Homemade Mini Pizzas Recipe

why make this recipe

Homemade mini pizzas are a fun and delicious way to enjoy pizza with family and friends. They are perfect for parties, game nights, or simply a cozy evening at home. Each person can customize their mini pizza with their favorite toppings, making this recipe both versatile and appealing to all ages. Plus, making the dough from scratch gives you control over the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality.

how to make Homemade Mini Pizzas

Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour: 3 ½ cups (420g), plus more for dusting
Instant Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 standard packet, or 7g)
Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon
Fine Sea Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons
Warm Water: 1 ⅓ cups (105-115°F or 40-46°C)
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, plus more for greasing the bowl
Canned Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (15-ounce) can
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
Dried Basil: ½ teaspoon
Salt: ½ teaspoon (or to taste)
Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (or to taste)
Optional: A pinch of sugar to balance acidity, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Directions

In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly. This shows your yeast is active. If not, you may need to try again with fresh yeast or different water temperature.
In a separate medium bowl, mix the 3 ½ cups of flour and 1 ½ teaspoons of sea salt. This helps the salt mix evenly and not harm the yeast.
Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture. Pour the flour mix into the wet ingredients. If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and mix on low until a rough dough forms. Increase the speed to medium and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If mixing by hand, stir with a wooden spoon until it’s too hard to mix, then knead by hand.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and springs back when poked.
Grease a large bowl with olive oil. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in the bowl, turning it to coat it with oil. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes until doubled in size.
While the dough rises, prepare your sauce. Mix the crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the flavors, adding a pinch of sugar if desired.
Get all your pizza toppings ready. Shred cheese, slice vegetables, and prepare any cooked meats. Place everything in small bowls for easy assembly.
About 20 minutes before the dough is ready, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or preheat them for a crispier crust.
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down, transfer to a floured surface, and divide it into 16-20 pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball.
Take one ball and flatten it into a 4- to 5-inch circle, leaving a thicker edge for the crust. Place each crust on the prepared baking sheets.
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on each crust, leaving space around the edge. Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and desired toppings. Be careful not to overload them to avoid sogginess.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-14 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Rotate the baking sheets halfway if using two.
Allow the mini pizzas to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before moving to a wire rack. Garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil, then serve.

how to serve Homemade Mini Pizzas

Serve the mini pizzas warm right out of the oven. You can cut them into smaller pieces if you like to make them finger food. Pair them with a simple salad or some dipping sauces like marinara or ranch to enjoy a complete meal.

how to store Homemade Mini Pizzas

If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick meal. To freeze, wrap each mini pizza tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

tips to make Homemade Mini Pizzas

Don’t skip proofing the yeast: This ensures the yeast is active and helps the dough rise properly.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh toppings and cheese make a big difference in taste. Block cheese often melts better than pre-shredded.
Add a variety of toppings: Mix and match different meats, vegetables, and herbs to keep things interesting.

variation

You can customize the mini pizzas with different types of sauces, such as pesto or BBQ sauce. Try using different cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or even vegan options to cater to various dietary preferences.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough if you prefer a quicker option. Just roll it out and follow the same topping instructions.

Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before using. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping.

How do I make my mini pizzas crispy?
To achieve a crispier crust, preheat the baking sheets in the oven before adding the dough. Make sure to bake them until they are golden brown.