Description
These Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Bites are a fun and delicious appetizer perfect for parties or a snack. Made with soft pizza dough, gooey mozzarella cheese, and mini pepperoni slices, each bite is packed with classic pizza flavors. Baked to golden perfection and brushed with olive oil and Italian seasoning, they’re served warm with a side of pizza sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Bites
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (16 oz)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking pan or a cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking and prepare for baking.
- Divide Dough: Open the refrigerated pizza dough and divide it into 24 equal pieces to create uniform-sized pizza bites.
- Fill Dough Circles: Flatten each dough piece into a small circle. Place a pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese and a few mini pepperoni slices in the center of each circle.
- Seal the Bites: Pinch the edges of each dough circle together to seal the cheese and pepperoni inside, then gently roll each sealed piece into a smooth ball.
- Arrange in Pan: Place the dough balls seam-side down in the greased pan, arranging them close together but not touching, to allow them to bake evenly and pull apart easily later.
- Brush and Season: Brush the tops of the dough balls with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. If desired, add grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
- Bake: Bake the pizza bites in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Serve Warm: Remove from oven and serve the pizza bites warm, accompanied by pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure to seal the dough edges tightly to prevent cheese and pepperoni from leaking out during baking.
- You can substitute pepperoni with other toppings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, or olives for variety.
- Serve immediately for best taste as the cheese is melty and the dough is soft when warm.
- Leftover bites can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
