These Pepperoni Pizza Bites are little hot pockets of cheesy goodness! They are perfect for snacking or serving at parties, with pepperoni and mozzarella wrapped in dough.
I love popping these into the oven and hearing that sizzle! They disappear fast, so make a big batch—or you might just end up hungry! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: This is the perfect base for your pizza bites. If you don’t have biscuit dough, you can use crescent roll dough or even pizza dough if you’re feeling adventurous. Both will work well to create that warm, doughy texture!
Pizza Sauce: I recommend using a jarred pizza sauce for convenience. However, marinara works great too! If you’d like a homemade touch, simply blend canned tomatoes with garlic and a pinch of Italian herbs.
Cheese: Mozzarella is key for that gooey texture. If you’re lactose intolerant, go for a dairy-free cheese, or use a blend of shredded cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for a twist!
Pepperoni: I prefer mini pepperoni for this recipe, but turkey or vegetarian pepperoni can be used if you’re looking for healthier alternatives. Just slice whatever you choose into smaller pieces for easy layering.
What’s the Best Way to Shape the Biscuit Dough?
Shaping the dough is crucial to making these pizza bites work. Here’s how to do it right:
- When you open the can, be careful—the dough can pop out. Separate each biscuit fully.
- Flatten each biscuit gently with your fingers or a rolling pin until they are about 3 inches wide. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect!
- Press each flattened biscuit into the muffin tin molds, pushing the dough up the sides to create a little cup for the filling.
This shaping allows the pizza bites to hold all that deliciousness inside and bake evenly. Enjoy creating these fun bites!
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza Bites:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (about 8 biscuits)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce, plus more for dipping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 24 mini pepperoni slices (about 3 per biscuit)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
Optional Ingredients:
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing muffin tin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to bake. So, in just about 25 minutes, you’ll have delicious Pepperoni Pizza Bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Shape the Biscuit Dough:
Open the can of biscuit dough and carefully separate each biscuit. Use your hands or a rolling pin to flatten each biscuit slightly into about 3-inch rounds. This will be the base for your pizza bites!
3. Form the Dough Cups:
Take each flattened biscuit and press it into the bottom and up the sides of the mini muffin tin cups, creating small dough cups to hold all the yummy fillings.
4. Add the Sauce:
Spoon about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of pizza sauce into each dough cup. Yum! Adjust the amount based on how saucy you want them.
5. Layer with Cheese:
Next, sprinkle about 1 to 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce in each cup. Don’t be shy with the cheese—more is always better!
6. Top with Pepperoni:
Layer 2 to 3 mini pepperoni slices on top of the cheese in each cup. Feel free to add more if you’re a pepperoni lover!
7. Sprinkle with Seasoning:
Finish by sprinkling a bit of dried Italian seasoning or oregano over the pepperoni for added flavor. If you want, you can also sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a tasty kick!
8. Bake Your Pizza Bites:
Place your muffin tin in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for a golden brown dough and bubbly, melted cheese.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the bites cool slightly. Then, gently take the pizza bites out of the tin.
10. Enjoy:
Serve the Pepperoni Pizza Bites warm with extra pizza sauce or marinara on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy, pepperoni-packed snacks!
This recipe is perfect for parties or just a fun night in. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Biscuit Dough?
Absolutely! Whole wheat biscuit dough can be a healthier alternative. Just be aware that it might have a denser texture compared to regular dough, but it will still taste great!
Can I Prepare the Dough Cups in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough cups in advance! Just keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before adding the sauce and toppings. Bake them just before serving for the best flavor and texture!
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them 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 5-7 minutes to regain that crispy texture!
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your pizza bites. Try adding cooked sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives to suit your taste. Just keep in mind not to overfill them to ensure they cook evenly!
