How to Make Perfect Mini Thick Crust Pizzas at Home | Easy Recipe & Tips

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Written By Nittany Pizza

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Who can resist the charm of mini thick crust pizzas? These little bites of heaven bring all the satisfaction of a classic pizza but in a perfectly portioned size. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun family dinner, or simply craving something indulgent, these mini pizzas deliver big on flavor and texture.

With their golden, pillowy crusts and endless topping possibilities, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You get the joy of customizing each one to suit your mood or your guests’ preferences. Plus, they’re easy to make and even easier to devour. Why settle for delivery when you can whip up these irresistible mini masterpieces right in your own kitchen?

Ingredients

Ingredients
Ingredients

To make mini thick crust pizzas, gathering the right ingredients for the dough, sauce, and toppings is essential. Each component plays a vital role in creating a flavorful, indulgent bite that tantalizes your taste buds. The crust forms the foundation of the pizza, and for a thick crust pizza, you’ll need high-quality ingredients that contribute to its soft yet sturdy texture.

For The Dough

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For The Sauce

  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of sugar

For The Toppings

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup sliced pepperoni
  • ½ cup diced bell peppers
  • ½ cup sliced black olives
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes for garnish

Tools And Equipment

Preparing mini thick crust pizzas at home requires a handful of essential tools to ensure smooth and efficient cooking. Begin with a large mixing bowl for combining and kneading the dough. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to achieve precise measurements for each ingredient.

A clean work surface or pastry mat is necessary for rolling and shaping the dough into mini pizza bases. To roll the dough evenly, rely on a sturdy rolling pin. If you have cookie cutters or a round cutter, these can help create uniform mini pizza sizes, but a glass or cup can also work in a pinch.

A baking sheet or pizza stone is crucial for baking. The pizza stone ensures even heat distribution for a perfectly crisp base, but a non-stick or lightly oiled baking sheet works just as well. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.

For spreading the sauce, have a small spoon or silicone spatula ready. A cheese grater is useful for freshly shredding mozzarella or Parmesan. Topping placement will benefit from a paring knife for slicing vegetables or meat into bite-sized pieces.

Finally, preheat your oven accurately using an oven thermometer if needed, as precise temperature control guarantees the best results. Keep these tools organized to streamline your pizza-making process.

Directions

Directions
Directions

Follow these steps to create your mini thick crust pizzas from scratch. Each part of the process is laid out clearly to ensure your pizzas turn out perfect.

Prep The Dough

Start by dissolving 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in 1 cup of warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the frothy yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together.

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed, but avoid over-flouring. Shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the mixing bowl coated lightly with olive oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size.

Prepare The Sauce

While the dough is rising, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in 1 cup of canned crushed tomatoes and stir well. Season with ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of black pepper.

Simmer the sauce for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Once done, remove it from heat and let it cool completely. You can blend the sauce for a smoother texture or leave it chunky, depending on your preference.

Prepare The Toppings

As the sauce cools, get your toppings ready. Shred 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. Slice your desired toppings, such as pepperoni, bell peppers, or black olives, into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh herbs, like basil, chop them finely. Keep all your prepared toppings in separate bowls for convenient assembly later.

Assemble The Mini Pizzas

Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small round, about 4 to 5 inches in diameter, ensuring an even thickness for that perfect thick crust.

Place the mini dough rounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of sauce over each round using the back of a spoon. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the sauce. Top with your preferred toppings, being mindful not to overload each pizza.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the crusts are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Carefully remove the mini pizzas and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Instructions

Cooking Instructions
Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to cook your mini thick crust pizzas to perfection. Make sure your oven is preheated for consistent results.

Carefully place your prepared mini pizzas onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or your preheated pizza stone. Allow enough space between them to promote even cooking. Transfer the baking sheet or pizza stone to the center rack of your oven. Bake at 450°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust edges are golden brown.

Watch closely during the final minutes to avoid overbaking. Once done, use oven mitts to safely remove the pizzas from the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing these mini thick crust pizzas in advance can make your cooking experience seamless and stress-free. Start by making the pizza dough up to two days ahead. After kneading the dough and allowing it to rise, you can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Ensure the dough is lightly coated with oil to prevent drying out.

For the sauce, cook it fully following the recipe instructions, then let it cool. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days. This step saves time on the day you assemble your pizzas. If you prefer, the sauce can also be frozen for up to three months. Defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before use.

Toppings can also be prepped in advance. Chop your vegetables, shred the cheese, and slice any meats or olives ahead of time. Store the prepped toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days.

On the day of serving, assemble the pizzas as needed. Lay out the dough, spread the sauce evenly, and add your desired toppings. This preparation method ensures that you can serve fresh, delicious mini pizzas without the rush of making everything from scratch on the same day.

Tips For Best Results

Tips For Best Results
Tips For Best Results

Use high-quality ingredients to elevate the flavor of your mini thick crust pizzas. Fresh mozzarella, ripe vegetables, and good olive oil make a important difference. Always check the freshness of your yeast to ensure the dough rises properly. Expired or inactive yeast will prevent your crust from achieving the right texture.

Preheat your oven thoroughly to 450°F before baking. An evenly heated oven ensures the crust cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden-brown finish. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating for the crispiest crust results.

When rolling out the dough, dust your work surface and rolling pin lightly with flour. This prevents sticking and helps you achieve an even thickness. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch for a perfectly thick crust that bakes evenly.

Avoid overloading your mini pizzas with sauce and toppings. Too many toppings can weigh down the dough and make the crust soggy. Distribute your toppings evenly, leaving some exposed crust around the edges for a classic pizza finish.

Position your pizzas with enough space between them on the baking sheet or pizza stone. Crowding them can trap steam, leading to less crispy crusts. Use parchment paper or lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.

Keep an eye on the pizzas during the last few minutes of baking. The cheese should bubble, and the edges of the crust should turn golden-brown without overcooking. If using multiple baking sheets, rotate them halfway through the bake time for even browning.

Let the pizzas cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making the pizzas easier to handle and improving the overall flavor.

Conclusion

Mini thick crust pizzas are a perfect blend of fun, flavor, and convenience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a cozy homemade meal, these customizable little pizzas bring joy to any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a delicious treat that rivals your favorite pizzeria.

By preparing ahead and following a few key tips, you’ll master the art of crafting these delightful bites. So, roll up your sleeves, get creative with toppings, and enjoy the satisfaction of making mini thick crust pizzas right in your kitchen.

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