Save Celebrate the holidays with Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites—adorable, festive, and delicious! These bite-sized pizzas feature gooey mozzarella cheese topped with a playful pepperoni belt and a black olive buckle, making them perfect for holiday parties and kid-friendly gatherings. Easy to prepare and bake, they bring joy and flavor to your festive table in just over half an hour.
Save These mini pizza bites combine the warmth of melted mozzarella with the savory touch of pepperoni and olives, capturing the spirit of the season in each bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a festive snack, these make the perfect treat to share and enjoy.
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
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Prepare the dough
- 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 dough
- Brush the dough circles lightly with olive oil.
- 4. Add sauce
- Spread 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce onto each dough circle.
- 5. Add cheese
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over each mini pizza.
- 6. Create belt
- Place a slice of pepperoni horizontally across the center of each pizza to resemble Santa's belt.
- 7. Add buckle
- Add a slice of black olive on the center of the pepperoni strip to mimic the belt buckle.
- 8. Garnish
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- 9. Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and dough is golden.
- 10. Cool and serve
- Let cool for 2 minutes before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure even baking, roll the dough to a uniform thickness of about 1/4 inch. Make sure to space the mini pizzas slightly apart on the baking sheet to prevent sticking. Brushing the dough with olive oil adds a lovely golden color and crisp texture to the crust.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian-friendly version, substitute regular pepperoni with meatless pepperoni slices. You can also add a slice of yellow bell pepper near the olive buckle to create a festive gold buckle effect. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or toppings to suit your taste.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites warm, accompanied by extra pizza sauce for dipping. They make a delightful appetizer for holiday gatherings, kids’ parties, or anytime you're craving a fun and flavorful snack.
Save Enjoy these charming Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites as a festive treat that’s both simple to make and sure to impress. They bring cheer and deliciousness to any celebration, making your holiday moments truly special.
Recipe FAQ
- → What dough works best for these mini pizzas?
Refrigerated pizza dough is ideal for ease and a consistent texture when baking these mini bites.
- → Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes, using meatless pepperoni maintains the flavor and visual appeal while keeping them vegetarian-friendly.
- → How do the olive slices enhance the dish?
Black olive slices serve as decorative belt buckles, adding a slight salty contrast and festive look.
- → What’s the best way to bake these bites evenly?
Arrange cut dough circles on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can assemble them in advance and refrigerate briefly before baking to save time during gatherings.