MINI PIZZAS

Mini Pizzas image

Provided by Tony DiSalvo

Yield Makes 24

Number Of Ingredients 6

24 slices firm white bread
3/4 pound sweet or hot Italian sausages, casings removed
3 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 cup packed grated mozzarella cheese (about 4 ounces)
3/4 cup purchased pizza or marinara sauce
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 ounce)

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly oil 24 muffin cups. Using 2 1/2- to 2 3/4 inch-diameter cookie cutter, cut out center of each bread slice (reserve trimmings for another use). Press bread rounds onto bottoms and about 1/2 inch up sides of prepared cups, forming crusts.
Sautamp;é sausage and garlic in heavy large skillet over medium heat until brown, breaking up with spoon, about 15 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer mixture to bowl; mix in mozzarella, 1/2 cup pizza sauce and Parmesan. Divide filling among crusts. Top each with 1/2 teaspoon of remaining sauce.
Bake pizzas until crusts are light brown and filling is heated through, about 20 minutes. Serve hot.