Mini Pepperoni Pizza Bites are delicious, bite-sized snacks packed with classic pizza flavors. With a golden, crispy crust, gooey melted cheese, and savory pepperoni, these mini pizzas are perfect for parties, appetizers, or a fun family meal. Easy to make and highly customizable, they offer all the goodness of a full-sized pizza in a handheld form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for parties, game nights, or kid-friendly meals.
- Customizable with different toppings and cheeses.
- Can be made ahead and frozen for convenience.
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Marinara or pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Mini pepperoni slices
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin or baking sheet.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into small circles using a cookie cutter or a glass.
- Press each dough circle into the mini muffin tin, forming a small cup.
- Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Add a spoonful of pizza sauce to each dough cup.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and mini pepperoni slices.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, then remove from the muffin tin and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12–15 bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap pepperoni for mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for extra heat.
- Cheese Lovers’ Version: Use a mix of cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free pizza dough.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes for a crispy crust.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought biscuit dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes, biscuit dough works well for a flakier crust.
How do I prevent the pizza bites from sticking?
Grease the muffin tin well or use parchment paper liners.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bites, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.
What’s the best way to get a crispy crust?
Brush the dough with olive oil before adding toppings and bake on a preheated baking stone.
Can I use regular-sized pepperoni?
Yes, but cut them into smaller pieces for even distribution.
What other cheeses can I use?
Try provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar.
Can I cook these without a muffin tin?
Yes, place dough circles on a baking sheet and bake as mini flatbreads.
How do I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese entirely and add more sauce and veggies.
What dipping sauces pair well with these?
Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or pesto are great options.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the oven.
Conclusion
Mini Pepperoni Pizza Bites are a fun and delicious way to enjoy pizza in a convenient, bite-sized form. Perfect for parties, snacks, or quick meals, these easy-to-make bites are endlessly customizable and sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Try different toppings and serve with your favorite dips for the ultimate pizza experience!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 pizza bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These mini pepperoni pizza bites are cheesy, crispy, and loaded with flavor. A perfect appetizer, party snack, or quick meal for pizza lovers!
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- Roll out pizza dough and cut into small circles to fit the muffin tin.
- Press dough into each cup, then add a spoonful of pizza sauce.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni slices.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use different toppings like mushrooms, olives, or sausage for variety.
- Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
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