These Pepperoni Pizza Bites are tiny, tasty treats that are bursting with cheesy goodness and pepperoni flavor. Perfect for a snack or party appetizer!
Just pop them in the oven, and you’ll have a crispy, gooey delight in no time. I love serving these with marinara sauce for extra fun—your taste buds will thank you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Canned biscuit dough is super easy and makes these bites quick to prepare. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using whole wheat biscuit dough or making your own dough from scratch.
Pizza Sauce: I usually stick with classic pizza sauce, but feel free to use marinara or even pesto for a twist! If you’re making your own, a simple blend of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs works well too.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is my favorite for its meltiness. You can also replace it with provolone or try a dairy-free cheese if you’re lactose intolerant.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni adds flavor, but if you’re looking for alternatives, diced cooked sausage, turkey pepperoni, or veggies like bell peppers and olives can work too!
Italian Seasoning: This adds a nice herby touch. If you don’t have it, a mix of dried basil, thyme, or simply oregano will do just fine!
How Do I Get the Perfect Pizza Bite Texture?
For the best pizza bites, the key is in how you handle the biscuit dough. Make sure to flatten each piece enough to hold the toppings and form a little cup. This ensures the dough cooks evenly and creates a nice crispy edge.
- Don’t overfill them! Stick to the suggested amount of sauce and cheese to avoid spills.
- Watch for golden brown edges; that’s when you know they’re perfect.
- Let them cool a bit after baking! This will help everything set and make them easier to take out.
With these tips, you’ll have tasty pizza bites that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza Bites:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (about 8 large biscuits)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 24 mini pepperoni slices (about 3 per biscuit)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the muffin tin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes around 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. So, in about 25-30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, cheesy snack ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, get your standard 12-cup muffin tin and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Open your can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. You should have about 8 individual biscuits. Flatten each piece into a round that measures about 4 inches across.
3. Form the Cups:
Take each flattened piece of biscuit dough and place it into one of the muffin cups. Press it down gently while also pushing it slightly up the sides to create a small cup ready for filling.
4. Add Sauce, Cheese, and Pepperoni:
Now it’s time to layer on the goodness! Spoon about 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce into the bottom of each dough cup, followed by 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese. Top each one with about 3 mini pepperoni slices. Yum!
5. Season and Bake:
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of dried Italian seasoning or oregano over the tops of each pizza bite for added flavor. Then, pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye out for that lovely golden color and bubbly cheese!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once they are baked to perfection, remove the pizza bites from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 3-5 minutes. After cooling, carefully take them out of the muffin tin. Serve while warm alongside extra pizza sauce or marinara for dipping.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bites—perfect for sharing or as a fun snack!
Can I Use a Different Type of Dough?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use crescent roll dough or pizza dough. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as needed, since different doughs might cook a bit faster or slower.
How Should I Store Leftover Pizza Bites?
Leftover pizza bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Can I Freeze Pizza Bites?
Yes, you can freeze them! Assemble the pizza bites without baking, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Are Some Great Toppings or Fillings?
Feel free to get creative! You can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, cooked sausage, or even olives. For a twist, try using different cheeses like pepper jack or adding a slice of jalapeño for a little heat.
