Save Miniature pizzas shaped like maple leaves, topped with vibrant autumn-hued vegetables and a sweet touch of maple, perfect for festive gatherings.
This recipe brings a cozy feeling of fall to any gathering, and I love how easy it is to customize the toppings to match the season.
Ingredients
- Dough: 1 pound (450 g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), All-purpose flour for dusting
- Sauce: 1/3 cup (80 ml) tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1 clove garlic minced, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings: 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 small red bell pepper thinly sliced, 1/2 small yellow bell pepper thinly sliced, 1/2 small orange bell pepper thinly sliced, 1/4 small red onion thinly sliced, 1/4 cup (30 g) baby spinach chopped, 2 tablespoons corn kernels optional, olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Using a maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter (about 4 inches (10 cm) wide), cut out 8 shapes. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 3:
- In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce, maple syrup, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Step 4:
- Spoon a thin layer of the sauce onto each dough leaf.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar over the sauce.
- Step 6:
- Arrange the bell peppers, onion, spinach, and corn on top to create a colorful foliage effect.
- Step 7:
- Lightly brush the edges of the dough with olive oil.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden.
- Step 9:
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Pin it My family always enjoys making these together on chilly fall evenings; it’s a perfect way to create warm memories.
Required Tools
Maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter, rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper, mixing bowls, pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) and milk (cheese). May contain corn if using corn kernels. Always check labels for store-bought dough and cheese if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Per mini pizza: 180 calories, 7 g total fat, 23 g carbohydrates, 7 g protein.
Pin it Enjoy these festive mini pizzas fresh from the oven for the best taste and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What dough works best for mini pizzas?
Use either store-bought or homemade pizza dough rolled to about a quarter-inch thickness for easy shaping and a crisp, tender base.
- → How do I shape the dough into maple leaves?
A maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter creates uniform, festive shapes that bake evenly and provide a fun autumn presentation.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses used?
Yes, swapping mozzarella and cheddar with smoked gouda or goat cheese adds a deeper, richer flavor profile.
- → What is the purpose of brushing edges with olive oil?
Brushing olive oil on dough edges enhances browning and crispiness during baking, giving a golden, appetizing finish.
- → Are there ways to boost autumn flavors?
Adding ingredients like roasted butternut squash or sliced mushrooms complements the season and adds depth to the toppings.
- → What cooking temperature and time ensure perfect baking?
Baking at 425°F for 13–15 minutes melts the cheese thoroughly while achieving a crisp crust and vibrant veggie texture.