These freezer-friendly peri peri mini pizzas are perfect for a quick and flavorful snack or meal. Topped with a spicy peri peri sauce, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite toppings, these bite-sized pizzas are made to be stored in the freezer for a fast, satisfying treat whenever you need it. Simply bake from frozen for a delicious, easy option on busy days!
Combine the pizza dough ingredients in a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
Gradually add warm water while mixing. Beat the dough for approximately 5 minutes until it becomes smooth, soft, and no longer sticky. Approximately 1 cup and 2 tablespoons of warm water may be required.
Alternatively, knead the dough by hand until it reaches the same smooth consistency.
2. Proof the Dough
Lightly grease the mixing bowl and the surface of the dough with oil.
Cover the bowl with cling wrap or foil and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for at least 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Peri Peri Chicken
1. Marinate the Chicken
Combine the chicken with the specified marinade ingredients and allow it to rest for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Use only 2 tablespoons of Hot Peri Peri Sauce at this stage, reserving the remaining 2 tablespoons for later.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan or on a grill.
Cook the marinated chicken until it is fully cooked and slightly charred.
Add the reserved 2 tablespoons of Hot Peri Peri Sauce to the cooked chicken. Mix well and set aside to cool.
Freezing Mini Pizzas
1. Prepare the Dough
Preheat the oven to 250°C (480°F).
Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a clean surface and punch it down to release air bubbles.
Divide the dough into two portions. Roll each portion into a 30 cm (12-inch) circle. Use a cutter or round object to cut out 12 cm (5-inch) circles. This recipe yields two large pizzas or approximately 20 mini pizzas.
2. Par-Bake the Crusts
Arrange the dough circles on a baking tray, leaving space between them. If you have limited trays, cover the unused dough circles with a clean cloth while waiting.
Brush the tops with olive oil and pierce each circle multiple times with a fork to prevent puffing.
Bake for 3-5 minutes, until the dough feels dry to the touch but remains white. This ensures the crusts are par-baked for freezing.
Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
3. Assemble and Freeze
Brush the cooled crusts with olive oil, spread pizza sauce evenly, and add a generous layer of cheese (use more cheese on the bottom layer).
Drizzle approximately 1 teaspoon of Nando's Hot Peri Peri Sauce on top.
Add your toppings, such as Peri Peri Chicken, olives, capsicum, and red onions. Sprinkle with dried oregano. Avoid adding the top layer of cheese to prevent mess during freezing.
Wrap each mini pizza tightly in cling film and then in aluminum foil for double protection against freezer burn.
Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
4. Reheating Frozen Pizzas
When ready to bake, remove the pizzas from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
Unwrap and sprinkle with additional cheese if desired.
Bake in a preheated oven at 250°C (480°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
Baking Mini Pizzas Immediately
1. Assemble
Place the mini pizza cutouts on a baking sheet.
Spread a layer of pizza sauce and add your desired toppings, including cheese and seasonings.
2. Bake
Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
Enjoy your mini pizzas!
Notes
Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite veggies, meats, or extra cheese.