If you love all things cheesy, savory, and irresistibly fun to eat, then the Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe is about to become your new favorite snack or appetizer. These little bites are packed with gooey mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and seasoned to perfection, all wrapped in a golden, buttery crust. They are simple to make yet bursting with the comforting flavors of classic pizza in a fun, handheld form that everyone will adore. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving a cozy treat, this Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe hits the spot every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients to make these delightful pizza bombs. Each component plays a crucial role, combining to deliver that perfect balance of cheesy, savory, and crispy goodness that makes this recipe so special.
- 13.8 oz refrigerated pizza dough: The easy base that crisps beautifully while holding all the delicious fillings inside.
- 30–40 slices pepperoni: Brings that signature zesty, smoky flavor that defines this snack.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a rich, gooey center that every bite should have.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick on top for extra flavor and browning.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to deepen the pizza vibe.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savory profile with a subtle garlicky aroma.
- 3 tablespoons melted butter: Helps turn the crust golden and adds a lovely buttery richness.
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping): The tangy, flavorful finishing touch that elevates every bite.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe
Step 1: Get the Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your pizza bombs will bake evenly and won’t stick to the pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This mixture is where the magic begins, giving your pizza bombs a wonderfully seasoned, creamy center that pairs perfectly with pepperoni.
Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
You can either grease your lined baking sheet or go straight with the parchment paper alone to avoid any sticking. Either way, this step guarantees that your pizza bombs will slide off easily once baked.
Step 4: Cut and Fill the Dough
Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into 16 equal squares. This size ensures each bomb is the perfect bite-sized treat. On each square, place a spoonful of the cheese mixture and a few slices of pepperoni before folding the dough up and sealing it tightly into a ball. This seal is crucial to keeping all that melty goodness inside.
Step 5: Assemble and Season
Place each sealed ball seam-side down on your baking sheet. Brush them generously with melted butter, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and a bit more Italian seasoning to add a golden crunch and an extra pop of flavor when baked.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake your pizza bombs in the preheated oven for about 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when their crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and is crispy to the touch—this stage locks in the gooey center and perfectly crisp exterior.
Step 7: Final Touch and Serve
Once baked, brush the pizza bombs again with melted butter for an added sheen and buttery richness. Serve alongside a bowl of warm marinara sauce, the classic dipping companion that brings these pizza bombs to life.
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top of the pizza bombs just before serving for a fresh, herbal contrast. A light dusting of extra Parmesan also adds a nice final savory touch that enhances the appearance and flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve your pizza bombs with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to balance the richness. They also pair beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a tangy coleslaw for a satisfying, rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the pizza bombs in a circle around a large bowl of marinara sauce as a centerpiece. You can also skewer a couple together for easy grabbing or pop them in small paper cups to serve as individual portions that guests can enjoy mess-free.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust may soften, but reheating will bring back some of the initial crispiness.
Freezing
To freeze, bake the pizza bombs first, then cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and are perfect for quick snacks whenever pizza cravings strike.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated pizza bombs in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crust texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough often results in a tastier, fresher crust, so feel free to use your favorite pizza dough recipe for an extra personal touch to the Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe.
What cheese works best besides mozzarella?
Mozzarella is ideal because of its meltiness, but you can mix in provolone or fontina for a richer cheese blend that adds depth of flavor without overpowering the pizza bombs.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
For sure! Finely chopped bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms can be nestled inside for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be careful not to overload, so the dough seals properly.
Is it possible to bake these without brushing butter on top?
Yes, but the butter adds wonderful color and richness. If you prefer, you can brush with olive oil instead or skip it, though the texture and taste will be slightly different.
How spicy are these pizza bombs? Can I make them milder?
The pepperoni has a mild spiciness that is usually well-tolerated. To make it milder, choose a less spicy variety or reduce the pepperoni amount and increase cheese for a softer flavor.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe enough — they’re truly a crowd-pleaser that bring all the joy of pizza in a playful, bite-sized package. Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or just a cozy night in, give them a try and watch your friends and family fall in love, one cheesy bite at a time.
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Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 30-33 minutes
- Yield: 16 pizza bombs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are bite-sized pockets of deliciousness made from soft pizza dough stuffed with pepperoni and gooey mozzarella cheese, then baked to golden perfection and served with marinara sauce for dipping. This fun and easy appetizer or snack brings all the classic flavors of pizza in a convenient, handheld form.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
Filling
- 30–40 slices pepperoni
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Set aside the pepperoni slices and marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Ensure your baking sheet is greased or lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shape Dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a clean surface and cut it into 16 equal squares.
- Fill and Seal: Place some pepperoni slices and a spoonful of the cheese mixture onto each square. Fold the dough over and tightly seal each square into a ball to enclose the filling.
- Arrange and Season: Place the sealed dough balls seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the melted butter and then sprinkle each with grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes until the bombs are golden brown and the cheese inside has melted.
- Finish and Serve: After baking, brush the pizza bombs again with melted butter for a shiny finish and serve warm with the marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure to seal the dough balls well to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture or sprinkle on top before baking.
- You can substitute pepperoni with other fillings like cooked sausage, veggies, or other favorite pizza toppings.
- These pizza bombs are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven to regain crispiness.
- Use refrigerated marinara sauce for convenience or homemade sauce if preferred.
