Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bites are a perfect snack or appetizer that combines the delicious flavors of pizza in bite-sized portions. These pizza bites are made with a soft, golden crust, stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese and savory pepperoni, and brushed with garlic-infused olive oil for extra flavor. Perfect for game day, parties, or even a quick snack, these bites can be served with marinara sauce for dipping. They’re simple to prepare, bake quickly, and are easy to customize by adding your favorite pizza toppings. With their crispy edges and melty center, these pizza bites are a sure crowd-pleaser!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bites:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (about 13.8 oz)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni, chopped
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Parmesan cheese (for topping, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to a rectangular shape about 1/4-inch thick.
Step 2: Cut the Dough and Add Fillings
- Cut the pizza dough into 12-16 equal squares (about 2×2 inches each) for uniform pizza bites.
- Place a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped pepperoni in the center of each square. Avoid overfilling to ensure the dough can wrap around the fillings without tearing.
Step 3: Wrap and Seal the Bites
- Carefully fold the corners of each dough square up and pinch the edges together to seal the fillings inside. Roll each one into a ball, making sure the seam side is down.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 4: Brush with Olive Oil and Seasonings
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Brush each dough ball with the seasoned olive oil mixture to add flavor and help them turn golden brown in the oven.
Step 5: Add the Egg Wash and Optional Toppings
- Brush each pizza bite with the beaten egg for a glossy finish.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top for extra flavor (optional).
Step 6: Bake the Pizza Bites
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pizza bites are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly inside.
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
Step 7: Serve with Marinara Sauce
- Serve the pizza bites warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Garnish with extra Italian seasoning or chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 210 kcal |
Total Fat | 10 g |
Saturated Fat | 4 g |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Protein | 8 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sodium | 400 mg |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make these pizza bites with homemade pizza dough?
Yes, homemade pizza dough works just as well. Make sure to roll it out to the same thickness as store-bought dough for even baking.
Q2: What other fillings can I use besides pepperoni and mozzarella?
Feel free to customize with fillings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, olives, or any cheese blend you prefer. Just be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing the dough difficult.
Q3: Can I freeze these pizza bites?
Yes, they freeze well! After baking, let the pizza bites cool completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to enjoy.
Q4: How can I reheat leftover pizza bites?
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, but the crust may not be as crispy.
Q5: Are there any gluten-free options?
Yes, you can substitute the pizza dough with gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe gluten-free. Check the package instructions for baking times, as they may vary.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bites
- Avoid Overfilling: Use just enough cheese and pepperoni to fill each bite without overloading it. Overfilling can make it difficult to seal the dough, and the cheese may leak during baking.
- Customize the Fillings: Get creative with your fillings. Try adding other toppings like bell peppers, jalapeños, or cooked sausage for different flavors.
- Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: Brushing the pizza bites with egg wash gives them a glossy, golden finish. If you don’t have eggs, you can brush them with milk as an alternative.
- Use a Pizza Stone: For an extra crispy bottom, bake the pizza bites on a preheated pizza stone if you have one.
- Serve Freshly Baked: These bites taste best when served warm right out of the oven, with gooey melted cheese inside.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven or toaster oven for best results.
- Freezing: After baking, allow the pizza bites to cool completely. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating from Frozen: When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen pizza bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until they are warm throughout.
Conclusion:
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bites bring the classic flavors of pizza into a fun, handheld snack that’s perfect for any occasion. These bites are a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice, whether you’re preparing them for a party, a family gathering, or a cozy movie night at home. With the combination of mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and a hint of Italian seasoning, every bite offers a burst of flavor. Easy to make and customizable to suit your taste, these pizza bites are sure to be a hit. Serve them warm with a side of marinara sauce, and enjoy the satisfying taste of homemade pizza in every delicious bite!