Name: Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni, chopped); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)

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Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are the ultimate game-day snack, a perfect party appetizer, or a fun weeknight dinner for the whole family. These savory little bites are packed with gooey cheese, pepperoni, and the irresistible flavors of pizza—all tucked into soft, fluffy dough and baked to golden perfection. Each bite is a flavor-packed surprise that’s perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or your favorite pizza sauce. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving pizza in a new and exciting way, these cheesy pepperoni pizza bombs will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make, customizable, and incredibly satisfying, they take the classic pizza experience to a whole new level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

With minimal prep time, these pizza bombs come together in a flash using store-bought dough. They’re perfect for busy days when you need a simple yet satisfying meal or snack.

2. Cheese and Pepperoni in Every Bite

Each pizza bomb is filled with melty cheese and pepperoni, creating a delicious pocket of pizza goodness in every bite.

3. Customizable

You can easily customize the fillings by adding different toppings such as olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers, making these pizza bombs versatile to fit everyone’s preferences.

4. Perfect for Dipping

Serve these pizza bombs with a side of marinara sauce or garlic butter for dipping, elevating the flavor even further and adding to the fun experience.

5. Kid-Friendly

These pizza bombs are perfect for kids! The bite-sized portions make them easy to enjoy, and they can even help with assembling the bombs, making it a fun family activity.

Ingredients

Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Pepperoni slices
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Olive oil (for brushing)
Parmesan cheese (grated, optional)
Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Variations

Veggie Pizza Bombs: Skip the pepperoni and add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, onions, olives, and mushrooms for a veggie-packed version.
BBQ Chicken Pizza Bombs: Swap the pepperoni for cooked, shredded chicken tossed in barbecue sauce for a BBQ pizza twist.
Spicy Pepperoni: Add red pepper flakes to the filling for an extra kick of heat.
Cheesy Garlic Pizza Bombs: Include garlic butter in the filling for a garlic-flavored twist that will add even more deliciousness to these pizza bombs.
Pineapple and Ham: For a Hawaiian-style pizza bomb, add ham and pineapple pieces instead of pepperoni.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the pizza bombs from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough

Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle or circle, depending on the shape you prefer for your pizza bombs. Cut the dough into squares (about 4×4 inches) or circles, depending on the size of your pizza bombs.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Bombs

Place a slice of pepperoni in the center of each dough square, then top with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder for extra flavor.

Step 4: Seal the Pizza Bombs

Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling to form a ball, pinching the edges tightly to seal the filling inside. You can roll them gently to ensure they’re fully sealed.

Step 5: Brush with Olive Oil

Place the pizza bombs on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with olive oil. For extra flavor, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top of each bomb.

Step 6: Bake the Pizza Bombs

Bake the pizza bombs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the pizza bombs from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping, and optionally garnish with fresh basil.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Seal the Dough Well: Make sure the dough is sealed tightly around the filling to prevent the cheese and sauce from leaking out during baking.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella will give you that extra melty cheese effect. You can also use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a more complex flavor.
Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overstuff the pizza bombs. A small amount of filling goes a long way, and overfilling can cause the dough to burst open while baking.
Brush with Garlic Butter: For an extra flavorful finish, brush the pizza bombs with garlic butter once they’re out of the oven.

How to Serve

Serve these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs as a fun snack or appetizer, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or your favorite pizza sauce. They also make an excellent side dish for pasta or a delicious addition to a pizza night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pizza bombs can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain the crispiness of the dough, reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave.

Freezing

You can freeze these pizza bombs before baking. Simply assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen pizza bombs directly on a baking sheet and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat pizza bombs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Yes! Homemade pizza dough works just as well as store-bought dough. Just ensure it’s rolled out thin enough to form the pizza bombs.

2. Can I make these pizza bombs ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to bake. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

3. What other fillings can I use in these pizza bombs?

You can use any fillings you like, such as sautéed veggies, cooked chicken, bacon, or even pesto.

4. Can I use vegan cheese in this recipe?

Yes, vegan cheese can be used in place of dairy cheese for a completely plant-based version.

5. How do I prevent the pizza bombs from leaking cheese while baking?

Make sure the dough is sealed tightly around the filling. If the dough is overstuffed, it may cause the filling to leak out, so use a moderate amount of cheese.

6. Can I add a dipping sauce for these pizza bombs?

Marinara sauce, garlic butter, or even ranch dressing are great options for dipping.

7. Can I make these pizza bombs without pepperoni?

Of course! You can substitute pepperoni with any other meat, or go for a vegetarian version with olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

8. Can I bake the pizza bombs in a different shape?

Yes, feel free to shape the pizza bombs however you like, whether round, square, or even shaped like pizza pockets.

9. Can I use biscuit dough instead of pizza dough?

Biscuit dough can be used for a different texture and flavor, but it may bake differently than traditional pizza dough.

10. How long do these pizza bombs last?

They’ll stay fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature or can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are the ultimate snack or appetizer, combining the irresistible flavors of pizza with the fun, bite-sized format of a bomb. Quick, customizable, and delicious, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re watching the game, hosting a party, or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these pizza bombs are the perfect treat that everyone will love.