If you’re craving a delicious, cheesy, and easy-to-make snack, Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are the perfect solution. These bite-sized treats combine all the best flavors of pizza in a fun, portable form that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a quick dinner, or just need a savory snack, these cheesy pepperoni pizza bombs will satisfy all your pizza cravings. Plus, they’re customizable, making them perfect for everyone!
What Are Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs?
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are essentially small dough balls filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce, all wrapped up and baked to golden perfection. They’re like little pizza pockets, but with a fun twist. Each bite is a burst of cheesy, savory goodness, reminiscent of the best pizza flavors, but without the mess of a slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these cheesy pizza bombs:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded for melty goodness)
- Pepperoni slices (or substitute with your favorite pizza topping)
- Pizza sauce (for dipping and extra flavor)
- Italian seasoning (optional, for added zest)
- Butter (for brushing the tops)
- Garlic powder (optional, for an extra kick)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for sprinkling on top)
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your pizza bombs bake evenly and turn golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough
If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Use a pizza cutter or knife to slice the dough into small squares (around 2×2 inches each). If you prefer homemade dough, follow your favorite recipe and roll it out accordingly.
Step 3: Add the Fillings
Place a slice of pepperoni and a spoonful of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough square. If you’d like, sprinkle some Italian seasoning on top for added flavor.
Step 4: Seal the Pizza Bombs
Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching the corners together to seal the pizza bomb. Be sure the filling is well contained so it doesn’t leak out during baking.
Step 5: Butter and Season the Tops
Once the pizza bombs are sealed, place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder or Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pizza bombs in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the pizza bombs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve with a side of pizza sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
- Customize the Fillings: You can swap pepperoni for other pizza toppings like sausage, mushrooms, or vegetables. Feel free to experiment and create your own signature pizza bomb!
- Use a Pizza Stone: For extra crispy pizza bombs, bake them on a pizza stone instead of a baking sheet.
- Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to overstuff the dough with too much filling, as this can make sealing difficult and cause the filling to leak out during baking.
- Serve Immediately: These pizza bombs are best served fresh from the oven while the cheese is gooey and the crust is warm.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
- Convenient & Fun: These bite-sized treats are easy to hold and fun to eat, making them ideal for parties, game nights, or a quick snack.
- Cheese Lovers’ Dream: With plenty of melty mozzarella inside, each bite is a cheesy delight.
- Customizable: Whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, or prefer a combination of toppings, these pizza bombs can be tailored to fit any taste.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love these pizza bombs, making them a great choice for family meals or after-school snacks.
Conclusion
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are a fun and flavorful snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick dinner, or just satisfying a pizza craving, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Customize them with your favorite pizza toppings, and enjoy the cheesy goodness in every bite! Try this recipe today, and get ready for a delicious pizza experience like no other!
Serving and Storage Tips for Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
Serving Tips
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: These cheesy pizza bombs are delicious on their own, but they taste even better with a side of dipping sauce. Classic pizza sauce is a great choice, but you can also serve them with ranch dressing, marinara, or even a spicy buffalo sauce for a zesty twist.
- Make Them a Meal: You can turn these pizza bombs into a full meal by pairing them with a fresh salad or a side of roasted vegetables. A crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad would complement the flavors beautifully.
- Perfect for Parties: These pizza bombs are ideal for sharing. Serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering or game day party. Arrange them on a platter with dipping sauces for an easy, crowd-pleasing snack.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: For a little extra flair, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top of your pizza bombs before serving. This adds a pop of color and enhances the aroma.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerating Leftovers: If you have any leftover pizza bombs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
- Freezing Pizza Bombs: You can freeze these pizza bombs either before or after baking:
- Before Baking: After assembling the pizza bombs, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- After Baking: Once baked and cooled, you can freeze the pizza bombs for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again.
- Reheating: To reheat leftover pizza bombs, use the oven rather than the microwave to maintain their crispiness. Place them on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until hot and the crust is golden. If reheating from frozen, increase the baking time by 5-7 minutes.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs fresh out of the oven, or savor them as leftovers for later!
1. Can I use a different type of cheese for the pizza bombs?
Yes! While mozzarella is the traditional choice for its meltiness, you can substitute with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor. You can even mix cheeses to create a cheesy bomb with multiple textures and tastes.
2. How do I keep the pizza bombs from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, make sure not to overstuff the pizza bombs with sauce or cheese. Also, be sure to seal the dough tightly to keep the filling in. If you’re storing leftovers, let the pizza bombs cool completely before refrigerating or freezing them to avoid moisture buildup.
3. Can I make these pizza bombs gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pizza dough as a substitute for regular pizza dough to make these pizza bombs gluten-free. Just make sure to check that all your other ingredients, like the cheese and pepperoni, are also gluten-free.
4. How can I make these pizza bombs vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the pepperoni and use your favorite vegetable toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or olives. You can also add extra cheese for a richer, cheesy filling!
Cheesy pepperoni Pizza Bombs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 pizza bombs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Description
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are a delicious and fun twist on classic pizza. These golden, bite-sized bombs are stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, savory pepperoni, and a hint of marinara sauce, all wrapped in soft biscuit dough. Perfect for a quick snack, appetizer, or game-day treat that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheese sticks cut into small pieces)
- 24 slices pepperoni (about 3 slices per bomb)
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce, plus more for dipping
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Dough: Separate the biscuits and cut each biscuit in half to make 16 pieces.
- Fill the Bombs: Flatten each biscuit piece slightly with your fingers. Place a small amount of marinara sauce in the center of each piece, followed by 2-3 pepperoni slices and a small handful of shredded mozzarella (or one piece of a cheese stick).
- Seal the Bombs: Fold the edges of the dough around the filling and pinch them together to seal completely, forming a ball. Make sure there are no gaps so the cheese doesn’t leak out during baking. Place each bomb seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture over the tops of each pizza bomb. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bombs are golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm with extra marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For extra variety, try stuffing with other toppings like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or cooked sausage.
- These pizza bombs can be made ahead and reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.