📝 About This Recipe
Transport your little ones to the cobblestone streets of Naples with these adorable, palm-sized pizzas that capture the classic flavors of Italy. Featuring a pillowy, golden crust topped with a bright, sun-ripened tomato sauce and creamy melted mozzarella, these miniature mains are designed perfectly for small hands. They offer the perfect balance of chewy dough and gooey cheese, making them a nutritious and exciting way to introduce kids to high-quality, fresh ingredients.
🥗 Ingredients
The Dough
- 1 pound Pizza Dough (store-bought or homemade, at room temperature)
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour (for dusting the work surface)
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing the crusts)
The Simple Red Sauce
- 1 cup Crushed San Marzano tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced very fine)
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Honey (to balance the acidity for kids)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
Toppings and Garnish
- 8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella cheese (torn into small bite-sized pieces)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 10-12 pieces Fresh Basil leaves (torn into small ribbons)
- 6 pieces Cherry tomatoes (thinly sliced into rounds)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats; otherwise, a heavy baking sheet works perfectly.
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2
In a small bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, honey, and salt. Stir well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
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3
Lightly dust your clean kitchen counter with flour. Take your room-temperature dough and divide it into 12 equal-sized balls (roughly the size of a golf ball).
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4
Using a rolling pin or your hands, flatten each ball into a 3-4 inch circle. Aim for a slightly thicker edge to create a 'crust' that holds the sauce.
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5
Place the dough circles onto a piece of parchment paper. This makes it easier to transfer them to the hot baking sheet later.
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6
Lightly brush the outer edges of each mini dough circle with olive oil. This ensures a beautiful golden-brown color and a satisfying crunch.
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7
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the tomato sauce into the center of each circle, spreading it outward in a spiral motion but leaving the oiled border clear.
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8
Sprinkle a pinch of grated Parmesan over the sauce on each pizza to add a savory depth of flavor.
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9
Distribute the torn fresh mozzarella pieces evenly among the pizzas. Don't over-crowd them, as the cheese will spread as it melts.
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10
Place one or two thin slices of cherry tomato on top of the cheese for extra color and a burst of sweetness.
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11
Carefully slide the parchment paper with the pizzas onto your preheated baking sheet or pizza stone.
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12
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown in spots, and the crust is crisp and golden.
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13
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the fresh torn basil ribbons over the hot pizzas so the residual heat releases the herb's aroma.
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14
Let the mini pizzas rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly, preventing it from sliding off when the kids take a bite.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use room-temperature dough; if it's too cold, it will keep shrinking back when you try to roll it out. For a hidden veggie boost, you can blend cooked carrots or red bell peppers into the tomato sauce. If the fresh mozzarella is very watery, pat it dry with a paper towel before adding it to the pizza to prevent a soggy crust. Let the kids help with the 'dimpling' of the dough or placing the cheese—it's a great sensory activity! To get a professional 'char' without a wood-fired oven, use the broiler for the last 60 seconds of cooking.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of crisp cucumber sticks and baby carrots for a refreshing crunch. Pair with a small glass of sparkling apple cider to make the meal feel like a special celebration. Offer a small bowl of 'dipping sauce' (extra warm marinara) for the crust edges. Follow up with a fruit kebab for a healthy, colorful dessert. Serve on a wooden board to recreate an authentic Italian pizzeria vibe at home.