Mediterranean Mini Pizzas with Roasted Tomatoes and Feta
Elevate your entertaining game with these Mediterranean Mini Pizzas, inspired by Martha Stewart's approach to visually stunning and flavorful hors d'oeuvres. These bite-sized delights feature a crispy pita base topped with caramelized grape tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and rich kalamata olives, all enhanced with fragrant fresh oregano. Perfect for lunch, snacks, or as a savory appetizer for gatherings, each mini pizza bursts with flavors reminiscent of the Mediterranean coast. They are not only simple to prepare but also visually appealing, ensuring that your guests will savor every bite. For an added twist, consider roasting garlic to incorporate creamy richness that pairs perfectly with the tang of the feta. Whether served fresh from the oven or at room temperature, these pizzas are sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
large pita breads
8 (Cut into 2-inch rounds)
grape tomatoes
1 pint (Halved)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (For roasting)
coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning tomatoes)
feta cheese
1/2 lb (Crumbled)
kalamata olives
16 (Pitted and quartered)
fresh oregano
2-3 sprigs (Leaves removed)
salt and pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, wash the grape tomatoes and slice them in half. In a shallow baking dish, toss the halved tomatoes with coarse salt and olive oil until evenly coated.
2
Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, until they are softened and slightly caramelized. You can prepare these roasted tomatoes a day in advance if desired.
3
Once the tomatoes are ready, take the pita bread and use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out mini pizza crusts. Each pita will yield approximately four mini pizzas. Arrange the pita rounds on a baking sheet.
4
Top each pita with a few roasted tomato halves, a generous sprinkle of quartered kalamata olives, and a couple of oregano leaves. Crumble feta cheese over the top of each mini pizza.
5
Bake the mini pizzas in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the pitas are crispy. These can be served immediately from the oven or allowed to cool to room temperature before serving.
6
For an added flavor boost, wrap a whole unpeeled head of garlic in aluminum foil and roast alongside the tomatoes. Once the garlic is soft, squeeze out the creamy cloves and mix them with a tablespoon of yogurt cheese or cream cheese. Spread a thin layer of this roasted garlic mixture on the pita before topping with the other ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Mini Pizzas?
They are bite-sized appetizers made with a crispy pita base, roasted grape tomatoes, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano.
What type of bread is used for the crust?
The recipe uses large pita breads cut into 2-inch rounds.
How many mini pizzas can you get from one pita bread?
Each large pita bread will yield approximately four mini pizza crusts.
What is the recommended size for the mini pizza crusts?
A 2-inch round cookie cutter is recommended to cut the pita rounds.
How should the grape tomatoes be prepared for roasting?
Wash the tomatoes, slice them in half, and toss them with coarse salt and olive oil in a shallow baking dish.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the tomatoes need to roast?
The tomatoes should be roasted for 35 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
Can I prepare the roasted tomatoes in advance?
Yes, the roasted tomatoes can be prepared one day in advance.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of crumbled feta cheese.
How should the kalamata olives be prepared?
The kalamata olives should be pitted and quartered.
What fresh herb is used for topping?
Fresh oregano leaves are used to enhance the Mediterranean flavor.
How long do the assembled mini pizzas bake?
They should bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and the pitas are crispy.
Can these mini pizzas be served at room temperature?
Yes, they can be served immediately fresh from the oven or allowed to cool to room temperature.
How can I add a creamy richness to the pizzas?
You can roast a whole unpeeled head of garlic, squeeze out the cloves, and mix them with yogurt cheese or cream cheese to spread on the pita.
How do you roast the garlic for this recipe?
Wrap a whole unpeeled head of garlic in aluminum foil and roast it alongside the tomatoes until soft.
What should the roasted garlic be mixed with?
The creamy roasted garlic cloves should be mixed with a tablespoon of yogurt cheese or cream cheese.
What is the total number of pita breads needed?
The recipe requires 8 large pita breads.
How much olive oil is used for roasting?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used to coat the tomatoes.
What kind of salt is suggested for seasoning the tomatoes?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 teaspoon of coarse salt.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these Mediterranean Mini Pizzas are vegetarian-friendly.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as an appetizer, snack, or finger food.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients listed for this recipe.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe style?
The recipe is inspired by Martha Stewart's approach to flavorful hors d'oeuvres.
What is the texture of the finished pita base?
The pita base becomes crispy after the final 8-10 minutes of baking.
How many tomatoes are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 pint of grape tomatoes.
How many olives are required?
You will need 16 kalamata olives, pitted and quartered.
What do you do with the oregano sprigs?
The leaves should be removed from the 2-3 sprigs before using them as a topping.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Yes, salt and pepper can be added to taste.
Are these pizzas good for entertaining?
Yes, they are described as visually stunning and perfect for gatherings.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor profile is Mediterranean, featuring caramelized, tangy, and rich savory notes.