Garlic Bread Mini Pizzas

These irresistible mini pizzas are a perfect fusion of garlic bread and pizza. Made with fresh bread brushed with a savory garlic butter, they are baked in a muffin tin to create a fun, handheld appetizer. The filling options are endless, allowing you to top them with your favorite pizza ingredients. They are the perfect party food that is easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit.

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. 2

   Using a large can (like an 800g / 28oz tomato can), cut rounds from each slice of bread. This will create perfectly sized rounds that fit snugly into the muffin tin. Alternatively, you can simply cut the crusts off the bread slices and press the squares into the muffin tin.

3. 3

   Gently press each bread round into the cups of a muffin tin, molding them to create a cup shape.

4. 4

   In a small microwave-safe bowl or mug, melt the butter with the crushed garlic and salt in 30-second increments until the butter is fully melted.

5. 5

   Brush the inside of each bread cup with the melted garlic butter, making sure to distribute the crushed garlic evenly.

6. 6

   Divide the pizza sauce among the bread cups, then top with the diced onion and chopped mushrooms.

7. 7

   Sprinkle the grated cheese over the vegetables, then top each cup with a few slices of small pepperoni.

8. 8

   Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden and crispy.

9. 9

   Serve the mini pizzas warm and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

• Bread – For best results, use fresh white sandwich bread. Stale bread will crumble and will not hold its shape when you mold it into the muffin tin. If your bread is slightly stale, you can brush it with extra butter to moisten it before molding it in.

• Quick pizza sauce – You can easily make a quick pizza sauce by mixing together 1/2 cup of tomato paste, 1 1/2 tbsp of water, 1/4 tsp of garlic powder, 1/4 tsp of onion powder, 1/4 tsp of salt, 1/4 tsp of sugar, 1/2 tsp of dried oregano, and a pinch of black pepper.

• Pepperoni – Small, pre-sliced mini pepperoni are ideal for this recipe. If you can't find them, you can use long, thin pepperoni and slice them yourself. Twiggy sticks, often found in the deli section of supermarkets, also work well; you only need about 75g (2.5oz).

• Make-ahead instructions – To prepare these in advance, bake them until the cheese is melted and the bread is a light golden color. Let them cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, place them on a baking tray and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is remelted.