- Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F). Chop onion, tomato, and bell pepper into small cubes.
- Cut bread slices into circles using a lid or cookie cutter. Brush a muffin tray with olive oil.
- Press bread circles into muffin molds to create cup shapes. Spread pasta sauce evenly in each cup.
- Layer chopped vegetables and top generously with mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning and chili flakes over the cheese.
- Bake for 7-9 minutes until bread turns golden and cheese bubbles. Serve immediately.
- Calories:220 kcal25%
- Energy:920 kJ22%
- Protein:10 g28%
- Carbohydrates:30 mg40%
- Sugar:5 mg8%
- Salt:400 g25%
- Fat:8 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Easy Bread Pizza Recipe – Quick Capsicum & Mozzarella Bites
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need pizza, but you don’t have the time (or energy!) for a full-blown pizza night. That’s where these quick bread pizzas come in. They’re seriously the easiest, most satisfying little bites, and perfect for a snack, quick lunch, or even a fun appetizer. I first made these when my kids were craving pizza but I was short on time – they were a HUGE hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bread pizzas are a lifesaver for busy weeknights. They come together in under 30 minutes, require minimal effort, and use ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, they’re totally customizable – feel free to swap out the veggies or cheese to your liking! They’re also a fantastic way to get kids involved in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful little pizzas:
- 6 bread slices
- 1 onion
- 1 tomato
- Capsicum (bell pepper) – about ½, any color works!
- Mozzarella cheese – for topping (around 1 cup, grated)
- 2 tablespoons pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Chilli flakes – as needed (or to taste!)
Ingredient Notes
A few little tips from my kitchen to yours!
- Italian Seasoning: This is a game-changer. It adds so much flavour with just one sprinkle! If you don’t have a pre-made blend, you can easily make your own with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
- Quick Prep: The beauty of this recipe is how quickly everything comes together. Chopping the veggies is the most time-consuming part, but even that is super simple.
- Pasta Sauce: Use your favourite! A simple marinara or tomato-based sauce works best.
- Capsicum: I love the crunch and sweetness capsicum adds, but feel free to use any colour you prefer.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking!
- First, preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). While the oven heats up, let’s prep the veggies. Chop the onion, tomato, and capsicum into small, bite-sized cubes.
- Now, grab your bread slices and use a lid or cookie cutter to cut them into circles. This isn’t essential, but it makes them look extra cute!
- Lightly brush a muffin tray with olive oil. This prevents the bread pizzas from sticking.
- Gently press the bread circles into the muffin molds, creating little cup shapes.
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of pasta sauce evenly into each bread cup. Don’t overdo it, or the pizzas might get soggy.
- Layer the chopped vegetables on top of the sauce.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the veggies. Don’t be shy – cheese is always a good idea!
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and a pinch of chilli flakes (if you like a little heat).
- Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the muffin tray: Work in batches if necessary to ensure even baking.
- For extra crispy bread: Lightly toast the bread slices before assembling the pizzas.
- Cheese it up!: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, or a mozzarella blend.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan mozzarella cheese for a delicious plant-based version. My friend, Priya, swears by the Daiya brand!
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Simply use gluten-free bread slices.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chilli flakes to your preference. My family loves a good kick, so we usually add a generous pinch!
- Kid-Friendly Adaptation: Omit the chilli flakes altogether for a milder flavour that kids will love. My little ones prefer these without any spice.
Serving Suggestions
These bread pizzas are great on their own, but they’re even better with a side of:
- A fresh green salad
- A dollop of sour cream or yogurt
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or oregano
Storage Instructions
These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat in the oven or a toaster oven to restore some of the crispness.
FAQs
Let’s answer some common questions!
1. Can I use different vegetables for this bread pizza?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any veggies you like – mushrooms, spinach, olives, corn, or even leftover roasted vegetables would be delicious.
2. What kind of pasta sauce works best for this recipe?
A simple marinara or tomato-based sauce is ideal. You can also use a pesto sauce for a different flavour profile.
3. How can I make these ahead of time?
You can assemble the pizzas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before baking. Just add a minute or two to the baking time.
4. Can I bake these in an air fryer instead of an oven?
Yes! Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
5. What is a good dipping sauce to serve with these bread pizzas?
Ranch dressing, garlic mayo, or even a simple marinara sauce are all great options!