If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to spice up your pizza night, then these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are exactly what you need. Imagine gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and a golden, buttery crust all wrapped up into bite-sized perfection. These pizza bombs are the perfect snack, appetizer, or even a meal on their own. They’re sure to be a hit at parties, game nights, or just as a treat for the family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are everything you love about pizza but in a portable, bite-sized form. The combination of melty cheese, zesty pepperoni, and soft, buttery dough makes each bite irresistible. What’s even better? They’re super easy to make, and you can customize them with your favorite pizza toppings. Plus, they bake up golden and crispy, making them a fun and flavorful addition to any pizza party or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these cheesy, pepperoni-packed pizza bombs:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Pepperoni slices
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Butter (melted)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
For the full list of ingredients, check below in the recipe section!
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll want the oven nice and hot so that your pizza bombs cook evenly and get that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough
If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using homemade dough, follow the recipe instructions and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Once rolled out, cut the dough into small squares, about 2-3 inches each. This will give you enough room to fill each pizza bomb with cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Fill the Dough with Toppings
Place one slice of pepperoni in the center of each dough square. Then, add a generous spoonful of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni. If you like, you can sprinkle a little parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Step 4: Form the Pizza Bombs
Carefully fold the edges of the dough around the filling, pinching them together to seal the pizza bombs. Make sure the edges are sealed tightly so the cheese doesn’t escape during baking. Place the sealed pizza bombs seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Brush with Garlic Butter
Once all the pizza bombs are assembled, brush the tops with melted butter. You can sprinkle a bit of garlic powder on top of the butter for an extra burst of flavor. This will help the pizza bombs get golden and crispy while adding delicious garlic flavor.
Step 6: Bake
Place the pizza bombs in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-brown.
Step 7: Serve
Once they’re baked to perfection, remove the pizza bombs from the oven and let them cool for a minute before serving. Serve them with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Different Fillings: Feel free to get creative with your fillings! You can add cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even a bit of ricotta cheese for extra flavor.
- Make Them Spicy: For a spicy kick, add a few slices of jalapeños inside the pizza bombs or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the garlic butter.
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: If you want that melty, stretchy cheese effect, fresh mozzarella is a great option. Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to your pizza bombs to avoid excess moisture.
- Prep Ahead: You can assemble the pizza bombs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Meat Lovers: Add different types of meat like cooked bacon, sausage, or even ham in place of the pepperoni for a meat lover’s version.
- Veggie Version: For a vegetarian twist, use sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach instead of pepperoni.
- Dough Options: If you’re looking for a low-carb option, use fathead dough or even crescent roll dough for a quick and easy alternative.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas for sides to serve alongside them:
- Fresh Salad: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs well with these cheesy pizza bombs to balance out the richness.
- Garlic Bread: If you’re craving more garlic, serve these bombs with some crispy garlic bread on the side.
- Veggies & Dip: Serve some crunchy vegetables (like carrot sticks or cucumber slices) with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a fun contrast.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftover pizza bombs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture. You can also microwave them for 30-45 seconds, but they won’t be as crispy.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes! You can use any cheese you like, such as cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses. The mozzarella provides that perfect meltiness, but feel free to experiment!
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the pizza bombs ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just follow the baking instructions.
- Can I freeze these pizza bombs? Absolutely! Freeze the assembled pizza bombs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just bake them for an extra 3-5 minutes.
- How do I make these vegetarian? Simply swap out the pepperoni for your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. You can even add some olives or artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist!
Conclusion
These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are the perfect combination of convenience and deliciousness. With their golden, buttery exterior and cheesy, pepperoni-filled interior, they’re sure to satisfy your pizza cravings. Whether you’re making them for a game day snack, a casual dinner, or a party appetizer, these pizza bombs will definitely be a crowd favorite. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!
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Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs: A Fun and Delicious Twist on Pizza Night
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 pizza bombs (serves 3–4 people) 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Finger Food
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian, American
Description
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are the ultimate game-day snack or party appetizer! These little bite-sized pizza bombs are made with soft, pillowy dough, stuffed with melty mozzarella cheese and savory pepperoni, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, these pizza bombs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Bombs:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (about 8 oz)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni (sliced, cut into smaller pieces if needed)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- Salt (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
For the Dipping Sauce (optional):
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried basil (optional)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into approximately 12 equal squares.
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Assemble the pizza bombs: Place a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese and a couple of pieces of pepperoni in the center of each dough square. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder if using. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch the edges together to form a sealed ball.
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Bake the pizza bombs: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down. Brush the tops of the pizza bombs with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
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Make the dipping sauce (optional): While the pizza bombs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in dried basil and garlic powder for extra flavor, if desired. Keep warm until ready to serve.
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Serve: Once the pizza bombs are done, remove them from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with marinara dipping sauce and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add other pizza toppings to the filling, such as mushrooms, green peppers, or olives, to make them even more customizable.
- If you want a little extra crunch, sprinkle some garlic bread seasoning or Italian seasoning on top before baking.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and substitute with more cheese or vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza bomb
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg