Pepperoni Pizza Bombs

There’s something magical about pizza. Whether it’s the ooey, gooey cheese, the savory pepperoni, or that crispy, chewy crust, pizza just hits the spot every single time. But sometimes, you want all those classic flavors packed into something a little more fun and bite-sized. Enter Pepperoni Pizza Bombs! These little pockets of goodness are everything you love about pizza, wrapped up in a golden, fluffy dough ball that’s crispy on the outside and perfectly cheesy on the inside.

Perfect for parties, game day, or just a cozy night in, these pizza bombs are a surefire way to impress your guests (or just treat yourself to something amazing). The best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make and require just a handful of ingredients. So let’s get started and dive into how to make these delicious, cheesy, pepperoni-filled bites!

Ingredients

Before we get into the fun part (the cooking!), let’s make sure you have everything you need. Here’s the ingredient list:

• 1 package (16 oz) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup pepperoni slices, chopped into smaller pieces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)

With just a few simple ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a crowd-pleasing snack!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

First things first: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want your oven nice and hot when you bake these pizza bombs to get that perfect golden brown crust. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly to ensure your pizza bombs don’t stick during baking.

2. Prepare the Dough

Next up, it’s dough time! If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, it’s pretty easy to work with right out of the package. If you’re making dough from scratch, you’ll want to roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Either way, roll out the dough until it’s about ½ inch thick, then cut it into 12 equal squares. You can make them larger or smaller depending on how big you want each pizza bomb to be, but I find 12 squares is a great size for bite-sized snacks.

The dough should be soft, but not too sticky to handle. If it feels a little sticky, sprinkle some extra flour over the top to make sure it doesn’t stick to your rolling pin or countertop.

3. Assemble the Pizza Bombs

Now the fun begins! Take each square of dough and place about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese right in the center. Don’t be shy with the cheese—more cheese means more gooey deliciousness!

Next, add 1-2 pieces of chopped pepperoni on top of the cheese. The pepperoni is the classic pizza topping, and it really elevates these pizza bombs. If you want to go wild, feel free to add other toppings like diced green peppers or onions, but for the classic flavor, cheese and pepperoni are all you need.

Once you’ve got the cheese and pepperoni in the center, fold the dough around the filling to create a ball. Gently pinch the seams together to seal the bomb and ensure that all that cheesy goodness stays tucked inside. Be sure the seams are sealed well—otherwise, you might have a cheesy mess in your oven (though, it would still taste great!).

4. Season and Arrange on the Baking Sheet

Place each dough ball seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. This will help keep the filling inside while they bake. Brush the tops of each pizza bomb with a little olive oil. This step not only gives them a golden, crispy exterior but also helps the seasoning stick.

Now, sprinkle your pizza bombs with garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. These seasonings really add to the pizza flavor, making these bombs smell as good as they taste. If you like your pizza on the spicier side, a pinch of red pepper flakes could give them the extra kick you crave!

5. Bake the Pizza Bombs

Once your oven has reached the desired temperature of 375°F (190°C), it’s time to bake those little pizza bombs. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll want to check on them after about 10 minutes—give them a little peek to see if they’re getting golden brown and crispy.

The pizza bombs should be golden and slightly puffed up. You may even see a bit of the cheese bubbling through the dough. Don’t worry if a little cheese leaks out; that’s just part of the magic of these cheesy pockets! They’re going to be absolutely delicious regardless.

Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary. If they need a few more minutes to get that perfect crispy exterior, just leave them in a little longer.

6. Serve

Once they are golden and crispy, carefully remove the pizza bombs from the oven. Let them cool for a couple of minutes—trust me, you’ll want to avoid burning your mouth on the hot cheese inside!

Serve these warm and gooey pizza bombs with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The marinara adds that extra burst of flavor that complements the cheesy, savory filling. Of course, if you prefer to eat them straight from the oven, they’re amazing on their own too.

Tips and Variations

While the classic pepperoni pizza bomb is a winner every time, feel free to get creative with your pizza bomb fillings and seasonings! Here are some ideas to help you switch things up or elevate the flavor:

1. Add More Toppings: Want to make them even heartier? Try adding diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor. You can also throw in a little crumbled sausage for a meaty twist.

2. Go Extra Cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover like me, try adding different types of cheese to the mix. A little provolone, cheddar, or even parmesan sprinkled on top can elevate the flavor to the next level.

3. Spicy Kick: If you like your pizza with a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the seasoning mix. A dash of hot sauce inside each pizza bomb could also give them an extra spicy surprise!

4. Garlic Parmesan Crust: For a richer flavor, you can top your pizza bombs with some grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of garlic powder just before baking. The parmesan will get nice and crispy, giving each bite a savory, garlicky crunch.

5. Make Ahead Option: If you’re preparing for a party or meal prep, you can assemble the pizza bombs ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container or on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, pop them in the oven and bake as usual!

As you dive into making your Pepperoni Pizza Bombs, you may have a few lingering questions. I’m here to answer them and help you troubleshoot any bumps along the way. Let’s address some of the most common questions people ask about this recipe so you can feel confident making these pizza bombs every time!

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of dough?
Absolutely! While I love the convenience of store-bought pizza dough, you can certainly make your own dough from scratch if you prefer. Alternatively, you can use biscuit dough or even crescent roll dough for a quicker, flakier version of these pizza bombs. Each type of dough will give a slightly different texture, so feel free to experiment with what you like best.

2. Can I freeze the pizza bombs before baking them?
Yes! These pizza bombs freeze wonderfully. If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, assemble the pizza bombs as directed but don’t bake them. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them straight from the freezer into the oven—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. How do I reheat leftover pizza bombs?
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely because they’re so good!), you can reheat them in the oven to retain that crispy texture. Just place them on a baking sheet and heat them at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. You can also microwave them, but the crust might not stay as crispy. If you go the microwave route, try placing them on a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.

4. Can I make these pizza bombs vegetarian?
Of course! You can easily swap out the pepperoni for other vegetarian-friendly pizza toppings. Try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or spinach for a veggie-packed version of these pizza bombs. If you like, you can also substitute the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese to make them vegan-friendly.

5. How can I make these pizza bombs extra cheesy?
To amp up the cheesy goodness, you can use a blend of different cheeses, like mozzarella and provolone, or even add some cream cheese to the filling for an ultra-creamy center. You can also sprinkle some grated parmesan or even a bit of cheddar on top before baking for that extra cheesy crust.

6. Can I use a different sauce for dipping?
Absolutely! While marinara is the classic choice, you can try dipping these pizza bombs in ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a tangy buffalo sauce if you want to spice things up. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative with your dipping sauce.

7. How do I know when the pizza bombs are done?
The key to perfectly baked pizza bombs is the golden, crispy exterior. When they’re done, the dough should be a rich golden brown, and if you gently press on one, the cheese inside should be bubbling. If you’re unsure, give one a little peek by cutting into it—just be careful because the cheese might be hot!

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate guide to making Pepperoni Pizza Bombs! Whether you’re serving them as a fun appetizer at your next party, a snack for game day, or just enjoying them as a cozy treat on a Friday night, these cheesy, pepperoni-filled bites are guaranteed to be a hit.

I hope you’ve found this recipe and all the tips helpful. These pizza bombs are so versatile, and with a few tweaks here and there, you can make them fit any occasion or craving. I’d love to hear how your pizza bombs turn out—leave a comment below or share your variations with me!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, get that dough rolling, and treat yourself (and your guests) to some seriously delicious pizza bombs. Happy baking!

Pepperoni Pizza Bombs

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Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are a fun and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in bite-sized, crispy, and cheesy pockets. These golden, fluffy dough balls are stuffed with gooey melted cheese and savory pepperoni, making them the perfect appetizer, snack, or party food. Whether served with marinara dipping sauce or enjoyed on their own, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

• Author: Mark's Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 package (16 oz) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup pepperoni slices, chopped into smaller pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Prepare the Dough
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into about 12 equal squares, depending on how large you want the pizza bombs to be.

Assemble the Pizza Bombs
Place about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough square. Add 1-2 pieces of chopped pepperoni on top of the cheese. Fold the edges of the dough around the filling to create a ball, pinching the seams together tightly to seal the pizza bombs.

Season and Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Place the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of each pizza bomb with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Bake the Pizza Bombs
Bake the pizza bombs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling inside.

Serve
Allow the pizza bombs to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pizza bombs before baking.

• Feel free to customize the filling by adding other pizza toppings like green peppers, onions, or mushrooms.

• If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding a few red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.

• These pizza bombs can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to keep them crispy.