Delicious & Easy Mini Deep Dish Meat Lovers Pizzas (Weight Watchers Friendly!)
Ah, pizza! It’s undeniably one of the most beloved foods across the globe. The good news for anyone following the Weight Watchers (WW) program is that you absolutely can enjoy a satisfying slice of real pizza and skillfully work it into your daily points. While indulging in a traditional full-sized pizza is always an option, I constantly seek out creative and delicious ways to enjoy this classic comfort food in a more point-friendly manner. That’s precisely where these incredible mini deep dish pizzas come in!
These individual deep dish meat lovers pizzas are not only incredibly delicious and deeply satisfying, but they’re also remarkably easy to prepare. You won’t need a lengthy list of ingredients, making them a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend project. Watch as the whole family gathers around, eager to dig into these perfectly portioned, flavorful bites that bring all the joy of pizza without the guilt. They are truly a game-changer for pizza night, offering robust flavors and a hearty texture in a size that helps with portion control.
Mini Deep Dish Meat Lovers Pizza Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 package Pillsbury pizza dough (or similar refrigerated pizza crust)
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce (choose a low-sugar variety to keep points down)
- 1/3 cup light shredded cheese (part-skim mozzarella or a blend works great for fewer points)
- 36 slices of pepperoni (consider turkey pepperoni for a lower fat option)
- 4 oz cooked lean ground beef (90% lean or higher is recommended for Weight Watchers)
- 4 slices cooked low-point bacon, crumbled (Oscar Mayer center cut is a great choice for lower points)
- 1 chicken sausage, cooked and diced (I used a spicy Al Fresco sausage for an extra kick, but any preferred chicken sausage will work)
Instructions
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Begin by cooking your lean ground beef, chicken sausage, and bacon. Ensure all meats are thoroughly cooked, then drain any excess fat and set them aside. This step can be done in advance to save time.
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, lightly spray a 12-hole regular-sized muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the dough from sticking.
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Unroll your pizza dough and carefully cut it into 12 even pieces. Gently press each piece of dough into a muffin cup, making sure to pull the dough up the sides to form a deep dish shape. Pre-bake the dough for 6 minutes. After pre-baking, remove the tin from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). At this point, the dough will be easier to shape; carefully press it further into the muffin cups to achieve the desired deep dish form, being mindful that it will be hot.
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Dice up your cooked chicken sausage into small, bite-sized pieces. Combine the diced sausage with the cooked ground beef. Chop your cooked bacon into crumbles and thoroughly mix it into your meat mixture. This creates a delightful blend of flavors and textures for your topping.
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Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce into the bottom of each of the 12 pre-baked dough cups. Follow this by dividing the light shredded cheese evenly among the 12 pizzas, layering it over the sauce.
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Next, divide your prepared meat mixture evenly among the 12 pizzas, placing it on top of the cheese. Finally, crown each mini pizza with 3 slices of pepperoni.
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Bake the mini pizzas in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the crusts are perfectly cooked. Serve immediately and enjoy! This recipe yields 12 delicious mini pizzas, each coming in at around 4 SmartPoints (SP) or 4 PersonalPoints (PP) on Weight Watchers.
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Nutritional information per mini pizza: Calories 144, Fat 5.1g, Saturated fat 1.2g, Carbs 16.8g, Fiber 0.8g, Sugars 2.5g, Protein 8.3g. (These values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.)
Additional Information
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Why These Mini Deep Dish Pizzas Are a Game Changer
These mini deep dish pizzas are more than just a tasty treat; they offer several benefits that make them a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire, especially if you’re mindful of your diet or simply looking for convenient meal options.
- Weight Watchers Friendly: With just 4 SmartPoints or PersonalPoints per pizza, they fit easily into most daily allowances. The use of lean meats, light cheese, and portion-controlled dough helps keep the points low without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfect Portion Control: The muffin-tin format naturally creates individual portions, making it simple to track what you eat and avoid overindulging. No more guessing if you’ve had “just one slice”!
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, these pizzas can be on your table in about 40 minutes. The straightforward steps and minimal ingredient list make them ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a fast, satisfying meal.
- Family Favorite: Who doesn’t love pizza? These mini versions are kid-friendly and universally appealing. You can even set up a mini “pizza bar” for the family to customize their own toppings before baking.
- Deep Dish Satisfaction: The deep dish style offers a substantial, hearty feel that often comes with a higher calorie count. By using a clever dough technique and smart ingredient choices, you get that satisfying deep dish experience in a lighter package.
- Versatile: While this recipe focuses on a “meat lovers” version, these mini pizzas are incredibly adaptable. Feel free to swap out toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Tips for Perfect Mini Deep Dish Pizzas
Achieving the best results with these mini deep dish pizzas is simple with a few helpful tips:
- Dough Handling: When pressing the dough into the muffin cups, don’t be afraid to really stretch it up the sides. This creates that classic deep dish crust that holds all the delicious fillings. The pre-bake step helps set the dough, making it easier to shape without tearing. If the dough is too sticky, a light dusting of flour on your hands can help.
- Topping Preparation: Ensure all your meat toppings are cooked and drained thoroughly before adding them to the pizzas. Excess grease can make the pizzas soggy. Dicing your chicken sausage and crumbling the bacon into small pieces ensures an even distribution of flavor in every bite.
- Cheese Choice: While light shredded cheese is recommended for WW, you can experiment with other low-fat cheese blends. A sprinkle of Parmesan can also add a nice flavor boost without too many extra points.
- Don’t Overfill: It can be tempting to pile on the toppings, but remember these are mini pizzas! Overfilling can lead to spills in your muffin tin and uneven cooking. Stick to the suggested amounts for best results.
- Customization is Key: While this is a meat lovers recipe, feel free to add your favorite vegetables. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or even a few spinach leaves would be great additions. Just remember to account for any additional points if you’re tracking.
- Serving Temperature: These pizzas are best served immediately when they are warm and the cheese is perfectly melted. However, they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Weight Watchers (WW) Considerations for This Recipe
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its alignment with the Weight Watchers program. Each mini deep dish pizza is thoughtfully designed to be low in points, making it an excellent option for those managing their intake without feeling deprived of their favorite foods.
- Ingredient Choices: We specifically use lean ground beef, low-point bacon (like Oscar Mayer center cut), and light shredded cheese to minimize fat and calorie content, directly impacting the SmartPoints or PersonalPoints value. Selecting a low-sugar pizza sauce also contributes to a healthier profile.
- Portion Control by Design: The muffin tin format inherently provides perfect portion control. This helps prevent overeating, a common challenge with traditional large pizzas where it’s easy to have “just one more slice.” Knowing exactly how many points each mini pizza is makes tracking simple and stress-free.
- Satisfying & Filling: Despite being lower in points, these mini deep dish pizzas are incredibly satisfying. The hearty combination of meats, cheese, and a robust crust ensures you feel full and content, helping to curb cravings for less healthy alternatives.
- Flexibility with Toppings: If you want to reduce the points further or add more zero-point foods, consider incorporating a generous amount of non-starchy vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or spinach. These additions can boost fiber and nutrients without significantly increasing the point value. Just be mindful of high-point vegetables like corn or potatoes.
- Smart Dough Selection: Pillsbury pizza dough provides a convenient and consistent base. Be sure to check the nutritional information for the specific brand you choose, as point values can vary slightly between products.
By making these conscious choices, you can enjoy the rich, comforting taste of a meat lovers pizza while staying on track with your Weight Watchers goals. It’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor!
Serving Suggestions
These mini deep dish pizzas are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a fresh, light side dish to create a balanced and satisfying meal:
- Green Salad: A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing is the perfect complement. It adds freshness and extra vegetables to your meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for added nutrients without heavy calories.
- Light Soup: A clear broth-based vegetable soup or a simple tomato soup can make for a cozy and comforting pairing, especially on a chilly evening.
Storage and Reheating
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a rare occurrence with these!), they store and reheat beautifully:
- Storage: Allow the mini pizzas to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the pizzas in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. You can also microwave them, but the crust may not be as crispy.
- Freezing: These mini pizzas freeze well! Once completely cooled, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious mini deep dish pizzas:
- Can I use a different type of pizza dough?
- Yes, you can! While Pillsbury pizza dough is convenient, feel free to use your favorite store-bought refrigerated pizza crust or even a homemade dough. Just ensure it can be rolled thin enough to cut into 12 pieces and pressed into the muffin tin cups. Keep in mind that different doughs may have varying point values for Weight Watchers.
- What if I don’t like some of the “meat lovers” toppings?
- This recipe is highly customizable! You can easily omit any meat you don’t prefer or substitute it with other lean proteins or vegetables. For instance, you could use turkey sausage instead of chicken sausage, or add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for a different flavor profile. Just remember to cook any raw vegetables beforehand to ensure they soften properly during the short bake time.
- Can I make these vegetarian?
- Absolutely! To make these mini deep dish pizzas vegetarian, simply omit all the meat toppings. You can replace them with an abundance of your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, olives, or spinach. You might also consider adding some plant-based sausage crumbles or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for an umami boost.
- Is there a way to make the crust crispier?
- The pre-baking step helps create a sturdy and slightly crispy crust. For an even crispier bottom, you could try baking the empty dough cups for a minute or two longer during the pre-bake phase. Ensuring your muffin tin is well-oiled also helps with achieving a nice golden-brown finish.
- Can I prepare these in advance?
- You can do some prep work ahead of time. Cooking and crumbling the ground beef, bacon, and dicing the chicken sausage can be done a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also pre-bake the dough cups and store them for a day, but they are best assembled and baked fresh for optimal taste and texture.
Conclusion
These Mini Deep Dish Meat Lovers Pizzas are a testament to the fact that you don’t have to compromise on taste or satisfaction when you’re focusing on healthier eating. They offer all the beloved flavors and textures of a classic deep dish pizza in a perfectly portioned, Weight Watchers-friendly package. Easy to make, incredibly delicious, and a surefire hit with everyone, they’re perfect for a family dinner, a fun appetizer, or a delightful snack. Get ready to redefine your pizza night with this smart and savory recipe!