Italian Mini Pizzas

These Mini Pizzas also known as Pizzette, are small, individual-sized pizzas, made with Homemade pizza dough or store bought dough. Topped with a delicious combination of tomatoes, your favorite toppings and of course mozzarella cheese, then baked to golden brown perfection! They make a great appetizer or snack. Everyone will love them.

Mini Pizzas are very popular in Italy, in Italy they are called Pizzette. The most popular toppings are of course a simple Margherita pizza, different veggie toppings, such as zucchini or eggplant and of course a delicious cheese and potato topping.

Recipe Ingredients

Pizza dough – either homemade Pizza dough or your favorite store bought

Tomato Topping

• Tomatoes – cherry or grape tomatoes or even tomato sauce (passata) nothing added
• Basil – ground or fresh basil
• Oregano
• Salt
• Olive oil

Potato Topping

• Potato – 2 small potatoes thinly slices
• Salt – rock salt if possible
• Rosemary – fresh rosemary sprigs

Extra Toppings

• Black olives – pitted black or green olives if you prefer
• Pancetta – chopped or bacon
• Mozzarella cheese- firm shredded mozzarella – fresh mozzarella might be too watery, you could also change up the cheese by using provolone or fontina or bel paese cheese

Of course you could add pizza sauce instead of fresh tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, grilled zucchini or eggplant, pepperoni, Italian sausage, broccoli, ham, spinach and dare I say pineapple?

My daughter born and raised in Italy loves pineapple on her pizza, as she says if in Italy they serve pizza topped with sliced hot dogs and french fries, then I can have pineapple! Can’t argue with that.

Whenever I make them I like to make a few mini calzone also. They are so good and so easy to make.

How to make this Mini Pizza Recipe

In a medium pot of boiling water boil the sliced potatoes for approximately 8-10 minutes (until tender but not mushy), drain, rinse with cold water and towel dry. Then thinly slice the potatoes and set aside.

In a medium bowl toss together all the ingredients for the Tomato Topping.

Remove small pieces of pizza dough and form into small circles (about 3-4 inches) with your hands for the mini pizzas (they don’t have to be perfect, remember pizza is a rustic dish). You can make them as thin or thick, depending on your preferred crust, as you want.

Top the circles with your choice of pizza toppings, tomato, potato and extras, you can mix and match however you like your pizza. Lightly grease a large baking sheet olive oil before placing the circles on top.

Drizzle each with a little olive oil and bake for approximately 10 minutes or when dough becomes golden brown, top with grated mozzarella and bake 2 minutes, serve immediately.

How to make Mini Calzone

Remove pieces of pizza dough to form bigger circles for the mini Calzoni, on one side place the topping, I made mine with tomato topping, pancetta or olives and grated mozzarella (remember to add the cheese).

Fold the empty side over and seal with a fork. Drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake for approximately 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.

What are mini calzones?

Mini calzones are small, individual-sized calzones that are typically filled with cheese and meat or vegetables. They are similar to traditional calzones, but are smaller in size and often served as an appetizer or snack.

Can mini pizzas and calzone be made ahead of time?

Yes, they can both be made ahead of time. Prepare them as directed and then refrigerate them for up to 2 days before baking, or you can prepare all toppings/fillings and then assemble just before you are ready to bake.

What are some good fillings for pizzette mini calzones?

Good fillings for pizzette mini calzones include meat such as pepperoni, sausage, pancetta (or bacon), or chicken, or even prosciutto, vegetables such as sliced potatoes, mushrooms, peppers, sliced pepperoni, or onions, and cheese such as ricotta or mozzarella.

Can pizzette mini calzones be made vegetarian?

Yes, pizzette mini calzones can be made vegetarian by using vegetables as the filling and omitting any meat.

How should pizzette mini calzones be served?

Pizzette mini calzones can be served as an appetizer or snack, usually with marinara or other dipping sauce on the side.

Potatoes should be cleaned, but don’t need to be peeled.

Use a mandolin slicer to create thinly sliced potatoes. Yellow or gold potatoes work well for this recipe.

How to store them

Any leftover should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. They will keep for up to 2-3 days in the fridge. They can be warmed up in the oven or microwave or eat cold. Why not!?

Can Mini Pizzas be frozen?

Yes, mini pizzas and calzone can both be frozen. Once they are prepared, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until they are solid. Then transfer them to a plastic bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

It’s the toppings that make these so darn delicious. How about doing something different and add a potato topping to your pizzette? You will be so glad you did. Enjoy. And Happy Super Bowl!

More Pizza Recipes

• White Pizza/Pizza Bianca
• Homemade Fresh Tomato Pizza
• Beer Pizza Dough
• Italian Sausage & Artichoke Cheese Pizza

Updated from January 19, 2015.