Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe

Irresistible Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe for Snack Lovers

Bursting with flavor, these cheesy pepperoni pizza bombs deliver an explosion of taste in every single bite.

The classic combination of melted cheese and spicy pepperoni creates a mouthwatering appetizer that will steal the show at any gathering.

Soft, pillowy dough wraps around gooey mozzarella and zesty pepperoni slices, forming perfect handheld pockets of deliciousness.

Each golden-brown bomb promises a delightful crunch when you break through the crispy exterior.

Packed with savory ingredients, these pizza bombs are sure to become a crowd favorite for game nights, parties, or casual snacking.

Quick to prepare and even faster to disappear, you won’t be able to resist these irresistible little flavor bombs.

Prepare to satisfy those pizza cravings with this simple yet spectacular recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary bites.

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe: How to Store Them Right

  • – Refrigerate Seal leftover pizza bombs in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they cool completely before placing in the container to prevent condensation.
  • – Freeze Wrap individual pizza bombs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
  • – Reheat Warm refrigerated pizza bombs in the oven at 350F (175C) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the original texture and prevent sogginess.
  • – Prep Ahead Make pizza bombs in advance and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. Keep them covered and add toppings just before baking for the freshest results.

FAQs

  • What ingredients do I need to make pizza bombs at home?

You’ll need pizza dough, marinara sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and optional red pepper flakes and fresh basil.

  • Can I make these pizza bombs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pizza bombs and refrigerate them before baking. Just cover them with plastic wrap and bake when ready, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

  • Are pizza bombs kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love these handheld pizza bites. They’re easy to eat, cheesy, and fun to make together as a family activity.

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe: Flavor Highlights

  • Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up these pizza bombs in minutes with minimal kitchen skills, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute snack cravings.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with classic pepperoni and cheese flavors, these bite-sized treats appeal to both kids and adults, guaranteeing smiles around the dinner table.
  • Customizable Comfort Food: Easily swap ingredients or add your favorite toppings to create personalized pizza bombs that match everyone's taste preferences without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Portable Party Favorite: Ideal for gatherings, game days, or potlucks, these handheld delights allow guests to enjoy pizza in a fun, mess-free format that encourages social sharing and casual munching.

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe: What Goes In

Main Ingredients:
  • Pizza Dough: A soft, stretchy base that holds the delicious fillings inside each bomb.
  • Pepperoni: A classic pizza topping that adds spicy and savory flavor to the bombs.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: A creamy, melty cheese that provides rich and gooey texture.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Marinara Sauce, Olive Oil: A tangy sauce and smooth oil that enhance the overall taste and moisture of the pizza bombs.
  • Garlic Powder, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that add depth, sharpness, and a hint of heat to the recipe.
Garnish and Optional Extras:
  • Fresh Basil Leaves, Additional Marinara Sauce: A fresh herb and extra dipping sauce that provide a bright, complementary flavor to the pizza bombs.

How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Unleash the Dough

Spread out the pizza dough on a flour-dusted surface.

Slice the dough into 12 even squares, aiming for roughly 3×3 inch pieces.

Step 3: Create Flavor Pockets

Craft delicious centers by adding these ingredients to each dough square:
  • Marinara sauce
  • Chopped pepperoni
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese

Step 4: Sculpt Your Pizza Bombs

Gently gather the dough’s edges, pulling them up and over the fillings.

Pinch and seal the edges completely, forming perfect little dough balls.

Ensure no gaps exist to prevent filling leakage.

Step 5: Arrange for Baking Brilliance

Position each pizza bomb seam-side down on the baking sheet.

Space them about 2 inches apart to allow even cooking.

Step 6: Add Flavor Boosters

Enhance your pizza bombs with these toppings:
  • Olive oil brushed on top
  • Garlic powder
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the bombs turn a gorgeous golden brown and the dough cooks completely through.

Step 8: Serve and Devour

Carefully remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes.

Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Serve alongside extra marinara sauce for dipping and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe: Kitchen Insider Tips

  • Pinch dough edges tightly to prevent cheese and sauce from leaking during baking, ensuring perfect pizza bombs every time.
  • Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting and more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
  • Pat pepperoni slices with paper towels to remove excess oil, preventing soggy dough and maintaining crispy texture.
  • Sprinkle dried Italian herbs or add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes for extra depth and subtle spiciness.
  • Use parchment paper or lightly grease baking sheet to ensure easy removal and clean serving of pizza bombs.

Switch Things Up: Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe Styles

  • Veggie Lover's Pizza Bombs: Replace pepperoni with diced bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough or almond flour-based dough to create a celiac-friendly alternative.
  • Mediterranean Spin: Swap marinara for pesto, use feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and add sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Chicken Version: Substitute pepperoni with shredded cooked chicken mixed with hot sauce for a protein-packed, zesty variation.

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe: Serving Favorites

  • Party Platter Paradise: Arrange pizza bombs on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls of marinara sauce, creating an eye-catching appetizer spread perfect for game nights or casual gatherings.
  • Lunch Box Delight: Pack these pizza bombs in lunch containers with a small container of marinara sauce, making them an exciting midday meal for kids and adults that beat boring sandwiches.
  • Movie Night Munchies: Serve hot pizza bombs on a cozy platter with extra napkins, allowing friends and family to enjoy a handheld snack while watching movies or sports events.
  • Picnic Perfect Bites: Wrap cooled pizza bombs in foil and pack in a picnic basket for an easy, portable meal that travels well and tastes delicious at room temperature or gently reheated.
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Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe


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4.9 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Pepperoni pizza bombs deliver explosive flavor in compact, handheld bites of cheesy goodness. Melted mozzarella and spicy pepperoni nestled in golden-brown dough create an irresistible snack you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (13.8 ounces / 391 grams) refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, chopped
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated

Garnish:

  • Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lightly coating with cooking spray or lining with parchment paper.
  2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and slice into 12 equal 3×3-inch squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
  3. Position a small dollop of marinara sauce at the center of each dough square, then layer with chopped pepperoni and a generous portion of mozzarella cheese.
  4. Carefully gather the dough edges, pulling them upward and pressing firmly to enclose the fillings, creating a sealed round bundle that prevents any ingredients from leaking during cooking.
  5. Arrange the pizza bombs with the sealed side facing downward on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring approximately 2 inches of space between each bomb.
  6. Enhance the exterior by brushing each bomb with olive oil, then generously sprinkle with garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and optional red pepper flakes for added zest.
  7. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and cook for 12-15 minutes until the bombs transform into a rich golden brown color and the dough appears fully cooked.
  8. Allow the pizza bombs to rest for 2-3 minutes after removing from the oven, then garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve alongside additional marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Seal edges meticulously to prevent cheese leakage, ensuring each pizza bomb stays intact during baking.
  • Try alternative fillings like BBQ chicken, vegetarian options, or swap pepperoni for ham to suit different dietary preferences.
  • Use pre-rolled pizza dough for quicker preparation, saving time without compromising taste and texture.
  • Prep pizza bombs ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, making them perfect for meal prep or last-minute gatherings.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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