Mini Pizza Bites

These are a great appetizer or have them for dinner! Great for kids AND adults. Super easy and delicous! Oh yeah, a healthier option too! Zach liked them just as much without the sauce- I liked them with and without!

You can bake or grill them! We chose to bake them. Mostly because we don't really have a place to grill at our apartment. You have options! How great!

PREP: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 - 25 minutes

Total: 30 - 35 minutes

INGREDIENTS

12 button mushrooms, wiped of any dirt and stems removed

1/2lb italian sausage

1 egg white

1/4-1/2 cup pizza sauce or no sugar added marinara sauce 

DIRECTIONS (for baking)

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F

Wipe down your mushrooms and remove stems. Then place them stem side up on a plate

Toss your Italian sausage in a bowl and add your egg white. Use your hands to combine it all together

Then make tablespoon size balls of the meat mixture and plop them into the cap of the mushrooms

Place in the oven and cook for about 20 - 25 minutes or until sausage is cooked through- NOTE: I put them all on cooling racks to help them stand better- I didn't put parchment or foil under but I absolutely recommend doing so

Also- I put the smaller caps toward the front of the pan and larger ones in the back since baking times were different for size

If you are grilling- Place on top rack of grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until sausage is cooked through

Grab a larger mini and cut to check whether its done. You will know your meat is cooked when there is no pink. OR if you're fancy, use a thermometer. Here's a handy temp chart for you to double check http://southernfood.about.com/library/info/blroast.htm 

Top each mushroom and sausage cap with either hot or cold pizza/marinara sauce

Stick a toothpick in it - blow on it, it will be damn hot - and devour it!

Enjoy!

--All the best!

Recipe from: www.paleomg.com