Imagine the perfect bite-sized pizza experience—crispy on the outside, oozing with melted cheese and packed with savory pepperoni on the inside. That’s exactly what you get with these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs! These golden, fluffy, and cheese-stuffed delights are a fun, handheld twist on classic pizza, making them ideal for parties, game nights, or even just a satisfying snack when you’re craving something deliciously cheesy.
These pizza bombs are incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients like refrigerated biscuit dough or homemade pizza dough, gooey mozzarella cheese, and classic pepperoni. Once baked to golden perfection, they’re brushed with a garlic butter glaze and sprinkled with Parmesan and Italian herbs, taking the flavor to a whole new level. Serve them with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ve got an irresistible, pull-apart treat that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
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Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside – A perfect balance of textures!
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Quick and easy to make – Minimal ingredients and effort required.
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Customizable – Add your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, jalapeños, or olives.
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Kid-friendly & party-perfect – A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
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Great for dipping – Pairs perfectly with marinara, ranch, or garlic butter.
Preparation Time and Yield
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Yield: 12 pizza bombs
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 210
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Carbohydrates: 22g
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Protein: 8g
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Fat: 10g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 2g
Ingredients for Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
For the Pizza Bombs
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1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (or homemade pizza dough)
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12 slices pepperoni (or turkey pepperoni)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup pizza sauce
For the Garlic Butter Topping
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking mat. This will prevent the pizza bombs from sticking and help them bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
If using refrigerated biscuit dough, separate the biscuits and flatten each piece into a 3-inch circle using your hands or a rolling pin. If using homemade pizza dough, divide it into 12 equal portions and roll each portion into a small circle.
Step 3: Add the Fillings
Spoon about ½ teaspoon of pizza sauce into the center of each dough circle. Then, place one slice of pepperoni (or more, if you like it extra meaty!) and a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Be careful not to overfill, or the cheese might ooze out while baking.
Step 4: Seal the Bombs
Carefully fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pinching the seams together tightly to fully enclose the ingredients. Roll it gently between your hands to form a smooth, round ball. Place each pizza bomb seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Brush with Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning together. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of each pizza bomb with this flavorful garlic butter mixture. Then, sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pizza bombs are golden brown and puffed up. The cheese inside should be melty and gooey.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve with warm marinara sauce or ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy these cheesy, pepperoni-packed bites while they’re fresh and hot!
Ingredient Background
Mozzarella Cheese: The Ultimate Melting Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is a staple in pizza-making due to its smooth, stretchy texture and mild flavor. It melts beautifully inside these pizza bombs, creating that ooey-gooey, cheesy pull that makes every bite irresistible. While low-moisture mozzarella is ideal for a firmer melt, using fresh mozzarella will add a richer, creamier taste.
Pepperoni: The Classic Pizza Topping
Pepperoni is an American favorite, bringing a savory, slightly spicy kick to pizza. Made from seasoned beef and turkey or beef and pork, it crisps up beautifully when baked, adding both texture and bold flavor. If you prefer a milder option, turkey pepperoni works just as well and is slightly lower in fat.
Garlic Butter: The Secret Flavor Booster
A mix of melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian herbs takes these pizza bombs to the next level. The buttery topping not only adds flavor but also helps the dough bake to a golden, crispy finish. Brushing it on right before baking ensures maximum flavor infusion.
Technique Tips for Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
For the softest, fluffiest pizza bombs, make sure your dough is not too thick or too thin. If the dough is too thick, the inside may not bake fully. Too thin, and the filling could leak out. Aim for ¼-inch thickness when rolling out the dough for the perfect balance.
When sealing the dough around the filling, pinch the edges tightly to avoid any cheese oozing out. If you’re using homemade dough, dampen the edges slightly with water before pinching to create a better seal.
If you love extra crispy pizza bombs, bake them at a slightly higher temperature, around 400°F (200°C) for the last 2-3 minutes. This will create a more golden, crunchy crust while keeping the inside deliciously soft.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
Instead of serving these pizza bombs as a simple snack, try skewering them on wooden sticks for a fun, party-friendly way to eat them. This makes them easier to dip and more visually appealing.
For a pizza bomb platter, arrange them on a large board with different dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, garlic butter, and spicy sriracha mayo. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a gourmet touch.
If you want to get even fancier, turn these pizza bombs into stuffed breadsticks by rolling out the dough into rectangles instead of circles, filling, folding, and then baking them as longer sticks. Slice them into bite-sized pieces and serve with a cheese dipping sauce.
Freezing and Storing Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
These pizza bombs are perfect for meal prep, and you can easily freeze them for later use. Once baked, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds, though oven reheating is best for keeping them crispy.
For freezing, place unbaked pizza bombs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store them for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Healthier Twist Ideas
For a lighter version, swap out the biscuit dough for whole wheat pizza dough or use a Greek yogurt-based dough (made with flour and Greek yogurt).
Using turkey pepperoni or plant-based pepperoni can reduce fat while still keeping the same delicious flavor.
For a cheesier but lower-fat option, mix part-skim mozzarella with a little shredded Parmesan instead of using full-fat cheese.
Serving Suggestions for Events
At game nights and parties, serve these pizza bombs in a large bowl with a variety of dipping sauces, including classic marinara, spicy buffalo, or creamy ranch.
For movie nights, serve them alongside garlic knots and mozzarella sticks for a full snack spread.
At kids’ parties, let little ones dip their pizza bombs in different sauces while enjoying a build-your-own pizza bomb station, where they can customize fillings with mushrooms, olives, or even pineapple.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?
Yes! Store-bought pizza dough works great—just roll it out and cut it into portions before filling.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead, store in the fridge, and bake fresh when needed.
3. How do I keep them from leaking cheese?
Make sure the edges are sealed tightly, and avoid overfilling.
4. Can I make these without pepperoni?
Of course! Swap the pepperoni for mushrooms, spinach, or cooked chicken.
5. Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
6. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
7. Can I add other toppings inside?
Definitely! Try adding black olives, jalapeños, or even cooked sausage.
8. How do I reheat them?
Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
9. Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes! Just leave out the pepperoni or use a plant-based alternative.
10. What dipping sauces go best with these?
Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or even honey sriracha work great!
Conclusion
These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are a game-changer for pizza lovers. Whether you’re making them for a party, a snack, or a family dinner, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. With their crispy outside, gooey cheese filling, and savory pepperoni flavor, they’re simply irresistible!