Cheesy pizza bites

Cheesy Bites Pizza – A Delight with a Savory Center

Who doesn't love the smell of a freshly baked pizza? Cheesy bites pizza is that snack that perfectly combines the pleasure of savoring a crispy dough with delicious fillings, and every bite will take you straight to Flavor Paradise. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also offers an excellent opportunity to add your own variations. So, get ready to delight your taste buds!

Preparation and Baking Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour
- Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total: 1 hour and 55 minutes
- Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

*For the Dough:*
- 500 g flour
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 200 ml warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 50 ml olive oil
- 50 g butter (melted)

*For the Filling:*
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 150 g ham
- 200 g mozzarella
- 3 slices of cheese
- Thin salami
- 2 mushrooms (preferably shiitake or champignon)
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese
- 8-10 cherry tomatoes
- 1 red pepper (diced)
- Oregano, to taste
- Fresh basil (3 leaves)
- Garlic powder, to taste
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

A Bit of History:
Pizza, originating from a distant past, has evolved over time from a simple bread with various toppings into a global phenomenon. Whether you prefer it with traditional ingredients or innovative combinations, pizza remains a symbol of conviviality and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. Cheesy bites are a delicious variant, designed to impress at parties or for a relaxing dinner at home.

Making the Dough:
1. Activating the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast with the sugar and warm water. Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes, until the yeast becomes frothy.
2. Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture, olive oil, and melted butter. Mix with a spatula until a dough forms.
3. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, until it becomes elastic and smooth.
4. Rising: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Forming the Cheesy Bites Pizza:
1. Dividing the Dough: After the dough has risen, divide it into two parts. From one part, roll out a round sheet using a rolling pin, making sure it fits your baking tray (leaving a margin of about 3 cm).
2. Preparing the Pockets: From the other part of the dough, roll out a thin sheet and cut it into 6x6 cm squares. In each square, place a cube of mozzarella and gather the four corners, forming a pocket. Place these pockets around the edge of the tray, slightly overlapping them.
3. Filling: In the center of the shape, add the tomato sauce, diced ham, sliced mushrooms, cheese slices, finely sliced salami, cream cheese, red pepper, and fresh basil. Sprinkle oregano and a bit of garlic powder for added flavor.
4. Brushing: Melt the two tablespoons of butter and mix them with the basil, oregano, and garlic powder. Brush the pockets well with this mixture, then add half a cherry tomato and strips of cheese on each, as desired.

Baking:
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. Place the tray in the oven and bake the cheesy bites pizza for 25-30 minutes or until the dough becomes golden and crispy.

Serving and Variations:
Once the cheesy bites pizza is baked and emanating a tempting aroma, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. They can be served warm, alongside a fresh salad or even with a yogurt dip to contrast the intense flavors.

If you want to experiment, you can add some olives, hot peppers, or even pineapple for a tropical taste! You can also replace mozzarella with other types of cheese, such as brie or cheddar, for a different flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, just use half the amount indicated.
2. How can I store the dough? The dough can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, but make sure it is covered to prevent it from drying out.
3. Can I make the pockets a day in advance? Of course! You can prepare the pockets and keep them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake them, let them come to room temperature before placing them in the oven.

Nutritional Benefits:
Cheesy bites pizza contains a variety of ingredients that provide a balanced intake of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Mozzarella, for example, is a good source of calcium, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and antioxidants.

These cheesy bites pizzas are not only a delicious choice for a weekend dinner but also an excellent way to spend quality time with family or friends. With every bite, you will feel the warmth and love you invested in making this dish. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy this simple and tasty recipe!