Save to Pinterest Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites are a fun and festive way to bring holiday cheer to any gathering. These adorable bite-sized pizzas feature gooey melted mozzarella cheese topped with a playful pepperoni strip mimicking Santa’s belt, complete with a black olive buckle. Perfect for parties and kid-friendly celebrations, these mini bites are as delicious as they are delightful to look at.
Save to Pinterest Gather your loved ones and get ready to enjoy one of the most charming holiday appetizers that combine classic pizza flavors with seasonal creativity. These mini pizza bites not only satisfy cravings but also make for a conversation starter with their unique Santa belt and buckle design.
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 dough circles
- 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. Add pepperoni belt
- Place a slice of pepperoni horizontally across the center of each pizza to resemble Santa's belt.
- 7. Add olive buckle
- Add a slice of black olive on the center of the pepperoni strip to mimic the belt buckle.
- 8. Sprinkle cheese (optional)
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- 9. Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and dough is golden.
- 10. Cool slightly
- Let cool for 2 minutes before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Für ein optimales Backergebnis ist es wichtig, den Teig gleichmäßig auf etwa 1/4 Zoll Dicke auszurollen. Das Backblech mit Backpapier auszulegen, verhindert das Anhaften und sorgt für saubere Mini-Pizzen. Ein wenig Olivenöl auf den Teig aufgetragen, unterstützt die goldene, knusprige Kruste.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Für eine vegetarische Variante kann auf Fleischersatz-Peperoni zurückgegriffen werden, um den festlichen Look beizubehalten. Wer es besonders bunt mag, kann zusätzlich eine kleine Menge gelbe Paprika anstelle des Parmesan-Käses als goldfarbenen Verschluss verwenden.
Serviervorschläge
Diese Mini-Pizzen sind perfekt als Snack auf Weihnachtsfeiern oder Kindergeburtstagen. Servieren Sie sie am besten warm mit zusätzlichem Pizzasoßen-Dip, um den Geschmack noch intensiver zu genießen.
Save to Pinterest Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites bring holiday fun and flavor into bite-sized portions that everyone will love. With their charming design and simple preparation, they’re guaranteed to become a festive favorite year after year.
Recipe FAQs
- → What dough works best for mini pizza bites?
Refrigerated pizza dough provides a soft, easy-to-shape base that cooks evenly and yields tender bites.
- → Can I substitute the pepperoni for a vegetarian option?
Yes, using vegetarian pepperoni keeps the flavor and festive look without meat, perfect for varied diets.
- → How do you create the Santa belt effect on the pizzas?
Place a pepperoni slice horizontally across the center of each round and top with a sliced black olive to mimic the belt buckle.
- → What temperature should the mini pizzas be baked at?
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the mini pizzas for 10 to 12 minutes until cheese bubbles and dough turns golden.
- → Can additional toppings be added for variation?
Yes, adding touches like yellow bell pepper can create a gold buckle look or extra sauce can be served for dipping.