Pepperoni Pizza Bites are mini, cheesy treats that pack a punch! They’re filled with pepperoni and gooey cheese, all wrapped in a tasty dough.
These bites are perfect for snacks or parties. When I make them, I can’t resist eating a few right out of the oven—who can blame me? They’re that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: I love using refrigerated biscuit dough for a quick and easy base. You can also use crescent roll dough for a flakier texture. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free biscuit mixes!
Pizza Sauce: A classic pizza sauce works best, but you can use marinara or any pasta sauce you have on hand. If you prefer homemade, mix crushed tomatoes with garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt for a quick DIY version!
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese is ideal for that gooey pull. You can substitute with cheddar or a dairy-free cheese if you want to keep it plant-based.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni adds convenience, but feel free to use regular pepperoni cut into smaller pieces. You could also use turkey or veggie pepperoni for a healthier twist!
Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, simply mix dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Fresh herbs give a nice flavor if you have them on hand!
How Do You Successfully Fill and Bake Pizza Bites?
Filling and baking these pizza bites correctly is essential for the best results. Here’s how to ensure they turn out perfectly:
- Flattening Dough: Make sure to flatten the biscuits evenly so they don’t puff up too much in the oven, which can happen if they are too thick.
- Filling Amount: Be mindful of not overfilling each bite. Around one teaspoon of sauce is just right; too much sauce can make them soggy.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on them in the oven! Every oven is different. Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling cheese to know they’re done.
- Cooling: Allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before removing. This helps the cheese set a bit and makes them easier to handle.
Pepperoni Pizza Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (such as flaky biscuits)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-30 mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni cut into small pieces)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the muffin tin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 12-15 minutes to bake. So, in roughly 25-30 minutes, you can have delicious Pepperoni Pizza Bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, take your mini muffin tin and lightly grease it with some cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Preparing the Biscuit Dough:
Open the can of biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Use your fingers or a rolling pin to flatten each biscuit into a small round disc. You want them to be about 1/4 inch thick, so they can hold all your tasty toppings!
3. Forming the Crusts:
Take each flattened biscuit and press it into the cups of the mini muffin tin. Make sure to press it up the sides a little to create a small crust that will hold all the yummy fillings.
4. Adding the Sauce:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Spoon about 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce into each biscuit crust. Don’t overdo it; you want just enough to add flavor without making a mess!
5. Cheese and Pepperoni Time:
Sprinkle approximately 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce in each cup. Then, top each bite with 2-3 mini pepperoni slices. More cheese = more delight!
6. Seasoning:
Sprinkle a little pinch of dried Italian seasoning or oregano over each bite to enhance that pizza flavor. It adds a nice herbal touch!
7. Baking:
Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for a golden-brown crust and melted, bubbly cheese.
8. Cooling and Serving:
Once done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This helps them set a bit. Carefully remove the pizza bites from the tin. Feel free to sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese or more herbs before serving!
9. Enjoy!
Serve your warm Pepperoni Pizza Bites with extra pizza sauce or marinara on the side for dipping. These are perfect for snacking, parties, or just enjoying while binge-watching your favorite show!
Enjoy these bite-sized pizza treats perfect for snacking or parties!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen biscuit dough, be sure to thaw it in the fridge or at room temperature before you begin. Simply follow the same steps for flattening and shaping the dough once it’s thawed.
What Can I Substitute for Pepperoni?
If you’re looking to switch things up, you can use diced cooked sausage, ham, or even veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for a healthier option. Turkey pepperoni is also a great alternative if you’re aiming for a leaner choice!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pizza bites up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate them for a few hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to retain their crispiness, or you can use the microwave for convenience.
