Cheesy, bite-sized mini pizzas shaped like basketballs, ideal for snacks and gatherings with a fun twist.
# Components:
→ Dough
01 - 1 lb pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
→ Sauce & Cheese
02 - 1/2 cup pizza sauce
03 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
→ Toppings & Decoration
04 - 24 slices pepperoni (optional)
05 - 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 2 tablespoons cornmeal for dusting
08 - 2 tablespoons thinly sliced black olives
09 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust with cornmeal.
02 - Divide pizza dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then flatten gently into a 2-inch round.
03 - Place a spoonful of pizza sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella in the center of each round. Optionally add a pepperoni slice.
04 - Pinch edges to seal filling, roll gently back into a ball, and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Brush balls lightly with olive oil. For enhanced color, mix tomato paste with olive oil and brush over each.
06 - Sprinkle each ball with finely grated Parmesan cheese.
07 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
08 - Let cool for 2 minutes. Use thin strips of black olive to create basketball lines on each bite.
09 - Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
