- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 18 minutes
- Cooling Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pizza Bites
- 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough
- 24 slices pepperoni
- 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Optional for Serving
- Extra warm pizza sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Garlic dipping sauce
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Kitchen Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Pizza cutter
- Measuring spoons
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Place the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface.
Roll it into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
Using a pizza cutter, divide the dough into 24 equal squares.
Step 3: Fill the Pizza Bites
Place one slice of pepperoni in the center of each dough square.
Add one cube of mozzarella cheese.
Spoon about ½ teaspoon pizza sauce over the cheese.
Sprinkle lightly with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch tightly to seal.
Roll gently into a smooth ball.
Place each pizza bite seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Italian seasoning
Brush the tops of each pizza bite generously with the garlic butter mixture.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over each one.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the pizza bites are puffed and golden brown.
The cheese inside should be melted, and the dough should be fully cooked.
Step 6: Cool and Garnish
Allow the bites to cool for about 5 minutes before serving, as the cheese filling will be very hot.
Brush with any remaining garlic butter.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve warm with pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Pizza Bites
- Seal the dough tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella for the best texture.
- Avoid overfilling each bite.
- Fresh pizza dough produces a softer, fluffier bite than canned biscuit dough.
- Rotate the baking tray halfway through cooking for even browning.
Delicious Variations
Supreme Pizza Bites
Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and black olives to the filling.
Meat Lover’s Pizza Bites
Include cooked sausage, bacon bits, and ham along with the pepperoni.
Four Cheese Pizza Bites
Use mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan cheese together.
Spicy Pizza Bites
Add jalapeños, spicy pepperoni, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Vegetarian Pizza Bites
Replace pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, olives, and sweet peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Pepperoni Pizza Bites pair well with:
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
- Tomato soup
- Ranch dressing
- Marinara sauce
- Buffalo dipping sauce
- Fresh vegetable platter
- Mozzarella sticks
- French fries
These bites are also excellent for birthday parties, potlucks, lunchboxes, holiday gatherings, and game-day snack tables.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftover pizza bites in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooled pizza bites in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 30–45 seconds, though the crust may be softer.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 6 Pizza Bites)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Calcium: 260 mg
- Iron: 2.5 mg
- Potassium: 240 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the brands and ingredients used.