Easy Tomato and Cheese Mini Pizza Recipe
Looking for a delicious and quick dinner that’s bursting with flavor? These Easy Tomato and Cheese Mini Pizzas are perfect for satisfying your pizza cravings without the hassle. With a soft, golden crust, tangy tomato sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, and a burst of garlic goodness, these mini pizzas will be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, a pizza night, or a gathering with friends, this easy-to-make pizza recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (Maida) | 2 cups |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt (or to taste) | 1 teaspoon |
| Active dry yeast | 2 teaspoons |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Lukewarm water | As needed |
| Cherry tomatoes, halved | 200 grams |
| Garlic cloves, finely chopped | 4 cloves |
| Mozzarella cheese, grated | ½ cup |
| Onion, sliced | 1 medium |
| Extra virgin olive oil (for topping) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt (to taste) | As needed |
Prep Time: 120 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 140 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and active dry yeast. Mix these dry ingredients well.
- Add extra virgin olive oil to the dry mixture, and gradually add lukewarm water. Start with small amounts of water, mixing as you go. Be cautious not to add too much water at once, as this could make the dough sticky.
- If the dough becomes too sticky to handle, dust with a little more flour until it is no longer sticking to your fingers. Knead the dough for about 4 to 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes to rise slightly.
-
Prepare the Garlic:
- While the dough is resting, peel and finely chop the garlic cloves. Then, press them with the flat side of a knife to crush them, releasing their rich flavors.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for a minute or two, allowing it to soften and darken slightly, infusing the oil with its fragrant aroma.
- Remove the garlic from the heat and set it aside to cool.
-
Roll Out the Dough:
- Dust a clean surface with a bit of flour to prevent sticking, and roll the dough into a large circle using a rolling pin. Roll it as thin as possible without tearing.
- Using a round cookie cutter or the edge of a small bowl, cut out mini pizza discs from the rolled-out dough.
- Arrange these mini pizza discs on a parchment-lined baking tray or grill, ensuring they are spaced out for even baking.
-
Assemble the Mini Pizzas:
- Pinch the edges of each pizza disc to create a slight crust, which will help hold the toppings in place.
- Spread the minced garlic evenly over each pizza base. Follow by spreading about a teaspoon of pesto sauce on top of the garlic for added flavor.
- Layer each mini pizza with slices of cherry tomatoes, and scatter sliced onion over the top. Finally, sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese generously on each pizza.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a bit more cheddar cheese on top of the mozzarella.
-
Bake the Mini Pizzas:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake the mini pizzas for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cheese has melted and become bubbly.
- Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly depending on the thickness of your pizza dough.
-
Serve:
- Once baked, remove the mini pizzas from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes or your favorite seasonings on top for a little extra zing.
- Serve these mini pizzas as an appetizer or pair them with a fresh salad and a vegetable pasta soup for a complete meal.
Enjoy your Easy Tomato and Cheese Mini Pizzas with your friends and family. These flavorful, bite-sized pizzas are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the timeless classic pizza in a new and convenient form. Perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or simply indulging in a homemade pizza night!
