What type of dough works best for these maple leaf shapes?

Pizza dough, either homemade or store-bought, rolled to about 1/4 inch thickness, works well for clean cutting and baking.

Can I substitute the cheeses used in this dish?

Yes, smoked gouda or goat cheese can replace mozzarella and cheddar for richer flavor notes.

Thinly sliced red, yellow, and orange bell peppers along with red onion and baby spinach create the bright foliage effect.

Yes, roasted butternut squash or sliced mushrooms add extra autumnal depth and texture.

Lightly brushing the edges with olive oil before baking helps maintain moisture and creates a golden finish.

Miniature pizzas shaped like maple leaves, topped with vibrant autumn-hued vegetables and a sweet touch of maple, perfect for festive gatherings.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite during our fall parties with its colorful and delicious toppings.

Dough: 1 pound (450 g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), All-purpose flour for dusting
Sauce: 1/3 cup (80 ml) tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1 clove garlic minced, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings: 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 small red bell pepper thinly sliced, 1/2 small yellow bell pepper thinly sliced, 1/2 small orange bell pepper thinly sliced, 1/4 small red onion thinly sliced, 1/4 cup (30 g) baby spinach chopped, 2 tablespoons corn kernels (optional), Olive oil for brushing

Preheat Oven:: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Dough:: On a lightly floured surface roll out the pizza dough to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Using a maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter (about 4 inches/10 cm wide) cut out 8 shapes. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
Mix Sauce:: In a small bowl mix the tomato sauce maple syrup garlic oregano salt and pepper.
Assemble Pizzas:: Spoon a thin layer of the sauce onto each dough leaf.
Add Cheese:: Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar over the sauce.
Add Toppings:: Arrange the bell peppers onion spinach and corn on top to create a colorful foliage effect.
Brush Edges:: Lightly brush the edges of the dough with olive oil.
Bake:: Bake for 13–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden.
Cool and Serve:: Let cool slightly before serving.

These mini pizzas have become a tradition in our family gatherings every fall season.

Maple leaf-shaped cookie cutter Rolling pin Baking sheet Parchment paper Mixing bowls Pastry brush

Contains Wheat (gluten) and Milk (cheese). May contain Corn if using corn kernels. Always double-check labels for allergens.

Per mini pizza: Calories 180 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 23 g Protein 7 g

These mini pizzas bring the colors and flavors of fall right to your table perfect for any gathering.

→ What type of dough works best for these maple leaf shapes?: Pizza dough, either homemade or store-bought, rolled to about 1/4 inch thickness, works well for clean cutting and baking.
→ Can I substitute the cheeses used in this dish?: Yes, smoked gouda or goat cheese can replace mozzarella and cheddar for richer flavor notes.
→ How do I achieve the vibrant autumn colors on the topping?: Thinly sliced red, yellow, and orange bell peppers along with red onion and baby spinach create the bright foliage effect.
→ Is it possible to add other vegetables to these bites?: Yes, roasted butternut squash or sliced mushrooms add extra autumnal depth and texture.
→ What is the best way to prevent dough edges from drying out during baking?: Lightly brushing the edges with olive oil before baking helps maintain moisture and creates a golden finish.