Mini Pizzas with Homemade Dough and Sauce

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### **Instructions for Making Mini Pizzas with Homemade Dough and Sauce**

#### **1. Prepare the Dough**
– **Activate the Yeast**: In a small bowl, dissolve **1 teaspoon of sugar** in **3/4 cup warm water**. Sprinkle the **yeast** over the water and stir to combine. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is activated.

– **Make the Dough**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the **flour**, **salt**, and **Italian seasoning** (if using). Add the **yeast mixture** and **2 tablespoons olive oil** to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough starts to come together, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

– **Let the Dough Rise**: Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil, place the dough in the bowl, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

#### **2. Make the Pizza Sauce**
– **Cook the Sauce**: In a medium saucepan, heat **1 tablespoon olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **tomato sauce**, **garlic powder**, **oregano**, **basil**, and **sugar**. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with **salt and pepper** to taste. Once done, set it aside to cool.

#### **3. Preheat the Oven**
– Preheat your oven to **475°F (245°C)** and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.

#### **4. Shape the Mini Pizzas**
– Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into **4-6 equal portions**, depending on the size of the mini pizzas you want to make.

– Roll each portion of dough into a small circle or oval, about **6-8 inches in diameter**, using a rolling pin or your hands. Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper for easy transfer to the hot baking sheet or pizza stone.

#### **5. Assemble the Mini Pizzas**
– Spread a generous amount of the homemade pizza sauce over the surface of each pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.

– Add your favorite **toppings**. Start with a layer of **shredded mozzarella cheese**, then add your desired toppings such as **pepperoni**, **bell peppers**, **mushrooms**, or any other vegetables or meats you enjoy.

#### **6. Bake the Mini Pizzas**
– Carefully transfer the mini pizzas (with the parchment paper) to the preheated baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven. Bake for about **10-12 minutes**, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

#### **7. Serve and Enjoy**
– Remove the pizzas from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. If desired, garnish with **fresh basil** or a sprinkle of **parmesan cheese** for added flavor.

Serve these delicious mini pizzas with a side of salad, garlic bread, or any other favorite sides. They’re perfect for a fun family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties!

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### **Tips for Perfect Mini Pizzas**

1. **Use a Pizza Stone**: If you have a pizza stone, use it! It will give your mini pizzas a crisp, restaurant-quality crust. Make sure the stone is preheated in the oven before baking.

2. **Roll the Dough Thin**: For a crispy crust, roll the dough thinly. If you prefer a softer, thicker crust, roll it slightly thicker, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

3. **Get Creative with Toppings**: Mini pizzas are all about customization. Try adding different cheeses, fresh herbs, or even drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the top after baking for an extra layer of flavor.

4. **Make Extra Dough**: The dough can be easily stored in the fridge for a day or two if you want to make extra mini pizzas or save some for later. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

5. **Don’t Overload the Toppings**: While it’s tempting to pile on lots of toppings, too many can cause the pizza to become soggy. Keep it balanced for the best results.

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### **Conclusion**

Making **Mini Pizzas with Homemade Dough and Sauce** is a fun, easy, and satisfying way to enjoy pizza at home. With fresh, homemade dough and sauce, these mini pizzas are bursting with flavor and offer endless possibilities for toppings. Whether you’re enjoying them on a weeknight, having a pizza party, or simply craving something homemade, these mini pizzas will always be a hit.

So, grab your apron, gather your favorite toppings, and get ready to create the best mini pizzas you’ve ever had. It’s the perfect family activity and a delicious way to spend time together in the kitchen!