Description
Delicious and fun-to-eat Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Bites, made from soft pizza dough filled with melted mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni slices, seasoned with Italian herbs and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, snacks, or game day treats, these bite-sized pizza balls pair wonderfully with warm pizza sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (16 oz)
Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
Topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking pan or a cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Divide Dough: Open the refrigerated pizza dough and divide it into 24 equal pieces to create evenly sized pizza bites.
- Fill Dough Circles: Flatten each dough piece into a small circle. Place a pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese and a few mini pepperoni slices in the center of each circle to create a flavorful filling.
- Seal Dough Balls: Pinch the edges of each circle together tightly to seal in the filling, then gently roll them into smooth balls.
- Arrange in Pan: Place the dough balls seam-side down in the prepared pan, positioning them close together but not touching to allow expanding while baking.
- Add Toppings: Brush the tops of the dough balls with olive oil for a golden finish. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese if using for an added flavor boost.
- Bake: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, ensuring the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy these delightful bite-sized pizza treats with friends and family!
Notes
- Make sure to seal the dough well to prevent the cheese and pepperoni from leaking out during baking.
- You can customize the filling with other pizza toppings like olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms if desired.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for a crispier crust or a baking pan for a softer texture.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and add more veggies or mozzarella cheese.
