What dough works best for these mini pizzas?

A tender pizza dough, either store-bought or homemade, rolled about 1/4 inch thick works best to hold the toppings while baking crisp edges.

Can I use different cheeses for the topping?

Yes, substitutions like smoked gouda or goat cheese add a deeper flavor and complement the autumn theme well.

Use a maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter about 4 inches wide to cut the dough evenly and achieve the festive leaf look.

The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and enhances the autumn flavor profile.

Absolutely, adding mushrooms or roasted butternut squash boosts the seasonal feel, and corn kernels add a sweet crunch if desired.

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 smile at our family gatherings and makes celebrating fall even more special.

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

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.
Make sauce:: In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce, maple syrup, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Assemble pizzas:: Spoon a thin layer of the sauce onto each dough leaf. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar over the sauce. Arrange the bell peppers, onion, spinach, and corn on top to create a colorful foliage effect. 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.
Serve:: Let cool slightly before serving.

Our family loves gathering to make these pizzas every fall, sharing laughs and memories around the vibrant colors and cozy flavors.

Maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter, rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper, mixing bowls, pastry brush

Contains wheat (gluten) and milk (cheese). May contain corn if using kernels. Always double-check labels for allergies.

Per mini pizza: 180 calories, 7 g total fat, 23 g carbohydrates, 7 g protein

Enjoy these festive mini pizzas fresh from the oven for the best flavor and presentation.

→ What dough works best for these mini pizzas?: A tender pizza dough, either store-bought or homemade, rolled about 1/4 inch thick works best to hold the toppings while baking crisp edges.
→ Can I use different cheeses for the topping?: Yes, substitutions like smoked gouda or goat cheese add a deeper flavor and complement the autumn theme well.
→ How do I create the maple leaf shape precisely?: Use a maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter about 4 inches wide to cut the dough evenly and achieve the festive leaf look.
→ What is the purpose of the maple syrup in the sauce?: The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and enhances the autumn flavor profile.
→ Can additional toppings be added?: Absolutely, adding mushrooms or roasted butternut squash boosts the seasonal feel, and corn kernels add a sweet crunch if desired.