Save Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites are a delightful festive treat perfect for holiday parties and kid-friendly gatherings. These bite-sized pizzas are topped with gooey melted mozzarella, pepperoni strips that resemble Santa's signature belt, and small black olive slices that mimic belt buckles, creating a fun and delicious Christmas-themed appetizer that everyone will love.
Save These mini pizza bites combine the comforting flavors of classic pizza with a whimsical holiday twist, making them an instant favorite for family and friends alike. The combination of melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and briny olives creates a delightful balance of taste and texture.
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 dough is evenly rolled to achieve consistent baking and crispiness in each mini pizza bite. Lightly brushing olive oil on the dough circles before adding sauce helps prevent sogginess and adds a subtle richness. Using a sharp cookie cutter will give you clean edges for a polished look.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, replace traditional pepperoni with meatless pepperoni alternatives. You can also add a touch of finely diced yellow bell pepper to the center of the black olive slice for a golden buckle effect. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add herbs like oregano for extra flavor.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these festive mini pizzas warm as a holiday appetizer or snack. They pair wonderfully with extra pizza sauce for dipping or alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a fun snack for children during the festive season.
Save With simple ingredients and festive flair, Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Enjoy making and sharing this easy appetizer that brings smiles and holiday spirit to every table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What dough works best for these mini pizzas?
Refrigerated pizza dough is ideal for easy handling and quick preparation, but fresh dough works well too.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, substitute meat-based pepperoni with vegetarian alternatives to keep the flavor and appearance.
- → How do I get the olive buckle effect?
Place a small black olive slice on the pepperoni strip center to mimic the classic buckle look.
- → What is the best way to serve these bites?
Serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping to enhance flavors and enjoyment.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate them briefly before baking to save time during parties.