Mediterranean-Friendly Mini Pizza Bites (Gluten-Free)

Mediterranean-Friendly Mini Pizza Bites (Gluten-Free)

These mini pizza bites are perfect for parties, snacks, or light meals. Featuring a Mediterranean twist, they include vibrant veggies, olives, and herbs on a homemade gluten-free dough that’s soft inside and crisp outside. They’re also naturally anti-inflammatory and thyroid-friendly

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Rest Time for Dough: 30 minutes

• Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes

Yield:

Makes about 20 mini pizza bites

Ingredients:

Gluten-Free Pizza Dough:

• 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum if not included)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp sea salt

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

• ¾ cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)

• 1 tsp instant dry yeast

Toppings:

• ½ cup sugar-free marinara or tomato basil sauce

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, sliced

• ¼ cup black olives, sliced

• ¼ cup red onions, finely diced

• ¼ cup bell peppers, finely diced

• 2 tbsp crumbled feta or dairy-free cheese (optional)

• 1 tsp dried oregano or za’atar

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

• Olive oil drizzle (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:

• In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and oregano.

• Add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients.

• Mix until a dough forms. If sticky, add a little more flour. Knead gently for 2-3 minutes.

• Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat & Prepare:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

• Lightly flour a surface and roll out dough to about ¼-inch thick.

• Use a cookie cutter or small glass to cut out 2-3 inch rounds.

3. Assemble Pizza Bites:

• Place rounds on baking sheet.

• Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce onto each round.

• Add toppings: tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives, and cheese if using.

• Sprinkle oregano or za’atar over the top.

4. Bake:

• Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are golden and toppings are cooked.

5. Serve:

• Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve warm.

Notes & Tips:

• Flour Tip: Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes rice flour, tapioca, and xanthan gum for best texture.

• No Yeast Option: You can omit the yeast and replace water with carbonated water for a quicker version, but flavor and texture will differ.

• Sauce Idea: Try hummus or baba ganoush instead of marinara for variety.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer for crispness.

Nutritional Info (Per Pizza Bite – Approximate):