Basil Cheese Mini Pizzas

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp, bite-sized pizzas with fresh herb-infused cheese, ideal for quick weeknight dinners or kid-friendly gatherings. This italian-inspired kid friendly ready in about 32 minutes pairs ball (12 ounces) pizza dough, tomato sauce, tablespoons, chopped fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 218 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 218 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll pizza dough into a 1/4-inch-thick rectangle on a floured surface.
  2. Step 2: Brush 1 tablespoon olive oil evenly over the dough, then spread 1/2 cup tomato sauce in a thin layer.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil over the sauce, then sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  4. Step 4: Cut dough into 12 equal squares. Bake on a preheated baking sheet for 10–12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese melts.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Basil Cheese Mini Pizzas take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Basil Cheese Mini Pizzas?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ball (12 ounces) pizza dough from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Basil Cheese Mini Pizzas?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Basil Cheese Mini Pizzas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Basil Cheese Mini Pizzas?

Italian kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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