatless pepperoni slices. To add a festive touch, include a small piece of yellow bell pepper on the olive to mimic a golden buckle. Experiment with different cheeses for added flavor.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these mini pizza bites warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. They make great finger food for holiday parties or kid-friendly gatherings. Pair them with a fresh green salad or a bowl of soup for a complete festive snack or light meal.
Save Enjoy these Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites as a fun, festive treat that brings holiday cheer and smiles to your table. They’re sure to become a beloved appetizer tradition for many seasons to come.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of dough is best for these bites?
Refrigerated pizza dough works great for easy handling and a soft yet crisp texture when baked.
- → Can I make these mini bites vegetarian?
Yes, substitute regular pepperoni with vegetarian pepperoni to suit vegetarian preferences without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do olive slices enhance the presentation?
Placing sliced black olives atop the pepperoni strip creates a buckle effect that adds festive charm and a slight briny contrast.
- → What’s the ideal baking temperature and time?
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes until cheese bubbles and dough turns golden for the best results.
- → Can different toppings be added to these bites?
Absolutely! Adding ingredients like yellow bell pepper can create a golden buckle look, or extra cheese can boost richness.