Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour (if using), baking powder, salt, dried oregano, and garlic powder.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. You may need to adjust the water slightly to achieve the right consistency.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow it to rise slightly.
Step 2: Shape the Mini Pizza Crusts
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. If using cookie cutters, cut the dough into mini pizza shapes. Otherwise, use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the mini pizza dough rounds on it.
Step 3: Add Toppings
- Spread Sauce: Spoon a small amount of pizza sauce onto each mini pizza crust, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Add Veggies: Arrange the sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and baby spinach on top of the cheese.
- Season: Sprinkle with dried basil or Italian seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Bake the Mini Pizzas
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crusts are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the mini pizzas cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy the mini pizzas warm as an appetizer, snack, or light meal.
Tips and Tricks
- Customize Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Other great options include sliced jalapeños, artichoke hearts, or roasted vegetables.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mini pizza crusts and freeze them ahead of time. Just bake them from frozen for a quick and easy snack.
- For Crispier Crusts: Pre-bake the mini pizza crusts for 5 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings to make them extra crispy.
Conclusion
Veggie-filled mini pizzas are a versatile and tasty treat that can be enjoyed by everyone. With their crisp crust, savory toppings, and vibrant vegetables, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. These mini pizzas are not only delicious but also a great way to get more veggies into your diet. Enjoy these bite-sized delights at your next gathering or as a fun family meal!