Penny Pizzas
Penny Pizzas are mini savory bites featuring wieners wrapped in flavorful dough, perfect for snacks, parties, or casual gatherings with a cheesy, herb-infused crust.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups sifted flour ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon onion salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/3 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1/3 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 pound wieners, cut in 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- Sift together flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, garlic salt, and onion salt. Stir in Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and oregano.
- Cut shortening into the flour mixture to make coarse crumbs. Add milk, tomato paste, and unbeaten egg, stirring with a fork until the dough follows the fork around the bowl.
- Knead the dough on a floured board 5 or 6 times.
- Roll the dough around each wiener to form a cup.
- Place the formed penny pizzas on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F until browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider using a mix of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour. If you don’t have shortening, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. Additionally, feel free to customize the flavors by adding your favorite herbs or spices. For a vegetarian twist, replace the wieners with sautéed vegetables or use a meat alternative from vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Penny pizzas are perfect as a fun appetizer or snack for parties. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They pair beautifully with Any Cheese Appetizers for a delightful spread. Consider adding a fresh salad or vegetable platter to balance the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover penny pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penny Pizzas contains roughly 833 calories, with 20g protein, 184g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (234% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 748mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze penny pizzas?
Yes, you can freeze penny pizzas before or after baking. To freeze before baking, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. If baked, let them cool completely before freezing, then reheat as needed.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute with grated Pecorino Romano, or for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor. Keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How do I ensure my dough isn't too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky while kneading, you can sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface or your hands. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the dough tough. The goal is a soft but manageable dough that holds its shape.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).