Italian Sausage Mini Pizzas with Balsamic Syrup
I’ve been making a lot of “mini” things lately. Just a few days ago I posted my Mini Goat Cheese Balls and here I am making mini pizzas. This is a trend that seems it’s not going anywhere anytime soon, and I’m just fine with that.
I whipped up this recipe after Johnsonville asked if I’d enter their recipe contest. As part of their blogger panel, they make such requests from time to time. You know how much I love their sausage; it was a part of life growing up in Wisconsin, and as a blogger who has flown to work with them on several occasions, I’ve also gotten to know a few of their key folks and the culture there. Let’s just say it’s safe to say that I’m a big Johnsonville fan all the way around.
Their recipe contest can be found on their Facebook page. The contest asks participants to post a photo of their unique “Italian Inspired” recipe incorporating Johnsonville Italian Sausage. The grand prize is a culinary trip for two to Abruzzo, Italy! If you have a good, original recipe up your sleeve using Italian sausage, you should give it a shot (it ends April 1st, so get cookin’)! I’ve never been to Italy but that would make for a nice anniversary present for Alan :-)
These pizzas are quick to make and have a different flair from your typical sausage pizza. They’d make a great appetizer for a party, an easy lunch or even dinner with a salad.
Italian Sausage Mini Pizzas with Balsamic Syrup
- 1 package pizza dough (or use your favorite recipe)
- 1 package ground Johnsonville Italian Sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 c balsamic vinegar
- 1 T dijon mustard
- 1 c finely shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tomatoes, sliced thinly
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Preheat oven to 375F. Roll pizza dough until very thin (a thin crust works best with these). Cut out 12 3-inch circles from dough. Place dough circles on ungreased sheet pan.
Meanwhile, boil vinegar until reduced to 1/4 cup and is a syrup consistency. Whisk in mustard; if not syrupy enough boil for one more minute. Using a pastry brush (silicone is best but any will do), brush balsamic syrup generously over dough rounds. Sprinkle with 2 t mozzarella. Top with one slice of tomato and cooked sausage.
Bake mini pizzas for 10-12 minutes or until dough is nicely browned. Remove from oven, sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Looks delicious! Love your photos!!
Thank you so much!!
Ohhhh my! Those sound soooo scrumptious and they are adorable too!
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Want. Need. Pinning…
Amy recently posted..Chocolate Chickpea Cookies and a Cookies for Kids’ Cancer/Breville 5 Qt Stand Mixer Giveaway
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I think I will have to try these out on the great grand children when they visit next weekend.
Thanks,
Grandma Kat
XOXOXOXOXO
I think that sounds like a great idea, Grandma Kat! xoxoxo
Yummers!! Love your photos :D Balsamic syrup is so tasty!!
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These definitely look delicious! The perfect bite size snack.
Thanks Monica!
These look great! I love Italian sausage and I love mini pizzas! Mmm! Good luck in the contest! I would have voted but I didn’t see anywhere people could vote (only enter). Italy would be such a nice vacation spot!
Thanks for trying, Alex!
Nice recipe! I just printed it. Question… what did you use to cut the little circles? A cookie cutter? I would use a small glass I think since I don’t have cookie cutters that small, but I was just wondering since they are about the size of the sausage/pepperoni slice.
I used circle cutters that I purchased from Amazon. Any size would work, it just depends on how big or small you want them!
Love those mini individual pizzas…and what lovely click!
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That’s a tasty bite. I hope you win contest. Meantime, I’m pinning one of these photos – they’re great!
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What a great idea for a cocktail party! These are wonderful. I’ll definitely be saving your recipe to try in the future. Thanks for sharing!
That’s great, Georgia! Thanks for swinging by!
Looks delicious! Love the photos.
Thanks, Asmita!
Looks SO good! I love mini foods, they are a huge hit with all ages around here as are foods on sticks. :) Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Meg! Thanks for stopping in :-)
This sounds delish. My boys love pizza but this would solely be for ME! Balsamic syrup? Ummm, I think so!
I think that’s why I love them, too – balsamic syrup on anything is sooo good!
The syrup is dreamy….. and mini’s are so cute for a party!!! The last pic is wonderful (stomach growling!)
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These look absolutely delicious! The perfect midweek supper. I love your short focus photos of them too!
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WOW–these look and sound delish and I know my husband would go gaga for them!
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Thanks, Katie! You’ll have to let me know if you try them and what you think!
These look mouthwatering! And I agree, your photos are stunning :)
Thanks so much, Aimee!
My internet is doing funny stuff, so I’m posting version #2 of my original comment – just in case it didn’t go through.
I, too, love Johnsonville Sausages. They are so versatile! I crumble them in to my pizzas and omelets. I mix them in my meatballs and bolognese ragu. That said, it’s better to “mini”-mize than super size! Love your mini pizzas!
Thanks so much, Jen!