Craving pizza but don’t want to go through the hassle of making a whole pie? Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are the answer! These little bites of deliciousness combine all the classic flavors of a pizza—cheese, pepperoni, and a zesty sauce—wrapped up in a soft, buttery dough. They’re perfect for parties, movie nights, or when you need a fun snack that’s easy to make and even easier to devour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the Pizza Flavor: The perfect way to enjoy pizza in bite-sized form.
- Customizable: Fill them with your favorite pizza toppings!
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for gatherings, or just for snacking while binge-watching your favorite shows.
- Super Simple: These come together quickly with minimal prep!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at the ingredients (find the full list below):
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices
- Butter and garlic for the coating
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
If you’re using store-bought dough, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. If it’s homemade, roll it to about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 2: Add the Cheese and Pepperoni
Cut the dough into squares. In each square, place a slice of pepperoni and a small handful of shredded mozzarella.
Step 3: Form the Bombs
Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching the sides together to seal the pizza bombs. Make sure they’re tightly sealed so nothing escapes while baking!
Step 4: Coat with Butter
Melt some butter and mix it with garlic powder. Brush this buttery mixture all over the pizza bombs to give them a golden, flavorful finish when they bake.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the pizza bombs on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve with Sauce
Serve your Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Add a little extra: Throw in some cooked sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a more loaded pizza bomb!
- Make them extra cheesy: Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even Parmesan for a twist.
- Brush with seasoned butter: Try adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the butter for more flavor.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Different Toppings: Skip the pepperoni and use ham, bacon, or cooked ground beef.
- Dough Options: Use biscuit dough for a fluffier, quicker result.
- Vegetarian Option: Use veggies like spinach, onions, and mushrooms instead of meat for a veggie-packed pizza bomb.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these pizza bombs with a side of fresh salad or crispy veggies to balance out the richness of the cheese. Pair with a cold beer, a sparkling water, or a tangy iced tea for the ultimate snack experience!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover pizza bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in the microwave for about 15 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pizza bombs ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake them right before serving.
2. Can I freeze the pizza bombs?
Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked pizza bombs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 18-20 minutes.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of mozzarella and ricotta.
4. Can I make these without pepperoni?
Of course! Use any other toppings you like, or keep it simple with just cheese for a vegetarian option.
Conclusion
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines all the goodness of pizza in a fun, bite-sized package. Whether you’re making them for a party, a cozy movie night, or just as a snack for yourself, they’re sure to be a hit. Go ahead and give them a try—I promise, they won’t last long!
PrintCheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are bite-sized delights that encapsulate the classic flavors of pizza in a convenient, poppable form. Each golden, flaky dough ball is filled with savory pepperoni slices and gooey mozzarella cheese, offering a satisfying snack or appetizer perfect for gatherings or a quick treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 can (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into 3×3-inch squares.
- Assemble Bombs: Place a teaspoon of marinara sauce in the center of each dough square. Add a few mini pepperoni slices and a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Form Balls: Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling to form a ball, pinching the seams tightly to seal. Place each ball seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Season: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Brush this mixture over the tops of each pizza bomb.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Allow the pizza bombs to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm with additional marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Ensure the dough is sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- These pizza bombs can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza bomb
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg