Embark on a journey to pizza perfection with our delightful recipe for Little Sausage Pizzas. These bite-sized wonders are a symphony of flavors, combining savory sausage, gooey cheese, and zesty tomato sauce atop a perfectly crisp crust. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a family-friendly meal, or simply craving a homemade pizza experience, these little wonders are sure to steal the spotlight. Join us as we uncover the secrets to creating these bite-sized blissful pizzas that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 envelope Active dry yeast
- 1 cup Warm water
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Toppings:
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Pizza sauce
- 1/4 cup Sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup Sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup Sliced bell peppers
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
- Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
2. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
3. Roll Out the Dough
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll them out into mini pizza crusts.
4. Assemble the Pizzas
- Spread pizza sauce over each mini crust, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle crumbled sausage, shredded mozzarella, olives, mushrooms, and bell peppers evenly over each mini pizza.
5. Bake to Perfection
- If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the mini pizzas onto the hot stone in the oven. Otherwise, place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Cook Notes
- For a shortcut, you can use store-bought pizza dough.
- Customize the toppings to suit your preferences – the possibilities are endless!
Variations
Mediterranean Twist
- Swap Italian sausage for gyro meat, add feta cheese, and top with tzatziki after baking.
Veggie Delight
- Load up on colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, red onions, and spinach for a vegetarian version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prepare the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate it until ready to use. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out.
Q: Can I freeze the mini pizzas?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked mini pizzas. Once assembled, flash-freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
A: No worries! A baking sheet works just fine. Preheat it in the oven before placing the mini pizzas on it.
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Absolutely! Experiment with various sausages like chorizo, chicken, or turkey for a unique twist.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Cauliflower Crust
- Replace the traditional pizza dough with a cauliflower crust for a low-carb alternative.
Cheese Crisp Delight
- For a keto version, create mini sausage and cheese crisps by baking seasoned sausage and cheese until crispy.
Mini Pizzas, Maximum Flavor
In conclusion, Little Sausage Pizzas are a testament to the fact that good things come in small packages. These bite-sized delights pack a punch of flavor that will make them a favorite among kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night or looking for a creative way to enjoy your favorite toppings, these little pizzas are a winner. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to savor the joy of homemade pizza in every delightful bite. Bon appétit!
