Save Miniature pizzas shaped like maple leaves, topped with vibrant autumn-hued vegetables and a sweet touch of maple, perfect for festive gatherings.
This recipe always brings a cozy feel to our fall gatherings and is a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- Dough: 1 pound (450 g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), All-purpose flour, for dusting
- Sauce: 1/3 cup (80 ml) tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1 clove garlic, minced, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, Salt and pepper, to taste
- Toppings: 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced, 1/2 small yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced, 1/2 small orange bell pepper, thinly sliced, 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced, 1/4 cup (30 g) baby spinach, chopped, 2 tablespoons corn kernels (optional), Olive oil, for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Using a maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter (about 4 inches/10 cm wide), cut out 8 shapes. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Mix sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce, maple syrup, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Apply sauce:
- Spoon a thin layer of the sauce onto each dough leaf.
- Add cheese:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar over the sauce.
- Arrange toppings:
- Arrange the bell peppers, onion, spinach, and corn on top to create a colorful foliage effect.
- Brush edges:
- Lightly brush the edges of the dough with olive oil.
- Bake:
- Bake for 13 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden.
- Cool:
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Save We love sharing these mini pizzas during crisp fall afternoons, surrounded by family laughter and warm drinks.
Required Tools
Maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter, Rolling pin, Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Mixing bowls, Pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) and Milk (cheese). May contain Corn if using corn kernels. Always double-check labels for store-bought dough and cheese if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Per mini pizza: 180 Calories, 7 g Total Fat, 23 g Carbohydrates, 7 g Protein.
Save These mini pizzas bring a delightful autumn touch to any party. Serve fresh and enjoy the vibrant flavors that celebrate the season.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of dough works best for these maple leaf shapes?
Pizza dough, either store-bought or homemade, rolled to about 1/4 inch thickness, works best for clean, sturdy maple leaf cutouts.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses used?
Yes, mozzarella and cheddar provide creaminess and sharpness, but smoked gouda or goat cheese can add a complex flavor twist.
- → How do I achieve the vibrant fall colors on top?
Use a mix of thinly sliced red, yellow, and orange bell peppers along with red onion and baby spinach to create a colorful, autumn-inspired topping.
- → Is the maple syrup only for sweetness or does it add flavor?
Maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness and a warm, rich undertone that complements the tomato sauce and enhances the fall theme.
- → What oven temperature and time are recommended for baking?
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 13 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the dough edges turn golden brown.
- → Can these be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the shaped dough and toppings in advance, keeping them refrigerated until ready to assemble and bake for best freshness.