These Pepperoni Pizza Bites are mini delights filled with gooey cheese and savory pepperoni, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. Perfect for snacking!
They’re like little pizzas you can pop in your mouth! I love serving them during movie nights—just don’t be surprised if they disappear fast! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: The refrigerated dough is super convenient here, making these bites easy to whip up. If you don’t have it, you can use puff pastry or even make your own dough from scratch for a more homemade touch.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella brings that gooey, stretchy delight. If you want a different flavor, try provolone or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for an extra kick.
Pepperoni: Classic pepperoni is a must, but you can swap it with other proteins like cooked sausage, diced ham, or even veggies like mushrooms if you prefer a vegetarian option.
Pizza Sauce: Any pizza or marinara sauce works. I like to use homemade sauce when I can, but store-bought is perfectly fine. You can also use pesto for a twist!
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs adds delicious flavor. If you’re fresh out, mix a little oregano, basil, and thyme instead. It’s a great homemade substitute!
How Do I Properly Seal My Pizza Bites?
Sealing your pizza bites is key to keeping all that melty goodness inside. Here’s how to do it right:
- After placing the filling in the center of your biscuit, fold the edges over carefully.
- Pinch the edges tightly with your fingers to make sure they stick. You can also twist the edges for extra security.
- Roll the filled biscuit gently into a ball, making sure the seam is on the bottom. This ensures the filling won’t pop out during baking.
Taking the time to achieve a good seal will result in perfectly fluffy bites with all the flavors inside. Enjoy making these tasty treats!
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza Bites:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (about 8 biscuits)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices, chopped
- ¼ cup pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp garlic butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10-15 minutes to prepare, and another 12-15 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll have delicious Pepperoni Pizza Bites ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the chopped pepperoni, shredded mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything well until it’s nicely combined. This is going to be the tasty filling for your pizza bites!
3. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Open the can of biscuit dough and carefully separate the biscuits. Take each biscuit and flatten it into a circle using your fingers or a rolling pin. Make sure it’s flat enough to hold all that yummy filling!
4. Fill the Biscuits:
Take about 1 tablespoon of the pepperoni mixture and place it in the center of each biscuit round. Be generous, but don’t overfill so you can seal them properly.
5. Seal the Bites:
Fold the edges of the biscuit over the filling and pinch them together tightly to seal. Once sealed, roll the biscuit into a ball shape and place it seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
6. Brush with Garlic Butter:
Using a brush or a spoon, gently coat the tops of the pizza bites with melted garlic butter. This will give them a lovely flavor and golden finish when they bake.
7. Bake the Pizza Bites:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and puffed up. Your kitchen will smell amazing while they bake!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, let the pizza bites cool slightly. If you’re using fresh parsley, sprinkle it on top for a little added color and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve those warm, delicious Pepperoni Pizza Bites right away with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty treat!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese or Meat?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the mozzarella cheese with any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or provolone. You can also swap the pepperoni for other meats like cooked sausage, ham, or even veggies for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the amounts as needed!
What If I Don’t Have Refrigerated Biscuit Dough?
No worries! You can use puff pastry or homemade pizza dough as a substitute. If using pizza dough, roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick and cut it into circles. The cooking time may slightly differ, so keep an eye on them while they bake!
Can I Prepare These Pizza Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the pizza bites, then place them on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed; you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover pizza bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness, or microwave them for about 30-60 seconds if you prefer it quick!
