Pin it Celebrate the season with Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites, festive little treats that bring joy to any holiday gathering. These bite-sized pizzas are topped with gooey mozzarella, pepperoni slices shaped like Santa's signature belt, and olive buckles that add a playful, delicious touch. Easy to make and perfect for kids and adults alike, they’re sure to be the hit of your party.
Pin it With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up these charming mini pizza bites that fuse classic flavors with holiday cheer. The combination of melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and the subtle brininess of black olives turns each bite into a merry experience.
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 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 with olive oil
- 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 Santas belt.
- 7. Add olive buckle
- Add a slice of black olive on the center of the pepperoni strip to mimic the belt buckle.
- 8. Add Parmesan
- 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
Make sure your dough is rolled evenly for uniform baking. Lightly brushing the dough circles with olive oil before adding toppings helps achieve a golden crust. Use a 2-inch cookie cutter for perfectly sized mini pizzas that bake evenly and look adorable on your party platter.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, swap the pepperoni with meatless alternatives. To enhance the festive look, try adding a small slice of yellow bell pepper to the black olive "buckle" for a gold buckle effect. Feel free to use different cheeses or add herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these mini pizza bites warm alongside extra pizza sauce for dipping. They make excellent finger food for holiday parties, family gatherings, or kid-friendly events. Pair with a fresh green salad or a simple antipasto platter for a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread.
Pin it These Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites are a delicious and delightful way to add festive spirit to your menu. With their cheerful look and savory flavors, they are guaranteed to bring smiles and holiday cheer to every table.
Recipe Q&A
- → What dough works best for mini pizzas?
Refrigerated pizza dough provides convenience and yields a tender, chewy base perfect for bite-sized pizzas.
- → How can I make these mini pizzas vegetarian?
Replace traditional pepperoni with vegetarian or plant-based pepperoni slices for a meat-free variation.
- → What is the best way to mimic the Santa belt look?
Lay pepperoni slices horizontally across each mini pizza and add sliced black olives in the center to resemble belt buckles.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mini pizzas in advance and bake them just before serving for optimal freshness.
- → What side dips pair well with these mini pizzas?
Additional pizza sauce or marinara makes a flavorful dip that complements the cheesy, savory toppings.