Mini pizza buns are a fun and delicious twist on the traditional pizza. These bite-sized treats combine the flavors of pizza with the convenience of a bun.
making them perfect for snacks, parties, or as an appetizer. The soft and fluffy dough encases a savory filling of cheese.
marinara sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings, resulting in a mouthwatering snack that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Whether you’re serving them to a crowd or enjoying them at home, mini pizza buns are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
To make the mini pizza buns, you will need the following ingredients:
All-purpose flour
Active dry yeast
Warm water
Olive oil
Sugar
Salt
Mozzarella cheese (grated)
Pizza sauce
Toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, bell peppers)
Garlic powder (optional)
Dried oregano (optional)
Instructions
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm water, a pinch of sugar, and the active dry yeast.
Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. This step ensures that the yeast is alive and will help the dough rise properly.
Next, mix the flour, salt, and a little olive oil in a large bowl. Create a well in the center and pour the yeast mixture into it.
Stir everything together using a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough begins to form. If needed, add more flour little by little until the dough is smooth and not sticky.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes soft and elastic. Once the dough is ready.
place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, divide the dough into small.
equal-sized portions and roll each piece into a small ball. On a floured surface, flatten each dough ball into a small disc, creating a thin circle.
Place a spoonful of pizza sauce and a generous amount of grated mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough disc.
Add your desired toppings, such as pepperoni, olives, or vegetables.
Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling to create a sealed bun. Pinch the edges to ensure the filling stays inside during baking.
Arrange the filled dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each bun with a little olive oil and sprinkle some garlic powder or dried oregano on top for added flavor.
Bake the mini pizza buns for about 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.
Once baked, remove the buns from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These mini pizza buns are best enjoyed warm
and fresh from the oven. Serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.
How to Make
Making mini pizza buns is quite simple and fun. The first step is to prepare the dough. Combine the warm water with sugar and yeast, allowing it to activate for about 10 minutes.
While the yeast activates, you can prepare the dry ingredients by mixing flour and salt in a large bowl. This ensures that when the yeast mixture is ready, it’s easy to add it to the flour.
After mixing the wet and dry ingredients, knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. The kneading process is important to develop the gluten.
which gives the buns their soft texture. Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size. This usually takes around an hour, and during this time, you can prepare your toppings.
Once the dough is ready, divide it into small pieces and flatten each one into a disc. Add your toppings, fold the dough over to form a bun, and seal the edges tightly.
Placing them on a baking sheet and brushing them with oil or butter ensures they’ll have a beautiful, golden-brown color once baked.
Preheat the oven before you start shaping the buns, as it ensures an even baking temperature. After baking for about 12-15 minutes, your mini pizza buns should be ready to enjoy.
The soft, cheesy filling combined with the crispy crust is absolutely irresistible.
Tips
Using warm water instead of hot water for activating the yeast is crucial, as hot water can kill the yeast.
The temperature should be between 100°F to 110°F (38°C to 43°C) for optimal activation.
You can experiment with different fillings, such as vegetables, pepperoni, or sausage. If you’re vegetarian, try mushrooms, spinach, or olives as your toppings.
The versatility of mini pizza buns allows you to cater to a variety of tastes.
If you want a richer flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the dough before kneading.
This will infuse the buns with a savory taste that complements the pizza toppings perfectly.
To make the buns even crispier, bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
The crispy texture on the outside combined with the gooey cheese on the inside is a delightful contrast.
For extra flavor, consider brushing the tops of the buns with melted butter or garlic butter after they’ve been baked.
This will add a layer of richness that pairs well with the cheesy center.
If you’re preparing the buns in advance, you can store the unbaked, filled buns in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven and bake as usual. This can save you time when hosting a party or having guests over.
If you have a picky eater, allow them to customize their own mini pizza buns. Lay out a variety of toppings and let everyone build their own, making it a fun and interactive meal.
Conclusion
Mini pizza buns are a delightful treat that combines the best elements of pizza and buns into one convenient snack.
They’re perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a party appetizer. The flexibility of ingredients ensures that everyone can enjoy their own personalized mini pizza creation.
Once you make these mini pizza buns, you won’t want to go back to regular pizza. Their chewy, cheesy, and savory filling.
combined with the satisfying, crispy exterior, makes them an irresistible snack that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.