Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or other pizza toppings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers), chopped
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Optional for garnish:
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra pizza sauce (for dipping)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, and stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, chop your pizza toppings (pepperoni, sausage, veggies) into small pieces.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella cheese with the oregano and garlic powder.
3. Assemble the Mini Pizza Buns:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch from the edges.
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture and chopped toppings evenly over the sauce.
- Carefully roll the dough up into a log, pinching the edges to seal.
- Slice the rolled dough into 12-15 equal pieces and place them cut-side down on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake the Mini Pizza Buns:
- Brush the tops of the buns with olive oil.
- Bake the mini pizza buns in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
5. Serve:
- Remove the mini pizza buns from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped basil.
- Serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping!
These Mini Pizza Buns are soft, cheesy, and packed with flavor—a perfect bite-sized treat for pizza lovers!