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 fun fall twist to traditional mini pizzas. I love making these with my family during the holidays because they are both delicious and visually festive.
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.
Save My family always looks forward to these mini pizzas every fall, especially enjoying the fun of shaping the dough together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a fresh arugula salad and a crisp glass of apple cider for a complete autumn meal.
Variations
Try swapping mozzarella with smoked gouda or goat cheese and adding sliced mushrooms or roasted butternut squash for extra depth.
Storage Tips
Store leftover mini pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
Save Enjoy these festive pizzas as a fun family activity and a delicious seasonal treat.
Recipe FAQ
- → What dough works best for these mini pizzas?
Both store-bought and homemade pizza dough work well. Just roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick and cut with a maple leaf-shaped cutter for the best results.
- → How can I enhance the maple flavor in the sauce?
Adding pure maple syrup to the tomato sauce balances the acidity with a subtle sweetness, enhancing autumn-inspired flavors.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses used?
Yes, swapping mozzarella or cheddar with smoked gouda or goat cheese adds depth and a richer flavor profile.
- → What vegetables complement the autumn theme best?
Thin slices of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, red onion, and baby spinach bring vibrant fall colors and fresh textures.
- → How long and at what temperature should these be baked?
Bake the mini pizzas at 425°F (220°C) for 13 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and edges turn golden brown.
- → Are there any suggested side pairings?
Serving with a simple arugula salad and a glass of cider pairs perfectly, complementing the autumn flavors.