Name: Pie Crust Pizza Tarts
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 52 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces mini tart pans ((4 inches in diameter)); 1/2 batch My Favorite Buttermilk Pie Crust; 4 tablespoons pizza sauce ((homemade or store-bought)); 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ((2 oz)); 12 slices good-quality pepperoni; 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese; 4 pieces small basil leaves ((thinly sliced))

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If you’re looking for a fun and creative twist on traditional pizza, look no further than these adorable Pie Crust Pizza Tarts. Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, these little tarts combine the flakiness of buttermilk pie crust with the comfort of pizza toppings. They’re easy to make, customizable, and, best of all, utterly delicious! Get ready to impress your taste buds with a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for more.

Why This Pie Crust Pizza Tarts Stands Out

These Pie Crust Pizza Tarts stand out for several reasons. First, the buttery, flaky crust pairs perfectly with the savory pizza flavors, making each bite a delightful experience. The mini tart pans create the perfect individual serving size, ideal for parties or just a cozy movie night. Plus, they are incredibly versatile! You can play around with various toppings, sauces, and cheeses to suit your taste. Not to mention, they’re visually appealing — who can resist those golden, crispy edges peeking out from under a layer of gooey cheese and pepperoni?

Your Shopping Guide

When preparing to make your Pie Crust Pizza Tarts, here’s what you’ll need to gather:

4 mini tart pans (4 inches in diameter)
1/2 batch of My Favorite Buttermilk Pie Crust
4 tablespoons pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
12 slices good-quality pepperoni
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
4 small basil leaves, thinly sliced

Cook’s Kit

To make your Pie Crust Pizza Tarts, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

Mini tart pans: These are crucial for shaping your crust and holding your delicious fillings.
Rolling pin: Perfect for rolling out your pie crust to the right thickness.
Baking sheet: To place your tart pans on while they bake.
Mixing bowl: For combining your crust ingredients.
Sharp knife: For slicing basil and pepperoni.

Stepwise Method: Pie Crust Pizza Tarts

Step 1: Prepare the Buttermilk Pie Crust

Start by making a half batch of your favorite buttermilk pie crust. Mix together flour, salt, and cold butter until crumbly, then add buttermilk and mix until combined. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

While your dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure a perfectly baked crust.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once chilled, flour your work surface and roll out the pie crust to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles that are slightly larger than your tart pans.

Step 4: Form the Tart Shells

Gently press the dough circles into the mini tart pans, ensuring they cover the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.

Step 5: Add Pizza Sauce

Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce into each tart shell, covering the bottom evenly.

Step 6: Layer the Toppings

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese into each tart. Top with 3 slices of pepperoni, then add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Bake the Tarts

Place the filled tart pans on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with thinly sliced basil leaves before serving warm.

Tailor It to Your Diet

These Pie Crust Pizza Tarts can be easily tailored to fit various dietary preferences:

Vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni or replace it with your favorite veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pie crust mix to substitute the regular flour.
Cheese lover: Add a blend of cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or feta for added flavor.
Spicy kick: Incorporate spicy pepperoni or add jalapeños for a heat boost.

Troubles You Can Avoid

Making Pie Crust Pizza Tarts should be a fun experience, but here are a few common pitfalls to steer clear of:

Overworking the dough: This can lead to a tough crust. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps to maintain its flaky texture during baking.
Overfilling the tarts: Too many toppings can lead to overflow. Stick to the recommended amounts for a neat presentation.
Not preheating the oven: Make sure the oven is preheated to ensure even baking.

Best Ways to Store

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is often a good problem to have), here’s how to store your Pie Crust Pizza Tarts:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, wrap each tart in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat: To enjoy leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Your Top Questions

Can I use store-bought pie crust for these tarts?

Absolutely! Store-bought pie crust can save you time and still produce delicious tarts. Just make sure to follow the same steps for forming the tart shells.

What can I substitute for pepperoni?

If you’re not a fan of pepperoni, consider using cooked sausage, diced chicken, or even a variety of veggies like zucchini or spinach for a different flavor profile.

Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tart shells in advance and store them unfilled in the fridge. Add the sauce and toppings just before baking for the best results.

How do I know when the tarts are done baking?

The tarts are done when the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-browning.

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Next Steps

Now that you have your recipe for Pie Crust Pizza Tarts, it’s time to get into the kitchen and start creating! Gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and enjoy a fun cooking session. Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and flavors to make these tarts your own. They’re not just a meal; they’re an experience. Happy cooking!