There’s a certain delight in crafting food that’s as comforting as it is fun, and Mini Stuffed Pizzas perfectly fit that bill. Picture this: you’re winding down after a long day, the kitchen a cozy haven filled with the savory aroma of garlic and onions sizzling in olive oil. As I stir the rich tomato sauce, I can’t help but feel like a culinary magician, transforming simple ingredients into a family favorite.
These mini calzones are not just another meal; they’re your ticket to a lively kitchen adventure. With a quick prep time and endless filling possibilities, they’re destined to become a staple in your weeknight lineup. Whether loaded with pepperoni, veggies, or a decadent blend of cheeses, they’re packed with flavor, warmth, and that joyful nostalgia of pizza night—all while being perfectly portioned for sharing (or not, I won’t judge!).
Ready to create your own batch? Follow along, and let’s make some culinary memories together with these easy, irresistible Mini Stuffed Pizzas!
Why You'll Love This Mini Stuffed Pizzas
- These Mini Stuffed Pizzas offer the ultimate ease of preparation, making them perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers.
- Bursting with flavor from the savory garlic, onion, and seasoned tomato sauce, each bite is a delightful experience for your taste buds.
- Their versatility allows you to customize the filling with your favorite toppings, ensuring everyone at the table leaves satisfied.
- Visually appealing and perfectly golden, they are sure to impress guests and family alike with their fun, inviting appearance.
Mini Stuffed Pizzas Ingredients
Get ready to dive into the world of mouthwatering flavors with these delightfully simple Mini Stuffed Pizzas!
For the Sauce
- Olive oil – this adds a rich flavor and helps sauté the vegetables.
- Medium onion – finely chopped or grated gives sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
- Garlic – finely diced to enhance the aroma and taste of your filling.
- Tomato sauce – canned (29 oz) forms the base of your savory sauce, infusing each pizza with rich tomato goodness.
- Tomato paste – canned (6 oz) thickens the sauce and intensifies the flavor.
- Pizza seasoning – 4 tablespoons or a blend of rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes to create an aromatic punch that makes your Mini Stuffed Pizzas irresistible.
- Salt and pepper – to taste, enhancing the overall flavor of your sauce.
For the Dough
- Refrigerated pizza dough – 2 tubes to form the delightful pockets that hold your yummy filling; it saves time and effort!
For the Filling
- Favorite pizza toppings – get creative with pepperoni, veggies, or cheeses, tailoring each mini pizza to personal preference and tastes.
- Cheese – your choice of shredded cheese melts magically, giving that gooey goodness we all crave.
No matter how you choose to fill your Mini Stuffed Pizzas, they are sure to spark joy and satisfy those cravings for homemade comfort food!
How to Make Mini Stuffed Pizzas
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Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
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Sauté veggies: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Simmer sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, pizza seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
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Roll out dough: Open the tubes of refrigerated pizza dough and roll them out on a floured surface. Cut them into squares, making portions great for mini calzones.
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Fill the dough: Place a spoonful of the homemade sauce, along with your favorite toppings and cheese, onto one side of each dough square, creating your mouthwatering filling.
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Seal Calzones: Fold the dough over the filling to enclose it completely. Pinch the edges well to seal, making sure none of that delicious filling escapes.
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Bake until golden: Arrange the mini pizzas on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy!
Optional: Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Mini Stuffed Pizzas are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling—sautéed onions, garlic, and seasoned tomato sauce—up to 3 days in advance. Simply store the cooled filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also roll out the pizza dough and cut it into squares ahead of time, just refrigerate the dough until you’re ready to assemble them. When you’re ready to serve, fill the dough pockets and bake directly from the fridge for about 5 extra minutes, ensuring just as delicious results. This way, you can save time on busy weeknights while still enjoying homemade comfort food!
How to Store and Freeze Mini Stuffed Pizzas
Fridge: Store leftover mini stuffed pizzas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow them to cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the mini pizzas individually on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, place frozen mini stuffed pizzas directly on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quick fix, though the crust may not be as crispy.
Thawing: If frozen, thaw the pizzas overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Mini Stuffed Pizzas Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your Mini Stuffed Pizzas with these delightful twists!
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Gluten-Free: Swap regular dough for gluten-free pizza dough, ensuring everyone can enjoy these tasty treats without worry.
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Veggie Delight: Load them with spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a fresh, colorful filling that’s bursting with nutrients.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to give your pizzas an exciting heat that will tantalize your taste buds.
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Cheesy Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations, like mozzarella, cheddar, or feta, for a melty, gooey goodness that will make each bite unforgettable.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs such as basil or parsley into your filling for an aromatic twist that adds a garden-fresh flavor.
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Meat Lovers: Include cooked ground sausage, ham, or bacon bits for a heartier treat that satisfies even the hungriest of appetites.
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Breakfast Style: Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked breakfast sausage for a fun brunch option that’s perfect any time of day.
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Sweet Surprise: For a dessert spin, fill with Nutella and banana slices before baking for a sweet treat that the kids will adore.
Each variation offers a unique flavor adventure, inviting you to enjoy these Mini Stuffed Pizzas in new and exciting ways!
What to Serve with Mini Stuffed Pizzas?
Cozy up your dining experience with dishes that complement the delightful flavors of these mini wonders.
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Garlic Bread: This warm, buttery treat adds a crunchy contrast, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
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Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with crisp lettuce and tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pizzas and adds vibrant color to your meal.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and caramelized veggies provide a flavorful, healthful side that enhances the overall meal experience with their earthy notes.
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Marinara Dipping Sauce: For added fun, serve a side of marinara to dip those mini pizzas, enhancing their tomato goodness!
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Antipasto Platter: A colorful mix of olives, meats, cheeses, and peppers turns your meal into a delightful feast that invites sharing and conversation.
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Sparkling Lemonade: The zesty fizz of sparkling lemonade brings a refreshing touch that perfectly cuts through the savory richness, making each bite sing.
Embrace the joy of sharing, and let these delightful pairings turn any evening into a memorable occasion!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Mini Stuffed Pizzas, be sure to finely chop the onion and garlic to ensure they cook evenly and infuse your sauce with flavor.
- A common mistake is overfilling the dough; remember to add just enough filling to prevent spills while baking.
- Roll the pizza dough evenly to ensure consistent cooking and a perfect golden brown crust.
- Keep an eye on your mini pizzas in the last few minutes of baking, as oven temperatures can vary and you want them to reach that ideal crispy texture without burning.
Mini Stuffed Pizzas Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for my Mini Stuffed Pizzas?
Absolutely! When choosing your ingredients, look for firm, fresh vegetables. For the onions, select ones that are smooth and free from dark spots. Your garlic should have no blemishes, and for toppings, opt for veggies that are vibrant and crisp. If using frozen toppings, check that they are well-packaged, without freezer burn.
What’s the best way to store leftover Mini Stuffed Pizzas?
For best results, allow your leftover mini stuffed pizzas to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking, and to maintain their crunchy texture!
Can I freeze Mini Stuffed Pizzas? If so, how?
Very! To freeze your mini stuffed pizzas, start by baking them fully. Once completely cooled, lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, which usually takes about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, pack them in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 3 months!
How should I reheat frozen Mini Stuffed Pizzas?
To reheat, first preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen mini stuffed pizzas directly on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy. For a quicker option, you can microwave them for about 1-2 minutes, but keep in mind that the crust won’t be as crunchy.
What can I do if my mini pizzas are leaking filling?
Ah, a common dilemma! If you experience leaking filling, it’s usually because of overfilling. When assembling, ensure you only add a spoonful of sauce and a handful of toppings. Also, press the edges of the dough firmly when sealing to create a tight seal. If you still have issues, you can try brushing the edges with a bit of water before pinching to help them adhere better.
Are there any dietary considerations for Mini Stuffed Pizzas?
Certainly! If you’re catering to allergies, be mindful of ingredients like cheese and certain toppings, which may contain gluten or dairy. For a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free pizza dough, and vegan cheese for a dairy-free alternative. Also, ensure any toppings, like meats, are sourced from trusted suppliers to avoid allergens. Always check labels carefully!
Mini Stuffed Pizzas
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil for sautéing
- 1 medium Onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic finely diced
- 29 oz Tomato sauce canned
- 6 oz Tomato paste canned
- 4 tablespoons Pizza seasoning or a blend of herbs
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tubes Refrigerated pizza dough
- Favorite pizza toppings pepperoni, veggies, or cheeses
- Cheese shredded, your choice
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, pizza seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Open the tubes of refrigerated pizza dough and roll them out on a floured surface. Cut into squares.
- Place a spoonful of sauce, favorite toppings, and cheese onto one side of each dough square.
- Fold the dough over to enclose the filling. Pinch edges to seal.
- Arrange on baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
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