If you’re craving pizza but don’t want the hassle of making a full pie, these Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are here to save the day! Packed with gooey mozzarella cheese, spicy pepperoni, and a touch of pizza sauce, all wrapped in a golden, buttery crust, these bite-sized treats are perfect for game day, parties, or a quick snack. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they’ll be a hit with kids and adults alike. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
For the Pizza Bombs:
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands)
- 24 slices of pepperoni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or mozzarella cheese sticks cut into 1-inch pieces)
- ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- Open the can of biscuit dough and separate the biscuits.
- Flatten each biscuit into a 4–5-inch circle using your hands or a rolling pin.
Step 3: Add the Fillings
- Place 2 slices of pepperoni in the center of each flattened biscuit.
- Add a spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of shredded mozzarella cheese or a cube of cheese on top of the pepperoni.
- If desired, add a small dollop of pizza sauce (optional).
Step 4: Form the Pizza Bombs
- Carefully fold the edges of the dough up and over the fillings, pinching them together to seal.
- Roll the dough ball gently in your hands to ensure the seams are closed. Place the sealed side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Add the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the dough balls.
- Sprinkle each pizza bomb with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy kick.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the pizza bombs are golden brown and puffy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the pizza bombs from the oven and let them cool for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for added freshness.
- Serve warm with pizza sauce or marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips
- Seal the Edges Well: Make sure the edges of the dough are fully sealed to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.
- Experiment with Fillings: Swap pepperoni for sausage, ham, or veggies to customize your pizza bombs.
- Cheese Options: Use mozzarella cheese sticks for an extra gooey center, or try shredded cheddar or provolone for variety.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the pizza bombs in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Crispier Crust: Bake the pizza bombs on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow air to circulate for a crispier bottom.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes to restore the crispness. You can also microwave them for 30 seconds, though the crust may soften slightly.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked pizza bombs on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 3–5 minutes to the cooking time.
Variations
- Meat Lovers: Add crumbled sausage, bacon bits, or even diced ham along with the pepperoni.
- Veggie Supreme: Include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives for a vegetarian option.
- Cheesy Explosion: Stuff the bombs with extra cheese for an ultra-gooey center.
- Buffalo Style: Replace the pizza sauce with buffalo sauce and add shredded chicken for a spicy twist.
- Garlic Bread Style: Skip the pizza fillings and stuff the bombs with garlic butter and cheese for a garlicky snack.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving, 1 Pizza Bomb):
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
FAQ
1. Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?
Yes! Homemade pizza dough works just as well. Just divide it into small portions and roll it out to about 4–5 inches in diameter.
2. Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the pizza bombs for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. How can I prevent cheese from leaking out?
Ensure the edges are tightly sealed and place the sealed side down on the baking sheet. If any cheese does leak out, it will create a crispy, delicious edge!
4. What sauces work well for dipping?
Classic marinara or pizza sauce is always a hit, but you can also try ranch dressing, garlic butter, or spicy marinara for variety.
5. Are these good for meal prep?
Yes! Pizza bombs reheat well, making them a great option for meal prep or lunchboxes.
