Pepperoni Mini Pizzas Recipe
If you’re craving classic pizza flavor but don’t want to fuss with making a full-size pie, Pepperoni Mini Pizzas are absolutely perfect. These bite-sized beauties deliver all the cheesy, saucy, pepperoni-packed magic you love, but in a fun, snackable form that’s as ideal for parties as it is for family movie night. Best of all, they’re fast—on the table in just over 20 minutes—and endlessly customizable. Honestly, once you try them, you’ll want a batch of Pepperoni Mini Pizzas on standby for every occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Pepperoni Mini Pizzas is just how effortless and accessible the ingredients are. Each one brings something special, from gooey cheese to crispy, golden crust, making these mini pies absolutely irresistible.
- Pizza Dough: Whether you grab a ball from the store or whip up your favorite homemade recipe, dough is the delicious foundation for tender, chewy mini crusts.
- Pizza Sauce: Just half a cup adds plenty of tangy, garlicky zip; use a good-quality jarred sauce or make your own.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: One cup gives you that perfect cheesy stretch and irresistible melt.
- Mini Pepperoni Slices: Mini pepperoni looks adorable and crisps up perfectly, but you can also use regular slices cut smaller if that’s what you have.
- Olive Oil: Brushing a little oil on the dough gets the crust that golden, crispy finish every pizza deserves.
- Dried Oregano: A simple sprinkle adds deep Italian flavor and makes your kitchen smell like an old-school pizzeria.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Completely optional, but a few torn basil leaves add a burst of color and freshness just before serving.
How to Make Pepperoni Mini Pizzas
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s good and hot for a bubbled, golden crust. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper so nothing sticks and clean-up is quick and easy.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Divide your pizza dough into 8 equal pieces using a knife or dough scraper. Roll or pat each piece into a rough 4-inch circle—don’t worry about making them perfect, a little rustic charm just adds to the appeal!
Step 3: Olive Oil Brush
Place your dough rounds on the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush the tops with olive oil. This small step ensures a crisp, golden crust that crackles gently when you bite in.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Spoon about a tablespoon of pizza sauce onto each dough round, spreading it out toward the edges. Sprinkle each with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella, letting it snow right to the rim so you’ll have the best cheesy bites possible.
Step 5: Pepperoni & Oregano
Top every mini pizza with three slices of mini pepperoni (or use larger pepperoni chopped or cut smaller). Finish with a sprinkle of dried oregano for that unmistakable pizzeria aroma and a pop of flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Pepperoni Mini Pizzas for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crusts are golden and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown in spots. If you love an extra-crispy bottom, you can even pre-bake the crusts for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the Pepperoni Mini Pizzas are out of the oven, add a scatter of freshly torn basil leaves if you like. Serve them warm and melty—they’re almost impossible to resist!
How to Serve Pepperoni Mini Pizzas
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are my absolute favorite way to finish Pepperoni Mini Pizzas. You can also sprinkle over a little grated parmesan for an extra-savory kick, or try a light swirl of chili oil for heat-lovers. Even a dusting of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of garlic butter can make things feel extra-special.
Side Dishes
Pair them with a bright, simple salad or a bowl of marinara for dunking. Roasted veggies, garlic knots, or classic antipasto trays are all wonderful accompaniments if you’re serving a crowd or building an appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Pepperoni Mini Pizzas on a big platter with extra sauce for dipping, or thread them onto skewers for a party-friendly twist. For kids, let them decorate their own minis with extra veggies or cheese—the interactive fun is just as good as the taste!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have a few Pepperoni Mini Pizzas left, simply let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty and fresh for up to 3 days—just right for a next-day lunchbox or unexpected snack.
Freezing
Pepperoni Mini Pizzas freeze beautifully! Lay cooled pizzas in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, ready to grab whenever cravings hit.
Reheating
Your best bet for reheating is in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 8 minutes, which brings back that glorious crispness and melty cheese. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just a minute or so, and you’ll have steamy, gooey mini pizzas on demand.
FAQs
Can I make these Pepperoni Mini Pizzas gluten free?
Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pizza dough (store-bought or homemade). Everything else stays the same—toppings, cheese, and sauce are naturally gluten free!
What if I don’t have mini pepperoni?
No worries at all. You can use regular pepperoni slices and cut them smaller with kitchen scissors, or simply layer on full-size slices. The classic flavor is just the same.
Can I add more toppings?
Yes! Feel free to pile on sliced mushrooms, black olives, chopped peppers, or even pineapple for a twist. Just be careful not to overload each mini so the crust stays crisp.
Is there a shortcut for the dough?
Definitely—grab some English muffins or pita bread to use as your base. They’re quick, super reliable, and turn Pepperoni Mini Pizzas into a lightning-fast snack or lunch.
How do I get extra-crispy crusts?
Bake the dough rounds for 3 to 4 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings, as suggested in the notes. It gives you that bakery-style crunch and sturdy base for all the melty cheese and pepperoni.
Final Thoughts
Pepperoni Mini Pizzas are pure comfort and fun rolled into one—toasty, cheesy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re serving them for a casual weeknight dinner, packing them in a lunchbox, or feeding a hungry crowd at your next party, they’re always a hit. Give them a try and watch how quickly everyone falls in love!
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Pepperoni Mini Pizzas Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini pizzas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Pepperoni Mini Pizzas are a fun and easy appetizer or snack that both kids and adults will love. With simple ingredients and a quick baking time, they are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 24 slices mini pepperoni (or regular pepperoni cut smaller)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
- Prepare dough: Divide pizza dough into 8 pieces, roll into 4-inch circles, and place on the baking sheet.
- Add toppings: Brush dough with olive oil, spread pizza sauce, add mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and oregano.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with basil leaves and serve warm.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough rounds for 3–4 minutes before adding toppings.
- You can use English muffins or pita bread for a quicker version of these mini pizzas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pizza
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg
