Mini Pizza Bites – Clara quick dinners

Mini Pizza Bites are the perfect bite-sized version of your favorite comfort food. With a fluffy, golden crust, gooey melted cheese, and customizable toppings, they’re a hit at parties, a fun dinner for kids, or a quick snack when the pizza craving hits.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These little pizza bites are fun to make and even more fun to eat. You can prep them ahead of time, bake them in batches, and tailor each one with different toppings. They’re great for entertaining or feeding picky eaters—everyone gets exactly what they want. Plus, they’re way easier and faster than making full-sized pizzas from scratch.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Kosher salt
• Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat or full-fat)
• Marinara or pizza sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Turkey pepperoni or regular pepperoni, chopped
• Olive oil spray
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin with olive oil spray.
2. Make the dough: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add yogurt and stir until crumbly. Knead on a floured surface until the dough is soft but not sticky.
3. Shape the bases: Divide the dough into 16 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball and press into each muffin cup, pressing the dough slightly up the sides to form a little cup.
4. First bake: Bake the dough cups for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Add toppings: Remove from oven and gently press the center of each with a spoon. Fill each with marinara sauce, cheese, and pepperoni pieces.
6. Final bake: Return to the oven and bake for another 3–5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Cool & serve: Let sit for a few minutes, then carefully remove from tin. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using, and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 (4 bites per serving)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers instead of meat.
• Extra cheesy: Mix parmesan or cheddar with mozzarella.
• Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the sauce or toppings.
• Different base: Use biscuit dough or crescent roll dough for quicker prep.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or microwave briefly.
• Freezing: Freeze baked bites in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in oven or air fryer.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes! Store-bought pizza dough, biscuit dough, or crescent roll dough all work great.

Can I make these in a regular muffin tin?

Yes, for larger bites. Just increase the baking time slightly and adjust portions.

What’s the best sauce to use?

Use your favorite pizza or marinara sauce—homemade or store-bought both work well.

Are these good for kids?

Absolutely! They’re fun to eat, easy to customize, and kid-sized.

Can I make them ahead?

Yes, bake and store them, then reheat when ready to serve.

Do I have to use Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt helps create a tender dough, but you can substitute with sour cream or regular yogurt in a pinch.

How do I keep the bottoms from getting soggy?

Bake the dough slightly before adding the sauce and toppings, and avoid overloading with sauce.

Can I air fry these?

Yes, bake the dough portions in an air fryer-safe pan or mold at 350°F for about 10 minutes, then top and air fry for another 2–3 minutes.

What kind of cheese works best?

Mozzarella is classic, but a mix of mozzarella and provolone or cheddar is delicious too.

Can I make a dipping sauce?

Yes—serve with warm marinara, garlic butter, or ranch dressing for dipping.

Conclusion

Mini Pizza Bites are everything you love about pizza in a poppable, party-ready form. They’re quick, delicious, and endlessly customizable—perfect for casual get-togethers, family dinners, or even a fun lunchbox treat. Once you try these, you’ll want them on repeat.

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