Mini Mexican Pizzas

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Gather the ingredients.

2. Step 2

   Cut 2 rounds out of each tortilla using a small biscuit cutter or tracing around the edge of a small glass with a paring knife. 

3. Step 3

   Heat the canola oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot to 375 F using a candy or frying thermometer . Add 5 to 6 tortilla rounds to the hot oil. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. They should be lightly golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with all of the corn tortillas.

4. Step 4

   Preheat the oven to 425 F. 

5. Step 5

   After the tortillas have cooked, combine the refried beans with the garlic powder, salt, and hot sauce.  

6. Step 6

   Place about 1 to 2 teaspoons of the refried bean mixture onto the top of each fried corn tortilla round. Spread it evenly, almost completely to the edges.  

7. Step 7

   Top each mini Mexican pizza with a sprinkling of the shredded cheese. Place the completed pizzas on a parchment-paper -lined baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges are slightly browned.

8. Step 8

   Drizzle each pizza with the taco sauce. It's helpful to put the taco sauce in a small squirt bottle. 

9. Step 9

   Add a small amount of sour cream to each Mexican pizza and sprinkle with the chopped cilantro and scallions. All 3 garnishes are optional, but they make the pizzas look pretty and add a pop of flavor.