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
FAQs
You’ll need pizza dough, marinara sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and optional red pepper flakes and fresh basil.
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.
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
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe: What Goes In
Main Ingredients:Sauce and Seasonings:Garnish and Optional Extras: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: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: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
Switch Things Up: Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe Styles
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe: Serving Favorites
Print
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe
- 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
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
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lightly coating with cooking spray or lining with parchment paper.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Arrange the pizza bombs with the sealed side facing downward on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring approximately 2 inches of space between each bomb.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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.