Pin It Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites bring festive cheer to your holiday parties with their adorable and delicious design. These bite-sized treats feature a golden crust topped with melty mozzarella cheese, a savory pepperoni strip resembling Santa's belt, and a black olive slice mimicking a belt buckle. Perfectly portioned for little hands and big appetites alike, they turn simple mini pizzas into merry conversation starters that kids and adults will love.
Pin It These mini pizza bites are not only eye-catching but also bursting with classic flavors. The balance of gooey cheese, tangy pizza sauce, and savory pepperoni topped with a touch of olive oil creates a perfect party snack that everyone will reach for again and again.
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
Make sure to roll the dough evenly to achieve consistent baking. Using a brush to lightly coat the dough with olive oil adds flavor and helps create a golden crust. Baking on parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, swap the pepperoni for meatless alternatives. Add yellow bell pepper slices to mimic a golden buckle for extra color and flair. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or spices to customize to your taste.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these mini bites warm alongside extra pizza sauce for dipping. They make a great finger food addition to holiday platters and pair well with festive drinks or a simple green salad.
Pin It These Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites bring festive fun to any occasion with minimal effort. Their playful design and savory flavors make them a standout appetizer that’s sure to please guests of all ages, ensuring your holiday celebrations are deliciously memorable.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make these mini pizzas vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute regular pepperoni with vegetarian or plant-based pepperoni for a meat-free option without sacrificing flavor.
- → What type of dough works best?
Refrigerated pizza dough is ideal for convenience and consistent results, but homemade dough can also be used for a fresher taste.
- → How should I store leftover bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
- → Can I prepare the bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mini bites ahead and refrigerate before baking. Just allow extra baking time if baking chilled.
- → Are there alternative toppings to customize these bites?
Absolutely! Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or swapping olives for other small vegetables to suit your taste.