Imagine a bite-sized culinary adventure that combines the briny richness of clams, the vibrant freshness of spinach, and the classic comfort of pizza - all in one irresistible mini masterpiece! These Mini Clam Tomato and Spinach Pizzas are not just a meal, they're a gourmet experience that will transform your appetizer game from ordinary to extraordinary. Perfect for entertaining, quick lunches, or satisfying those unexpected pizza cravings, these little flavor bombs are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 mini pizzas
Ingredients
- 8 mini pizza crusts
- 1 cup canned clams, drained
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your mini pizzas cook evenly and get a nice, crispy crust.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare your ingredients. Drain the canned clams and set them aside in a bowl. Chop the spinach into small pieces if not already chopped.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the drained clams and chopped spinach. Mix them together gently to ensure they are well incorporated.
- In another bowl, pour in the marinara sauce. This will be the base for your mini pizzas. You can add extra seasonings such as garlic powder, oregano, or red pepper flakes to the sauce if desired for added flavor.
- Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent the mini pizzas from sticking.
- Place the mini pizza crusts on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each crust to allow for even cooking.
- Using a spoon, spread an even layer of marinara sauce over each mini pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Evenly distribute the clam and spinach mixture over the marinara sauce on each pizza. Make sure to spread it out so each bite has a good amount of toppings.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the clam and spinach mixture on each pizza, ensuring that the toppings are well-covered.
- Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the assembled mini pizzas. This will help them crisp up and add flavor as they bake.
- Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the mini pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. This will help the cheese set slightly and make them easier to handle.
- Serve the mini clam tomato and spinach pizzas warm. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Tips
- Use high-quality, fresh ingredients to elevate the flavor profile of your mini pizzas.
- Drain the clams thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making your pizza soggy.
- For extra crispiness, consider pre-toasting the mini pizza crusts for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding some parmesan or fontina for more complex flavor.
- If you want a spicier kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce before baking.
- Watch the pizzas closely in the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent burning, as mini pizzas cook faster than traditional pizzas.
- Let the pizzas rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make them easier to handle.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
