These Pepperoni Pizza Bites are tiny, cheesy delights wrapped in a golden crust. Perfect for parties or a fun snack at home, they’re every pizza lover’s dream!
Who doesn’t love a good pizza that’s bite-sized? I could eat a whole plate while binge-watching my favorite show! Grab some marinara for dipping, and you’re all set.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: The base of our pizza bites. Use a ready-made refrigerated can for ease, but you can also make homemade dough if you prefer. If you want a healthier option, try whole wheat dough.
Pizza Sauce: You can use store-bought pizza or marinara sauce. For a twist, blend in some pesto or alfredo sauce. If you’re keeping it simple, crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning can work too!
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives the classic pizza flavor. However, you can use shredded cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses if you’re feeling adventurous.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni is perfect for these bites, but regular slices chopped into smaller pieces will do. For a healthier take, try turkey pepperoni or skip it altogether for a veggie version.
Italian Seasoning: Dried Italian seasoning or oregano adds great flavor. If you have fresh herbs like basil or thyme, feel free to use those instead. Just make sure to chop them finely!
How Do I Ensure My Pizza Bites Bake Perfectly?
Getting those pizza bites just right is easy with a few tips! The key is in the preparation and baking process:
- Make sure to grease the muffin tin well. This prevents sticking and makes it easy to pop the bites out after baking!
- Flatten the biscuits evenly. This helps them bake uniformly, so you avoid doughy bits.
- Don’t overfill! Keep the sauce and toppings within the dough cup, so they don’t overflow while baking.
- Monitor your baking time. Each oven is different, so check on them around the 12-minute mark to avoid burning.
Let these cool for a few minutes before enjoying. They’ll be super hot right out of the oven!
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (about 8 biscuits)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 30-40 mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni slices cut in halves or quarters)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the muffin tin)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 12-15 minutes of baking time. In total, you’ll need around 25-30 minutes to enjoy these cheesy bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab a mini muffin tin and give it a light coating with cooking spray or oil. This will help your pizza bites come out easily once they’re cooked.
2. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Take each biscuit and flatten it into a circular shape using your hands or a rolling pin. You want them to be about 1/4 inch thick—enough to form a cup, but not too thin!
3. Form the Dough Cups:
Now, take your flattened biscuit pieces and press them into the cups of the muffin tin. Make sure to push the dough to the bottom and up the sides to create little “cups” for your filling.
4. Add Sauce and Cheese:
Spread about 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce inside each dough cup. Then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. Don’t be shy with the cheese—this is where the yumminess comes from!
5. Add Pepperoni and Seasoning:
Top each bite with 3-4 mini pepperoni slices. For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of dried Italian seasoning or oregano on top. This is your opportunity to make these bites extra tasty!
6. Bake Until Golden:
Time to bake! Place the muffin tin in the oven and let them bake for 12-15 minutes. You want the dough to turn golden brown and the cheese to melt and bubble beautifully.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make them easier to handle. Then carefully pop each pizza bite out of the tin.
8. Enjoy!
Serve these delightful Pepperoni Pizza Bites warm, and don’t forget to have some extra pizza sauce or marinara sauce ready for dipping!
Dig in and enjoy your delicious, cheesy bites—perfect for sharing or snacking any time you crave a little pizza magic!
Can I Use Different Types of Dough for These Pizza Bites?
Absolutely! While biscuit dough is the easiest choice for a quick preparation, you can use pizza dough or crescent roll dough as substitutes. Just ensure the dough is rolled out evenly and can hold the fillings.
How to Store Leftover Pizza Bites?
Store any leftover pizza bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Make These Pizza Bites Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the pepperoni and replace it with your favorite veggies, like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. You can also add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without the dairy.
What Can I Serve with Pepperoni Pizza Bites?
These bites pair wonderfully with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. You can also serve them with a side of fresh salad or garlic knots for a complete meal experience!