Save Bring festive cheer to your holiday table with these delightful Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites. Each bite-sized treat combines soft, golden dough, rich pizza sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, all topped with a playful pepperoni belt and a charming olive buckle. Perfectly sized for little hands and big appetites alike, these mini pizzas are sure to be a hit at any holiday party or family gathering.
Save The combination of melted mozzarella, pepperoni strips mimicking Santa’s classic red belt, and a slice of black olive as the buckle makes these mini pizza bites not only delicious but visually festive. Plus, the option to swap in vegetarian pepperoni ensures everyone can join the celebration.
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
To ensure an even bake, roll the dough to a uniform thickness and don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Using refrigerated dough simplifies the process and guarantees soft, fluffy bites. Brushing with olive oil before adding toppings adds a lovely golden finish.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, substitute the pepperoni with meatless alternatives. To create a golden buckle effect, add a small slice of yellow bell pepper alongside or instead of the olive. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or herbs for an extra flavor twist.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these mini pizza bites warm, paired with extra pizza sauce for dipping. They make a perfect festive appetizer for holiday parties, kid-friendly events, or casual get-togethers. A colorful platter with fresh veggies complements these bites beautifully.
Save With simple ingredients and a playful presentation, these Santa Belt Mini Pizza Bites will surely become a festive favorite. Whether you're baking for a crowd or a cozy family night, they bring warmth, fun, and irresistible flavor to your holiday spread.
Cooking Questions
- → What dough works best for these mini pizzas?
Refrigerated pizza dough rolls out easily and ensures a soft yet slightly crispy base after baking.
- → Can I make these without pepperoni?
Yes, you can substitute with vegetarian pepperoni or skip it for a simple cheese and olive bite.
- → How do I achieve the Santa belt effect?
Place a single pepperoni slice horizontally across each dough round and top with a sliced black olive as the buckle.
- → What is the ideal baking temperature and time?
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes, until cheese bubbles and edges turn golden.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate briefly before baking to save prep time during gatherings.