⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 8 servings

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

🍽 Ingredients

• 1 cup Warm water
• 2 tsp Active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Salt
• 2 tbsp Sugar
• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup Pizza sauce
• 1/2 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
• As desired Toppings of your choice

📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is crucial for a nice, crispy crust, so don't skip this step!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water (around 105-115°F) with 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. This activates the yeast—it's like giving it a little morning coffee!
3. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar to the yeast mixture. Stir until everything is nicely combined.
4. Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing with a fork or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Don't worry if it's a little sticky at this stage.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. This is where you get to really feel connected with your future delicious pizzas. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
6. Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Find a cozy spot for your dough, like next to a warm windowsill.
7. Punch down the risen dough to release the air. It's like a little doughy stress release for both you and the dough.
8. Divide the dough into 8 equal-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball. Then, using a rolling pin or your hands, flatten each ball into a mini pizza crust. Aim for about 6 inches in diameter.
9. Preheat your pizza pan or baking sheet in the oven for 5-10 minutes. This step ensures a crispy crust!
10. Place the mini pizza crusts on the hot baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of your favorite pizza sauce onto each crust. Don't overload them; remember we're aiming for delicious, not soggy!
11. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Get creative and add your favorite toppings—pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, you name it!
12. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning! Remember that ovens can vary.
13. Remove the mini pizzas from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade mini pizzas!

📝 Notes

• For extra flavor, try adding some garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the dough.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and toppings!