Pull Apart Mini Pizza Boats Recipe
Pull Apart Mini Pizza Boats are an irresistible appetizer that will make your house parties memorable. With this recipe, you won’t need a pizza cutter to make perfect slices. These mini pizza boats are designed for easy, shareable bites that are perfect for serving with cocktails or mocktails during a movie marathon or while watching a game. The combination of freshly baked pizza dough, tangy homemade tomato sauce, and a variety of savory fillings makes these boats a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Active dry yeast | 2-1/4 teaspoons |
| Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Lukewarm water | 1 cup |
| Whole wheat flour | 2-1/2 cups (adjust) |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Italian seasoning | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
For the Pizza Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 6 |
| Onion | 1 |
| Pickled jalapenos or green chillies | 2 |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Homemade tomato puree | 2 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Italian seasoning | 1/2 teaspoon |
For the Pizza Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green bell pepper (Capsicum) | 1/4 cup (chopped) |
| Button mushrooms | 1/2 cup (finely chopped) |
| Green chillies | 2 (finely chopped) |
| Garlic | 1 clove (minced) |
| Dried oregano | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red bell pepper (Capsicum) | 1/2 teaspoon (chopped) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1/2 cup (grated) |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
- In a glass bowl, combine the active dry yeast and sugar. Add the lukewarm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the yeast begins to bubble and foam. If it doesn’t, discard the mixture and start again.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the whole wheat flour, salt, Italian seasoning, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add more flour, if necessary, until you form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough for about 5-8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, turning it to coat in oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1-1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Pizza Sauce
- In a blender, combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and green chillies. Blend until smooth and finely pureed.
- Transfer the puree to a large saucepan, and add the homemade tomato puree, salt, sugar, dried oregano, and Italian seasoning. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-30 minutes, until it thickens. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Filling
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onions, garlic, and green chillies, and sauté until the onions soften.
- Add the finely chopped mushrooms and sauté for a few seconds on high heat. Then, stir in the chopped bell peppers, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir everything together and cook for another few seconds on high heat. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
- Once cooled, stir in the grated mozzarella cheese to complete the filling.
Step 4: Shape the Pizza Boats
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 6-8 inch loose-bottomed pan with oil on the bottom and sides.
- Divide the pizza dough into two equal parts. Roll one part into a large round shape and use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out smaller rounds.
- Take each round and roll from two opposite ends until the dough forms a boat shape. Pinch the edges together to seal.
- Repeat this process with the remaining dough rounds, creating several mini pizza boats.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Pizza Boats
- Fill each dough boat with the prepared pizza filling, almost to the top.
- Arrange the filled pizza boats in the greased pan, starting from the outer edge and working your way toward the center.
- Once the pan is full, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 18-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and brush the tops of the pizza boats with melted butter for extra flavor and shine.
Serving Suggestion
Serve these Pull Apart Mini Pizza Boats warm with an Ice Tea Sangria or another refreshing cocktail/mocktail. Pair with additional appetizers like Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms with Onion Parmesan & Herbs for a delightful and delicious spread at your next house party.
Enjoy this fun and flavorful appetizer that will delight your guests and elevate any occasion!
