Pizza Pie Bites
These Pizza Pie Bites are an impressive party appetizer that are a huge hit with kids and adults alike. Also great to have in the freezer for snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Ground Italian sausage
- 8 oz. Block Mozzarella cheese
- 6 oz. Tomato paste
- 1/4 c. Water
- 1 T. Olive oil
- 2 t. Italian seasoning
- 1 t. Garlic powder
- 1 t. Salt
- 1/4 t. Crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 c. All-Purpose flour
- 2 t. Salt
- 1 t. Italian seasoning
- 4 T. Butter
- 3 T. Cold water
Instructions
- Brown Italian sausage in a small skillet. While meat cooks, cut block of mozzarella cheese into small chunks.
- Stir together the tomato paste, water, olive oil, 1 T. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, 1 t. salt and crushed red pepper flakes. Drain ground beef or Italian sausage and stir into tomato mixture. Stir in the mozzarella. Cover and refrigerate until assembling.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine flour, 2 t. salt and 1 t. Italian seasoning. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter, two knives or your hands until crumbly. Slowly add the water and stir. If necessary, form the dough into a ball with your hands, adding a bit more water as needed.
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter or glass, cut circles out of dough. Press into a mini muffin tin. Repeat as needed.
- Spoon about 2 teaspoons of pizza filling into each little cup. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-18 minutes, until cheese is thoroughly melted and crust is lightly golden brown.
Notes
- Easily double or triple this recipe with minimal extra effort or time.
- Have fun with the fillings. Replace the Italian sausage with pepperoni. Add black olives, onion, green peppers or mushrooms. All of your favorite toppings can work in this recipe!
- After baking, cool the pizza pie bites and then flash freeze on a cookie sheet for 30 minutes before transferring to a freezer bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or microwave for about 90 seconds.