These cheesy stuffed pizza bites are the perfect party appetizer or quick snack for pizza lovers! Bite-sized and packed with gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and your favorite pizza flavors, they’re a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting a game night or craving a pizza fix, these poppable bites deliver all the satisfaction of a pizza in a fun, handheld size.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Number of servings: 4
- Serving size: 4-5 pizza bites
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
Ingredients:
- 400g (14 oz) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 120g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 60g (2 oz) pepperoni slices, chopped
- 80g (1/3 cup) pizza sauce
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano
- 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder
- 1 tbsp (15g) olive oil (for brushing)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Method of Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Cut the dough into 3x3 inch squares using a knife or pizza cutter. You should get around 12-16 squares depending on the size of your dough.
- Stuff the dough: In the center of each square, place 1 tsp of pizza sauce, 1 tbsp of mozzarella, and a few chopped pepperoni pieces.
- Seal the bites: Fold the corners of each square towards the center, pinching the edges together to seal tightly and form a ball.
- Brush with egg wash: Place each stuffed dough ball seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Season the tops: Mix the Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder together in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the egg-washed pizza bites.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Finishing touches: Remove from the oven and brush with olive oil while still warm. Serve with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Seal well: Make sure the dough is tightly sealed to prevent any cheese from oozing out during baking.
- Use cold ingredients: Chill your pizza dough and cheese before stuffing to make the assembly easier and prevent sticking.
- Customize fillings: You can easily swap out pepperoni for other toppings like cooked sausage, veggies, or mushrooms.
- Make ahead: Prepare the pizza bites in advance and refrigerate them. Simply bake when you’re ready to serve!
- Crispier crust: For an extra crisp bite, sprinkle some cornmeal on the baking sheet before placing the dough balls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use store-bought dough? Yes! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly, but you can also make your own if you prefer.
- Can I freeze pizza bites? Absolutely! After baking, let them cool completely and freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F) before serving.
- Can I make these vegetarian? Yes! Simply omit the pepperoni and fill the pizza bites with your favorite veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or olives.
- Can I use different cheeses? While mozzarella is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack.
- How do I prevent the bites from becoming soggy? Avoid overstuffing with sauce and ensure you preheat the oven properly to help the bites crisp up.
These stuffed pizza bites are everything you love about pizza, wrapped up in a portable, delicious snack! Serve them as appetizers, after-school snacks, or even game-day treats. With endless filling possibilities, they’re a fun and customizable dish that’s sure to please everyone. Enjoy them warm and gooey, dipped in marinara sauce for the ultimate pizza experience!