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We’ve all been there, staring at the last few spoonfuls of crushed tomatoes left in the jar and wondering what to do with them. For those of us who love to can our own tomatoes, this becomes a frequent conundrum.
After using up most of the jar in a recipe, you’re often left with just a few ounces, not quite enough for a full dish, but too precious to toss.
That’s where these Personal-Sized Ciabatta Pizzas come to the rescue! Not only are they a clever way to make sure nothing goes to waste, but they’re also incredibly fun to make. Customizable with your favorite toppings, these mini pizzas are perfect for lunch, a quick dinner, or even a snack.
Plus, if you’ve got leftover veggies, meats, or cheeses lingering in the fridge, this is the ultimate recipe to help you clean house.
Personal-Sized Ciabatta Pizzas
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 Pastry Brush or Spoon (For Spreading Oil)
- 1 Oven-Safe Spatula or Tongs (For Broiling)
- 1 Garlic Press or Microplane For the Garlic
- 1 Broiler (In Oven)
Ingredients
- 1 Loaf 6-inch Ciabatta Bread Loaf Sliced in Half Lengthwise
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Cloves Garlic Peeled
- 1/4 Cup Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 Ounce Cooked Crumbled Sausage Or Any Leftover Protein
- 1 Ounce Diced Red Onion
- 1 Ounce Mozzarella Cheese Thinly Sliced
- 1/2 Ounce Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the OvenSet your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, prep your ingredients.
- Prepare the CiabattaTake your sliced ciabatta bread and brush the cut sides with olive oil. For that extra burst of flavor, rub each half with a whole clove of garlic, infusing the bread with aromatic goodness.
- Spread the SauceUse those extra crushed tomatoes from your jar, spreading about 2 tablespoons per ciabatta half. Don’t be shy—if you’ve got more sauce left over, feel free to use it!
- Add ToppingsSprinkle the cooked sausage and diced red onions evenly across both slices. These ingredients add a savory, slightly sweet crunch that pairs perfectly with the tomatoes
- Cheese it Up Layer thin slices of mozzarella over the bread, followed by a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan. This blend of cheeses creates a gooey, melty topping with just the right amount of sharpness
- BakePlace the ciabatta pizzas on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese begins to melt and bubble
- Broil for PerfectionTo get that beautiful, browned top, switch off the oven and turn the broiler to high. Slide the pizzas under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to ensure they don’t burn. Once the cheese is golden and bubbling, they’re ready
- ServeRemove the pizzas from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness
Video
Notes
- Customizable Toppings: The beauty of these mini pizzas is their flexibility. Use leftover veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Got some extra chicken or bacon? Toss it on! You can even switch out the mozzarella for any cheese you need to use up, like cheddar or provolone.
- Perfect Ciabatta Crunch: For an extra-crispy base, toast the ciabatta bread briefly before adding the toppings. This will ensure the bread doesn’t get soggy under the sauce.
- Herb it Up: Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can take these pizzas to the next level. Sprinkle them on after baking for a pop of color and flavor.
FAQs
What can I use instead of ciabatta bread?
You can use a baguette, French bread, sourdough, or any sturdy bread that can hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
How long should I bake ciabatta pizzas?
Bake the pizzas at 400°F for 5-8 minutes, then broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese.
Can I use marinara sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, marinara sauce works as a great substitute for crushed tomatoes.
What toppings can I add to ciabatta pizzas?
You can add vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, spinach, or proteins like cooked chicken, bacon, or pepperoni.
How do I store leftover ciabatta pizzas?
Store leftover pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze ciabatta pizzas?
Yes, assemble the pizzas, freeze them unbaked, and cook directly from frozen for 10-12 minutes at 400°F.
How can I make ciabatta pizzas crispier?
Toast the bread lightly before adding toppings or bake directly on a pizza stone for extra crunch.
What cheese can I use if I don’t have mozzarella?
You can use cheddar, provolone, or any melting cheese you have on hand.
Last Words
Personal-Sized Ciabatta Pizzas are a delicious, versatile way to use up leftovers while enjoying a quick and satisfying meal. With endless topping options and a simple preparation process, they’re perfect for any time of day. This recipe offers a great solution for reducing food waste while still enjoying something fresh and flavorful.
