Mini Pizza

Mini Pizza: A Customized Delight for Any Occasion

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 30-60 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total: 65-100 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 mini pizzas

Mini pizzas are the perfect choice for a quick snack, a party, or a family dinner. Whether you're making them for kids or to impress your friends, these mini pizzas are easy to customize to your taste. Plus, it's a simple recipe that will allow you to have fun in the kitchen.

A Brief History

Pizza, a symbol of international cuisine, has evolved over the years from a simple dough covered with basic ingredients into a savory dish appreciated worldwide. Mini pizzas, on the other hand, are a smaller and more versatile version, ideal for portioning and adapting. Every family has its own traditions and variations, and today I will present my favorite recipe for mini pizzas.

Your Basic Ingredients

To make delicious mini pizzas, you will need the following ingredients:

For the dough:
- 3 cups of flour (choose a high-quality flour for the best results)
- 1/2 cup of oil (preferably olive oil for a richer taste)
- Salt, to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons of milk (you can also use plant-based milk if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- 2 packets of dry yeast (about 14 grams)
- 1/2 cup of warm water (about 38-40°C, not hot)

For the filling:
- 200 g of sausages (or other preferred cold cuts)
- 200 g of pizza tomato sauce (you can use freshly made or store-bought)
- 150 g of cheese (or mozzarella for an authentic taste)
- 100 g of olives (black or green, depending on your preference)
- 100 g of canned mushrooms (or fresh if you prefer)
- 100 g of chicken ham (or other types of meat, according to preference)

Preparing the Dough

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour and salt. In another container, combine the dry yeast with warm water and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This is a sign that the yeast is active.

2. Kneading the dough: Add the yeast mixture to the bowl with flour, along with the oil and milk. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients until a smooth dough forms. Then, knead the dough for about 10 minutes. If it is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

3. Rising the dough: Form a ball from the dough and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and leave it in a warm place for 30-60 minutes, or until the dough doubles in size.

Forming Mini Pizzas

4. Dividing the dough: After rising, place the dough on a floured work surface. Divide the dough into equal pieces, about the size of a golf ball. This will be the base of your mini pizzas.

5. Shaping the mini pizzas: Using a rolling pin, roll each piece of dough into a thin circle. Try to achieve an even thickness for even baking.

Adding the Filling

6. Preparing the mini pizzas: Place the circles of dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spread tomato sauce on each circle, leaving a little space on the edges to prevent overflow. This is the perfect time to add the filling.

7. Adding the ingredients: Sprinkle grated cheese on top, then add sliced sausages, olives, mushrooms, and ham. Be creative! You can also add other ingredients such as peppers, onions, or even pineapple for a sweet taste.

Baking the Mini Pizzas

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C (or 180°C if using a fan oven). Bake the mini pizzas for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden and crispy and the cheese melts and browns.

9. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the mini pizzas cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving. You can serve them warm, with a yogurt or sour cream dip on the side for an even more delicious culinary experience.

Practical Tips

- Quality ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially for cheese and cold cuts. These can make a big difference in the final taste of the mini pizzas.

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or brie. Also, for a vegetarian option, you can skip the meat and focus on fresh vegetables.

- Customized sauces: Instead of tomato sauce, you can try a pesto sauce or a white sauce, depending on the chosen filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of water.

2. How can I store the dough?
The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen. Make sure it is well wrapped in plastic wrap.

3. Can mini pizzas be frozen?
Yes, unbaked mini pizzas can be frozen. Make sure to place them in a single layer on a platter, then after they are frozen, you can transfer them to an airtight container.

Nutritional Benefits

Mini pizzas can be a relatively healthy option, providing carbohydrates from the flour, protein from cheese and meat, as well as vitamins and minerals from vegetables. By adding fresh ingredients, you can increase their nutritional value, making them an excellent choice for a balanced meal.

In conclusion, mini pizzas are not only a simple and quick recipe but also a great way to have fun in the kitchen. Whether you make them for yourself or for loved ones, don’t forget to enjoy every step of the process! Enjoy your meal!