Let’s be honest. Some days, you just need that perfect, cheesy, pepperoni-packed bite without the commitment of a whole pizza. That’s where these incredible little miracles come in. Imagine all the best parts of your favorite pie – the gooey mozzarella, the tangy sauce, the savory pepperoni—wrapped up in a soft, golden, bite-sized parcel of dough.

They are the ultimate snack, the perfect party appetizer, and the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas. Best of all? They come together in a flash with minimal fuss. This isn’t about fancy cooking; it’s about creating pure, unadulterated joy in your kitchen. Get ready to make something truly magical.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to pizza bomb bliss. Here’s everything you’ll need to create these irresistible treats.

• 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough: This is your convenient and reliable base. It’s soft, pliable, and bakes up into a wonderfully golden and fluffy shell.
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce: The tangy, tomatoey heart of the operation. It provides that classic pizza flavor and keeps the filling deliciously moist.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The star of the show! This is what creates that iconic, stretchy, ooey-gooey cheese pull we all crave.
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, chopped: Chopping them ensures every single bite gets a punch of that savory, slightly spicy, and unmistakably pizza-like flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: A simple brush on top before baking is the secret to achieving a beautifully golden-brown and slightly crisp exterior.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: This infuses the dough with a subtle, aromatic warmth that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick. A sprinkle adds a welcome touch of heat.
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese: This is for the top. It adds a salty, savory crunch and an extra layer of cheesy flavor.
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional): A final flourish! The fresh, bright aroma cuts through the richness perfectly.

How to make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs?

Don’t let the deliciousness fool you—the process is straightforward and even a little fun. Follow these simple steps for guaranteed success.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s perfectly hot and ready to go when your pizza bombs are assembled. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent any sticking later on.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, unroll your pizza dough. Use a rolling pin to gently press it out into a rough rectangle, about a quarter-inch thick. Then, take a sharp knife or a pizza cutter and slice the dough into even squares, roughly 3×3 inches each.

Step 3: Fill ‘Em Up

Now for the good part! In the center of each dough square, place about a teaspoon of marinara sauce. Top the sauce with a pinch of your chopped pepperoni and a generous tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese. Be brave with the cheese—this is no time to be shy.

Step 4: Seal the Bombs

Carefully gather the four corners of a dough square and pull them up over the filling. Pinch the seams together tightly at the top. Gently roll the sealed bundle between your hands to form a neat, round ball. This sealing step is crucial to keep all that cheesy goodness inside while they bake.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place each sealed bomb seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Give them a little space to breathe. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the top of each one with olive oil. Sprinkle them with the garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.

Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re puffed up and beautifully golden brown. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the pizza bombs cool for just a minute or two—that cheese will be molten hot! Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve them immediately with a small bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping. Then, get ready for the compliments to roll in.

Best Time to Serve This Dish

These pizza bombs are the ultimate versatile snack. They truly shine during big game watch parties, where guests can grab one without missing a single play. They’re a fantastic, fun appetizer for birthday parties or casual holiday gatherings, appealing instantly to both kids and adults.

But don’t relegate them just to parties. They make for a wonderfully easy and satisfying weeknight dinner paired with a simple green salad. They’re also the perfect project for a rainy afternoon with the family, turning cooking into a fun, interactive activity.

Ingredient Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. If you need to swap things out, you absolutely can. No pizza dough? A can of refrigerated biscuit dough works wonderfully; just flatten each biscuit into a circle. For a protein switch, try cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or diced ham.

Feel free to get creative with the fillings. Diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, sautéed mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach would be delicious additions. For a different cheese profile, try a mix of mozzarella and provolone or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar.

Tips

• A few simple tricks will take your pizza bombs from good to legendary. First, make sure you seal those edges tightly! A poorly sealed bomb will leak its cheesy lava all over the baking sheet. If the dough is being stubborn, dampening the edges very slightly with water can help them stick together.
• Don’t overfill them. It’s tempting to pack in more cheese, but too much filling will make them burst open. Be generous, but be smart. Finally, let them rest for a few minutes after they come out of the oven. This allows the cheese to set just enough so you don’t burn your tongue on that first glorious bite.

How to Store and Reheat

Any leftover pizza bombs (a rare occurrence!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them and bring back their magic, avoid the microwave. While quick, it will make the dough soft and chewy.

Instead, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the exterior is crisp again. You can also use an air fryer for a few minutes for a super-fast and crispy result.

Flavor Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic, a world of flavor possibilities opens up. For a “Supreme” style, add finely diced green pepper, onion, and black olives to the filling. Give them a “Buffalo Chicken” twist by mixing shredded cooked chicken with a bit of buffalo sauce and using blue cheese instead of mozzarella.

Create a “Hawaiian” version with diced ham and a small piece of pineapple inside. For a vegetarian delight, load them up with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. You could even do a “Breakfast Bomb” with scrambled egg, cheese, and crumbled bacon.

The basic method is your canvas—feel free to paint with your favorite flavors. This recipe is incredibly forgiving and encourages experimentation, so don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Print Recipe

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe

Author: katie Smith Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American, Italian Courses: Appetizers, Snack

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 25 mins

Cooking Temp: 375  F Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 6 Calories: 280

Best Season: Fall, Winter

Description

These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are golden, bite-sized pockets of pizza perfection! Soft, fluffy dough is stuffed with tangy marinara sauce, savory pepperoni, and a generous amount of gooey mozzarella cheese. Baked until golden and crispy on the outside, each bite delivers a burst of warm, melty flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, they're the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for game nights, parties, or a fun family dinner.

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 can (13.8 oz) pizza dough (refrigerated; whole wheat for a healthier option)
• ½ cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup pepperoni slices (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Optional Garnishes

• fresh basil leaves (torn, for garnish)
• extra marinara sauce (warmed, for dipping)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
   Parchment paper ensures easy cleanup.
   Mark as complete

2. Roll & Cut Dough

   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut it into 3x3 inch squares.
   You should get about 12-16 squares depending on the dough size.
   Mark as complete

3. Fill the Squares

   Place 1 teaspoon of marinara sauce in the center of each dough square. Top with 1-2 pieces of chopped pepperoni and a small pinch (about 1 tablespoon) of shredded mozzarella cheese.
   Don't overfill, or sealing will be difficult.
   Mark as complete

4. Seal into Balls

   Gather the four corners of each square and pinch them tightly together at the top to form a ball. Roll gently between your palms to seal completely and smooth the surface.
   Ensure no gaps so the filling doesn’t leak during baking.
   Mark as complete

5. Arrange & Season

   Place the balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Brush the tops with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and grated Parmesan cheese.
   This creates a flavorful, golden crust.
   Mark as complete

6. Bake Until Golden

   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pizza bombs are puffed and golden brown.
   Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.
   Mark as complete

7. Cool & Serve

   Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with torn fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
   The filling will be very hot—caution advised!
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Serving Size 4 pizza bombs + 2 tbsp marinara

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 280kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 13gg20%

Saturated Fat 5gg25%

Trans Fat 0.5gg

Cholesterol 20mgmg7%

Sodium 680mgmg29%

Potassium 220mgmg7%

Total Carbohydrate 30gg10%

Dietary Fiber 2gg8%

Sugars 4gg

Protein 11gg22%

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Calcium 200mg mg

Iron 2.5mg mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Dough options: Use refrigerated pizza dough, biscuit dough, or homemade pizza dough. Adjust bake time as needed.
• No leaks: Pinch seams tightly and avoid overfilling. Dampening edges with water can help seal.
• Variations: Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, mushrooms, spinach, or jalapeños. Try pesto instead of marinara for a herby twist.
• Make-ahead: Assemble unbaked bombs, place on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 1-2 minutes.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve crispness.
• Serving: Perfect with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: pepperoni pizza bombs, cheesy pizza bites, easy appetizer, party food, homemade pizza bombs, quick snack, kid-friendly recipe