Mini Pizza Puffs Recipe: A Bite-Sized Pizza Delight
If you’re craving pizza but want something fun, quick, and easy, these Mini Pizza Puffs are the perfect solution! These bite-sized pizza bites are packed with all the classic pizza flavors — from fresh mozzarella and savory pancetta or pepperoni to homemade pizza sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for an easy dinner, or just craving a snack, these mini pizza puffs are sure to impress.
Check out more great pizza ideas like Cheesy Garlic Bread Pizza and Mini Margherita Pizzas for even more delicious inspiration!
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
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Mini Pizza Puffs Recipe | Bite-Sized Pizza Delight
- Total Time: 28-30 minutes
- Yield: 18 mini pizza puffs 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Mini Pizza Puffs are bite-sized pizza pockets filled with fresh mozzarella, savory pancetta or pepperoni, and topped with a rich homemade pizza sauce. With soft pizza dough and a delicious combination of fresh ingredients, these puffs are the perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion. The best part is you can customize the toppings to your liking!
Ingredients
For the Pizza:
- 1 lb fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 8 oz pancetta cubes or pepperonis
- Pizza dough, cut into 2-inch balls (about 18 balls)
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 2 1/2 tomatoes, sliced into quarters (I used tomatoes on the vine, about 3 inches in diameter)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 anchovies
- Large pinch of salt (more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
- Roll the pizza dough into 18 small balls, each about 2 inches in diameter. Set them aside.
3. Make the Pizza Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the grated garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the anchovies to the pan and cook, stirring, until they break down into a paste.
- Stir in the sliced tomatoes, salt, oregano, and cook for 8-10 minutes until the tomatoes break down into a chunky sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
4. Assemble the Mini Pizza Puffs:
- Flatten each ball of pizza dough into a small disc using your fingers or a rolling pin.
- Place a slice of mozzarella in the center of each dough disc.
- Add a small portion of pancetta cubes or pepperonis on top of the cheese.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a small puff, pinching the edges to seal.
5. Bake the Mini Pizza Puffs:
- Arrange the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve:
- Once baked, remove the mini pizza puffs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
- You can serve them with a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping, if desired.
Notes
Feel free to customize the filling by adding your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
If you want an extra crispy texture, brush the dough with olive oil before baking.
You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before using.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pizza puff
- Calories: 120-150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15-20mg
Keywords: Mini Pizza Puffs
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pizza Sauce
Start by making the pizza sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the anchovies and use a wooden spoon to break them apart as they cook. Cook for 1-2 minutes until they dissolve into the oil.
Next, add the tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, letting the tomatoes soften and release their juices. Add the garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt to taste, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 10 minutes to thicken. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Once done, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pizza Puffs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the mini pizza puffs from sticking.
Cut the pizza dough into 18 equal-sized balls, about 2 inches in diameter. If your dough is store-bought, it will likely need a little rolling out before cutting into smaller pieces. Make sure each ball is slightly flattened, so the ingredients fit easily inside.
3. Assemble the Mini Pizza Puffs
Take one dough ball and gently flatten it with your fingers. Place a slice of mozzarella in the center, followed by a small piece of pancetta or pepperoni. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the homemade pizza sauce on top of the cheese. Carefully pinch the edges of the dough together to seal it and form a small, sealed ball. Repeat with the remaining dough balls, making sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Bake the Mini Pizza Puffs
Once all the mini pizza puffs are assembled, place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Allow the mini pizza puffs to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these little bites of pizza goodness as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.
Advanced Techniques
Making the Pizza Sauce in Advance
For even more flavor, make your pizza sauce ahead of time! You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the sauce even more delicious.
Flaky Pizza Dough
For a flakier texture, use puff pastry dough instead of regular pizza dough. Puff pastry will give your mini pizza puffs a light, flaky texture that pairs wonderfully with the rich mozzarella and savory toppings.
Experiment with Toppings
Feel free to experiment with different toppings and ingredients! You can add olives, mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to add extra flavor to your mini pizza puffs. You could also swap out pancetta for sausage, or try bacon for a smoky flavor. The possibilities are endless!
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Storing Mini Pizza Puffs
After baking, store your pizza puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They will keep their flavor and texture best when eaten within the first day. If you prefer to store them longer, refrigerate the pizza puffs and consume them within 3-4 days.
Freezing Mini Pizza Puffs
To freeze, place the cooled mini pizza puffs on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours to harden. Afterward, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Reheating Mini Pizza Puffs
To reheat, place the pizza puffs on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will help them maintain their crispy texture without getting soggy.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free Version
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, swap out the pizza dough for gluten-free pizza dough or gluten-free puff pastry. These doughs are readily available at most supermarkets and will provide a similar texture without gluten.
Dairy-Free Version
For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese such as vegan mozzarella or cashew cheese. Be sure to check the label on the cheese to make sure it melts well.
Vegetarian Version
For a vegetarian alternative, skip the pancetta or pepperoni and replace them with vegetarian-friendly toppings such as olives, roasted vegetables, or artichokes. You can also try adding a bit of vegetarian sausage for added protein.
FAQs About the Recipe
Q1: Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough if you’re short on time. Just be sure to let it rest and rise as needed according to package instructions before forming the mini pizza puffs.
Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! You can substitute mozzarella with any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, provolone, or fontina. Each cheese will add a different flavor to your mini pizza puffs.
Q3: Can I make the pizza sauce spicy? Yes! If you like a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeño slices to the sauce as it simmers for an extra kick.
Q4: Can I make the mini pizza puffs ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the mini pizza puffs up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Mini Pizza Puffs are the perfect party snack, quick dinner, or afternoon treat for anyone who loves pizza. With a delicious homemade sauce, fresh mozzarella, and savory pancetta or pepperoni, these bite-sized pizzas will satisfy your cravings without all the mess. Customize them with your favorite toppings and enjoy them fresh out of the oven for a crispy, cheesy bite of joy.
Whether you make them for a gathering or keep them as a regular snack in your kitchen, these mini pizza puffs are sure to be a hit with everyone!