Save Celebrate the season with Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites, festive little treats that bring joy to any holiday gathering. These bite-sized pizzas feature a delightful combination of melted mozzarella, a savory pepperoni strip that mimics Santa's iconic belt, and a perfectly placed olive slice for the buckle. Easy to make and wonderful for kids and adults alike, they turn classic pizza flavors into charming holiday fun.
Save These mini pizza bites are not only adorable but also versatile, fitting right in as appetizers or party snacks. Whether you want a quick festive appetizer or a fun project to get the kids involved in holiday cooking, these Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites deliver both taste and 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
Ensure your pizza dough is well chilled before rolling for easier handling. Use a light hand when brushing olive oil on the dough circles to avoid sogginess. If you want extra crispiness, bake on a preheated baking sheet. Keep olives sliced thin for easier placement and a clean look to mimic the belt buckle perfectly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, substitute regular pepperoni with meatless pepperoni slices. To add a festive twist, include a slice of yellow bell pepper atop the olive to create a golden buckle effect. You can also experiment with different cheeses or add herbs like oregano for an herby flavor boost.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these mini pizza bites warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. They make a delightful finger food addition to holiday parties, potlucks, or casual family gatherings. Pair with a fresh green salad or a light soup for a charming festive snack plate.
Save With their festive look and comforting flavors, Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites are sure to become a holiday favorite year after year. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, they bring cheer to the table with every cheesy, pepperoni-studded bite.
Kitchen Questions
- → What dough works best for these mini pizzas?
Refrigerated pizza dough provides a soft and easy-to-roll base that bakes golden and tender for these mini bites.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, substitute regular pepperoni with vegetarian or meatless pepperoni slices while keeping all other ingredients the same.
- → How do I create the belt buckle effect?
Place a pepperoni slice across the center of each mini circle and top it with a small slice of black olive to resemble the buckle.
- → What is the ideal baking temperature and time?
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until cheese bubbles and dough turns golden brown.
- → Can I prepare them ahead of time?
You can assemble the mini pizzas and refrigerate them briefly before baking to save time for serving.
- → Are these mini bites suitable for kids?
Yes, their small size and mild flavors make them particularly popular with children during holidays or parties.