Description
Pepperoni Pizza Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring mini pockets of pizza dough stuffed with pepperoni and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and baked to a golden crisp, these bites are ideal for parties, snacks, or a fun family treat served with warm marinara dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Bites
- 1 cup pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 15 slices pepperoni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Olive oil for brushing (optional)
Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness, then cut it into 3-inch squares, which will form individual pizza bites.
- Add fillings: Place a slice of pepperoni and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough square.
- Seal the bites: Fold the corners of each square over the filling to tightly seal the edges, forming a compact pocket to keep the cheese and pepperoni inside while baking.
- Season and brush: Lightly sprinkle Italian seasoning on top of each sealed pocket and optionally brush with olive oil for a golden, crispy crust.
- Bake: Arrange the pizza bites on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let the pizza bites cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with ½ cup marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute the pepperoni with other toppings like cooked sausage or vegetables for variety.
- For an extra crispy crust, brush with olive oil before baking.
- Make sure to seal the dough edges tightly to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best taste and texture.
