If you’re craving pizza but don’t want the hassle of making an entire pizza, then these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are going to be your new best friend. Imagine biting into a warm, soft dough ball, only to be greeted by gooey melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and a touch of marinara sauce. These little pizza bites are perfect for snack time, game night, or even as a quick and easy dinner option. Plus, they’re a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Who doesn’t love pizza? But sometimes the whole pizza-making process feels like a lot of work. That’s where these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs come in—they’re easy to make, fun to eat, and super customizable. You get all the best pizza flavors in bite-sized pieces, and they’re perfect for sharing. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a party snack, or a kid-friendly dinner, they’re sure to disappear fast. Plus, they’re incredibly satisfying without all the mess of a pizza cutter!
Ingredients
To make these pizza bombs, you’ll need a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. You can find the full list of ingredients below, but here’s a sneak peek at the essentials:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Pepperoni slices
- Mozzarella cheese
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Dried oregano
And don’t forget the secret ingredient—a little love for perfect pizza flavor!
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or line it with parchment paper. This will ensure that your pizza bombs bake evenly and don’t stick. You want them to have that perfect golden-brown finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough
If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, take it out of the package and let it rest for a few minutes to soften up. If you’re making your own dough, go ahead and roll it out on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Then, cut the dough into small squares—about 2 inches by 2 inches works perfectly.
Step 3: Add the Pizza Fillings
Place a slice of pepperoni and a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough square. Be careful not to overfill them, or they may burst open while baking. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also add a small spoonful of marinara sauce in the center for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 4: Form the Pizza Bombs
Now comes the fun part! Carefully fold up the edges of the dough around the fillings, pinching the sides together to seal each little pizza pocket. You want them to be tightly closed so that none of the cheesy goodness escapes while baking. Place each sealed pizza bomb seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Season and Bake
Brush each pizza bomb with a little olive oil, and sprinkle garlic powder and dried oregano on top. This will give them that delicious pizza crust flavor. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve with Marinara Sauce
Once your pizza bombs are done, let them cool for just a minute, then serve them with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overstuff: It can be tempting to add a lot of cheese or pepperoni, but keep in mind that the dough needs to seal properly. Overstuffed pizza bombs may not cook evenly, and they could burst open in the oven.
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: For an extra gooey, cheesy texture, opt for fresh mozzarella instead of shredded mozzarella. It melts beautifully and adds a richer flavor.
- Customize the Filling: You can swap out the pepperoni for other fillings like sausage, mushrooms, or even vegetables. Feel free to get creative with the ingredients!
- Make Them Ahead of Time: These pizza bombs can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a few hours before baking. This makes them a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the pepperoni for some sliced bell peppers, olives, or even some sautéed spinach and mushrooms for a veggie-packed option.
- Cheese Lovers: Add a bit of ricotta or parmesan along with the mozzarella for an even cheesier bite!
- Spicy Version: If you like a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Dough Options: If you’re not a fan of pizza dough, feel free to use crescent roll dough or even biscuit dough for a different texture and flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:
- Serve them with a side of mixed greens or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair them with a chilled glass of Italian soda or a light beer for a fun pizza-inspired snack.
- If you want to make it a more substantial meal, serve them alongside some garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: These pizza bombs are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the pizza bombs on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help keep them crispy. You can also microwave them, but they won’t be as crispy.
4 FAQs
- Can I freeze these pizza bombs? Yes! You can freeze them before baking. Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! You can swap out the mozzarella for any melty cheese you prefer, like cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses.
- What can I serve these with? These pizza bombs are great with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. You can also serve them with a fresh salad or a side of crispy fries.
- Can I make these without pepperoni? Yes, you can make them vegetarian or with other meats like sausage, bacon, or chicken. You can even go meat-free and just load them up with cheese and veggies.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are a game-changer when it comes to pizza night. They’re easy, customizable, and packed with all the cheesy, savory goodness you love. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something fun to snack on, these pizza bombs are sure to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy these cheesy little bites of heaven!
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Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs: A Fun and Tasty Twist on Pizza Night
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 16 pizza bombs (4 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are the perfect snack or meal for pizza lovers who want a fun and easy twist on traditional pizza. Made with pizza dough, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and baked to golden perfection, these little bites are gooey, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for game night, a family dinner, or any casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 can pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough)
- 20–24 slices pepperoni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. - Prepare the pizza dough
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface. If you’re using store-bought dough, let it rest for a few minutes to become more pliable. Cut the dough into squares (about 2 inches by 2 inches). - Fill the dough
Place one slice of pepperoni and a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough square. Add a small dollop of marinara sauce if you prefer a saucy bite. - Form the pizza bombs
Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching the edges together to seal the pizza bomb. Make sure it’s tightly sealed so that the cheese doesn’t leak out while baking. - Season and bake
Place the pizza bombs seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Brush each bomb with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder and dried oregano. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top. - Serve with marinara sauce
Let the pizza bombs cool for a minute, then serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can make these pizza bombs ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Feel free to substitute pepperoni with other fillings like sausage, chicken, or vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pizza bombs
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg