Best Appetizer Essentials Awesome Pizza Bites Recipes

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PIZZETTE - MINI PIZZA BITES WITH ASSORTED TOPPINGS



Pizzette - Mini Pizza Bites With Assorted Toppings image

Soft inside, with golden crust on the outside these pizza bites are total crowd pleasers!

Provided by Italian Recipe Book

Categories     Appetizer     Pizza

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 ½ cup all purpose flour (, approx 420 g)
1 ½ cup water (, lukewarm)
1 tsp dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
2 cups tomato puree (, passata di pomodoro)
Handful basil leaves
Salt to taste
Tomato Sauce + Mozzarella Cheese* + Oregano
Tomato Sauce + Mozzarella Cheese* + Anchovy fillet
Tomato Sauce + Mozzarella Cheese* + Salami
Tomato Sauce + Black or Green Olives
Mozzarella Cheese* + Marinated Artichokes (, sliced + Olives)
Mozzarella Cheese* + Prosciutto + Arugula
Potato (, thinly sliced + Extra Virgin Olive Oil + Rosemary)
Round Cookie Cutter

Steps:

  • Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water with sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
  • In a mixer bowl add flour and yeast water, give a quick stir.
  • Using a dough hook attachment start to knead slowly increasing the speed.
  • Add salt and extra virgin olive oil.
  • NOTE: Don't add salt immediately as it'll weaken yeast quality!
  • Knead for about 5 minutes.You should get a smoth and pretty soft dough. It'll be slightly sticky but manageable to handle it with your hands.
  • Transfer the dough in large oiled bowl. Cover with a plastic wrap and let rise for 2-3 hours in a warm (not hot!) place.
  • Past 2-3 hours the dough should double in size.
  • Transfer it to a slightly floured work surface.
  • Roll with a rolling pin to about 3-5 mm thick.
  • Using a round cookie cutter about 3 inches in diameter cut out pizzette circles.
  • Place pizzette on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper leaving some space in between.
  • Cover with a linen towel and let rise for 30-60 minutes in a warm place.
  • While pizzette are rising it's a good idea to prepare the sauce and the toppings.
  • In a skillet pan add tomato puree/passata di pomodoro, let simmer on low heat until slightly reduced. The thickness of the sauce should be good enough to stay on pizzetta, not too liquid-y but also not paste-like.
  • Add fresh basil leaved roughly torn with your hands.
  • Cook for another few minutes and let cool.
  • Cut, slice and pit all other ingredients that you've chosen as your pizza toppings.Here you can mix, match and be creative!
  • Preheat oven to 375F / 190C
  • Using your point finger press around and in the center of each pizzetta (see photo) to form a slight cavity to hold in the topping.
  • Top with your favorite toppings.
  • Bake in a preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until cheese is well melted and pizzette have a light golden edge. Be careful and don't overcook as the dough might become hard.

APPETIZER ESSENTIALS: PUFF PIZZA BITES



Appetizer Essentials: Puff Pizza Bites image

These are easy/peasy to make and can be assembled, baked and on the table in 20 quick minutes. Besides the pizza stuff, you will need some puff pastry. You can make your own or do what the rest of the civilized world does and pick them up at the grocer. Make them with Italian sausage, pepperoni, go veggie... Whatever. I like to make a batch of these when we are downstairs watching a movie (which I did last evening), and there are never any leftovers. FYI: These can be frozen and reheated. So, you ready... Let's get into the kitchen.

Provided by Andy Anderson ! @ThePretentiousChef

Categories     Other Appetizers

Number Of Ingredients 6

PLAN/PURCHASE
1 sheet(s) puff pastry, defrosted
pizza sauce
italian sausage, pepperonis, or just veggies
parmesan cheese
1 large egg yolk mixed with a bit of water

Steps:

  • PREP/PREPARE
  • If you want a good pizza sauce, here are two good ones: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/other-sauce-spread/italian-essentials-awesome-pizza-sauce.html?r=1 https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/other-sauce-spread/pizza-essentials-the-ultimate-sweet-pizza-sauce.html?r=3
  • Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
  • Whisk the egg yolk and water together and reserve.
  • Place a rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 365f (185c).
  • Defrost your puff pastry and cut into 9 squares.
  • They do not have to be perfect, just eyeball it. In addition, a pizza cutter is a great way to accomplish this.
  • Add a dollop of your favorite pizza sauce.
  • Add some meat and/or veggies... I am using pepperoni, and precooked Italian sausage.
  • The images for the next steps did not turn out; however, we are almost there: Sprinkle on some parmesan cheese. Take two opposite corners bring them up and pinch together in the middle. Brush a bit of the egg mixture over each one.
  • Place into the preheated oven and bake until golden brown, about 15 - 20 minutes.
  • PLATE/PRESENT
  • Allow to rest for 5 minutes, then serve with some additional pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy.
  • Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

When it comes to hosting a party or get-together, appetizers are an essential element that sets the tone for the rest of the evening. While classic appetizers like chips and dip, cheese platters, and stuffed mushrooms are always crowd-pleasers, there's nothing quite like a piping hot plate of pizza bites to get the party started. In this article, we'll explore some awesome pizza bites recipes that are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

The Perfect Pizza Bite

Before we dive into the recipes, let's talk about what makes the perfect pizza bite. First and foremost, the dough should be soft and fluffy on the inside, with a slightly crisp exterior. The sauce should be flavorful without overpowering the toppings. Speaking of toppings, they should be plentiful but not overwhelming -- after all, nobody wants a mouthful of just pepperoni or mushrooms. Finally, the cheese should be melty and gooey, holding all of the toppings together in one delicious bite.

Recipe #1: Mini Margherita Pizzas

For a classic pizza flavor, you can't go wrong with margherita. These mini pizzas are easy to make and perfect for serving as an appetizer. Ingredients:
  • Pizza dough
  • Olive oil
  • Tomato sauce
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil
Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Roll out pizza dough and cut into small circles.
  3. Brush each circle with olive oil and top with a spoonful of tomato sauce.
  4. Add shredded mozzarella cheese and a few pieces of fresh basil.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melty and the crust is golden brown.

Recipe #2: BBQ Chicken Pizza Bites

For a twist on traditional pizza, try these BBQ chicken pizza bites. The sweetness of the BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the cheese and chicken. Ingredients:
  • Pizza dough
  • BBQ sauce
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Grilled chicken, chopped
  • Red onion, sliced thin
  • Cilantro, chopped
Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Roll out pizza dough and cut into small circles.
  3. Brush each circle with BBQ sauce and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  4. Add chopped grilled chicken and sliced red onion.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melty and the crust is golden brown.
  6. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Recipe #3: Meat Lovers Pizza Bites

For a heartier appetizer, try these meat lovers pizza bites. The combination of sausage, pepperoni, and bacon is sure to satisfy any appetite. Ingredients:
  • Pizza dough
  • Tomato sauce
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • Pepperoni, chopped
  • Bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • Italian seasoning
Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Roll out pizza dough and cut into small circles.
  3. Brush each circle with tomato sauce and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  4. Add cooked sausage, chopped pepperoni, and crumbled bacon.
  5. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melty and the crust is golden brown.

Conclusion

Pizza bites are a fun and delicious way to kick off any party or get-together. Whether you prefer classic margherita, sweet and tangy BBQ chicken, or hearty meat lovers, there's a pizza bite recipe out there for everyone. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of effort, you can create a plate of perfectly delicious pizza bites that are sure to be a hit with your guests.
Appetizers are an essential part of any meal, and pizza bites are a crowd favorite. Whether you are hosting a gathering or just want a quick snack, pizza bites are a go-to option. Making pizza bites is a fun and creative way to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. However, there are certain tips to keep in mind to ensure that your pizza bites turn out delicious and healthy. In this article, we will discuss valuable tips to elevate your pizza bites game. 1. Choose the Right Crust The crust is the foundation of any pizza, and it is essential to choose the right crust for your pizza bites. A good crust should be crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. You can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own using flour, yeast, oil, and water. 2. Use High-Quality Ingredients The ingredients you use for your pizza bites can make all the difference in the taste and texture. Use high-quality ingredients such as fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and herbs to create a delicious pizza bite. You can also experiment with different toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. 3. Don’t Overload the Pizza Bites While it can be tempting to pile on as many toppings as possible, it is important not to overload your pizza bites. Too many toppings can make the crust soggy and overpower the flavors. Stick to a few toppings and ensure that each bite has a balance of flavors. 4. Preheat Your Oven Preheating your oven is essential for achieving a crispy crust. Set your oven to the desired temperature and allow it to heat up for at least 10-15 minutes before baking. This will ensure that your pizza bites cook evenly and have a crispy crust. 5. Use Cooking Spray Using cooking spray or brushing your pizza bites with oil can prevent them from sticking to the baking sheet. This will also help achieve a crispy crust and ensure that your pizza bites come out perfectly. 6. Experiment with Different Flavors and Toppings Pizza bites are versatile and can be customized to your liking. Experiment with different toppings such as BBQ sauce, chicken, bacon, and jalapenos. You can also use different herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme to create unique flavors. 7. Use a Pizza Cutter Using a pizza cutter can make it easier to cut your pizza bites into small, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that each bite is evenly sized and easy to eat. You can also use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes for your pizza bites. 8. Serve with Dipping Sauce Serving your pizza bites with dipping sauce can take the flavors to the next level. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own using ingredients such as garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese. Some popular dipping sauce options include ranch, marinara, and garlic butter. 9. Use Fresh Herbs Using fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor to your pizza bites. You can use herbs such as basil, thyme, and oregano to add a fresh and fragrant touch to your pizza bites. Simply sprinkle the herbs over your pizza bites before baking. 10. Don’t Overcook Your Pizza Bites Overcooking your pizza bites can make them dry and tough. Keep an eye on your pizzas while they are baking and set a timer to ensure that you don’t overcook them. Remove them from the oven when the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. Conclusion Making pizza bites is a fun and creative way to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. With these valuable tips, you can elevate your pizza bites game and create delicious and healthy appetizers. Remember to choose the right crust, use high-quality ingredients, and experiment with different flavors and toppings. Don’t overload your pizza bites, preheat your oven, and use cooking spray to achieve a crispy crust. Serve your pizza bites with dipping sauce, use fresh herbs, and don’t overcook them. With these tips, you can create awesome pizza bites that will impress your friends and family.

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