Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe
Introduction
If you’re a fan of gooey, cheesy pizza with a crispy crust, then these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are for you! Perfectly portioned, these pizza bombs pack all the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza into a convenient, handheld snack. With a crispy golden exterior, a melty cheese center, and pepperoni goodness in every bite, these pizza bombs are sure to be a hit at parties, game days, or as a quick family snack. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, these pizza bombs are an irresistible twist on traditional pizza.
Ingredients
To make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs, you will need:
- For the Dough:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (or homemade dough if preferred)
- Flour, for dusting (if needed)
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni cut into smaller pieces)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- For the Topping:
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: Makes about 8 pizza bombs
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Dough: If using refrigerated biscuit dough, separate each biscuit and roll each piece out on a lightly floured surface to about 4 inches in diameter. If you’re making homemade dough, divide it into small balls and roll each one into a circle.
Add the Filling:
Place a spoonful of pizza sauce in the center of each dough round.
Add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, followed by a few mini pepperoni slices.
Be careful not to overfill to prevent the bombs from bursting during baking.
Seal the Pizza Bombs:
Carefully fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges together to seal. Roll the dough in your hands to form a ball, ensuring the filling is securely enclosed.
Place each pizza bomb, seam side down, on the prepared baking sheet.
Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Brush the butter mixture over each pizza bomb, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the pizza bombs are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pizza bombs from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Calories and Nutritional Information
Each serving (1 pizza bomb) has approximately:
- Calories: 150-180 (depending on exact ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.)
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
Avoid Overfilling: Too much filling can cause the pizza bombs to burst open while baking. A small amount of each ingredient goes a long way.
Use Refrigerated Dough for Convenience: Biscuit dough from the store works perfectly for this recipe, saving you time in the kitchen. If you prefer homemade dough, go for a dough that’s easy to work with and slightly thicker.
Customize the Filling: Don’t limit yourself to just pepperoni and mozzarella! Try adding olives, bell peppers, or cooked sausage for extra flavor.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the pizza bombs and refrigerate them before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake them in the oven as directed. This is perfect for parties and gatherings!
Dipping Sauces: Serve the pizza bombs with a side of warm pizza sauce or marinara. You can also try garlic butter or ranch dressing for variety.
Air Fryer Option: For a faster, crispier result, cook the pizza bombs in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispy texture.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Prepare Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure the pizza bombs don’t stick and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Use a lightly floured surface to roll out each biscuit (or dough ball) into a 4-inch circle. Rolling the dough gives you enough space to add the filling without overstuffing.
Step 3: Add the Filling
In the center of each dough circle, add a spoonful of pizza sauce, a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, and some mini pepperoni. Keep the filling away from the edges so you can seal the dough properly.
Step 4: Form the Pizza Bombs
Bring the edges of the dough together and pinch them tightly to seal. Roll the dough in your hands to form a ball, and place it seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Step 5: Brush with Butter and Seasonings
Mix melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, and brush this over each pizza bomb. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the pizza bombs for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
After baking, garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness in each bite!
Variations and Add-Ons
- Cheesy Explosion: Add a small cube of mozzarella in the center of each bomb for an extra gooey center.
- Meat Lovers: Include other meats like crumbled sausage or bacon bits for a meat-lovers’ version.
- Veggie Style: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives for a veggie-packed option.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling for a bit of heat.
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Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
- Easy and Quick: With minimal prep time and only a few ingredients, these pizza bombs are super easy to make.
- Perfect for Parties: Their handheld size makes them ideal for gatherings, parties, or as a finger food.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love pizza, and these mini pizza bombs are the perfect treat.
- Customizable: You can change the filling to suit different tastes and preferences, making them versatile.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve these pizza bombs with:
Dipping Sauces: Pizza sauce, garlic butter, marinara, or ranch dressing.
Side Salad: A crisp green salad or Caesar salad to balance out the richness of the pizza bombs.
Soup: Pair with tomato soup or minestrone for a comforting meal.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are the ultimate comfort snack, combining all the flavors of a classic pizza in a fun, handheld form. They’re quick to make, versatile, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for an after-school snack, or craving something cheesy and delicious, these pizza bombs are sure to satisfy. Try them once, and they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
With a crispy crust, gooey mozzarella, and savory pepperoni, these pizza bombs are irresistible. Customize the fillings to suit your taste, pair them with your favorite sauces, and enjoy the cheesy, flavorful experience in each bite. Happy cooking!