These Pepperoni Pizza Bites are perfect little snacks packed with cheesy goodness and spicy pepperoni. They’re easy to make and great for parties or movie nights!
I love how quickly they bake up, making it super easy to share with friends. Plus, who can resist that crispy outside and gooey cheese inside? They’re the ultimate finger food! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit or Pizza Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is quick and easy. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use homemade pizza dough for a fresher taste. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free biscuit or pizza dough options in stores.
Pizza Sauce: Regular pizza sauce is great, but I love using marinara for an extra kick. You can also make your own sauce by blending canned tomatoes with garlic and herbs. If you’re short on time, store-bought is perfectly fine!
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives the best melt. You could substitute with Italian cheese blends or even pepper jack for a spicy twist. Avoid fresh mozzarella as it can make the bites soggy.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni is convenient, but you can use regular pepperoni cut into smaller pieces. For a healthier option, turkey or chicken pepperoni works too!
Herbs: Dried Italian seasoning or oregano adds a nice flavor. If you have fresh herbs like basil or thyme, use those instead for a fresh taste!
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Baked Pizza Bites?
Getting the right bake on your pizza bites is key to achieving that crispy outside and gooey center. Here are some tips:
- Preheat your oven thoroughly—this helps the dough rise properly and bake evenly.
- Flatten the dough to about 1/4 inch thick, so it cooks through without burning outside.
- Don’t overfill the cups! A teaspoon of sauce and a tablespoon of cheese per bite is just right to prevent overflow.
- Keep an eye on them during baking. Ovens can vary, so check for golden brown dough and melted cheese around the 10-minute mark.
Let them cool a few minutes before serving; this allows the cheese to set a little, making them easier to remove from the tin. Enjoy your tasty creations!
How to Make Delicious Pepperoni Pizza Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce, plus more for dipping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 30-40 mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni sliced into small rounds)
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Non-stick cooking spray or butter for greasing muffin tin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 12 minutes to bake, making a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or fun appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, get your mini muffin tin ready by lightly greasing it with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
2. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Open the can of biscuit dough and separate it into individual biscuits. Use your hands or a rolling pin to flatten each biscuit until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. This will help them fit nicely into the muffin tin.
3. Form the Dough Cups:
Take each flattened biscuit and press it into a muffin tin cup. Make sure to form a small cup or bowl shape that can hold the filling. Don’t worry about them being perfect; just make sure they can hold the sauce and toppings!
4. Add the Sauce and Cheese:
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce into each dough cup. Then, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. This layer is where all the wonderful gooeyness comes from!
5. Top with Pepperoni:
Add 2-3 mini pepperoni slices on top of the cheese for that classic pizza flavor. If you’re using regular pepperoni, chop it into small rounds before placing it on top.
6. Season and Bake:
Finally, sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning or oregano over each one to enhance the flavor. Now, place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for the dough to be golden brown and the cheese to be melted and bubbly!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the pizza bites cool for a few minutes. This helps them set a little bit. Use a fork to carefully remove the bites from the tin, and if you’d like, garnish with some chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
8. Enjoy:
Serve these delicious pizza bites warm with extra pizza sauce or marinara for dipping. They make a fantastic snack or appetizer for any gathering!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy pepperoni pizza bites! They’re sure to be a hit! 🍕
Can I Use Whole Wheat Dough Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat dough is a healthier option and works great for these pizza bites. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly if the dough is denser, and keep an eye on them as they bake.
Can I Make These Pizza Bites Vegetarian?
Yes, just omit the pepperoni and add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian twist. You can also use plant-based pepperoni if you’d like to keep that classic flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through for that fresh-baked taste again.
Can I Freeze These Pizza Bites?
Yes, these pizza bites freeze well! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.