Warm, melty, and easy to make, these pizza bombs are a great snack or party food.
This recipe makes small, cheesy pepperoni pockets that bake fast and taste like pizza. If you like simple cheese snacks, you may also enjoy a rich pasta dish like cheesy rigatoni with Cajun steak for a full meal.
Why This Recipe Works
The canned pizza dough gives a soft, pillowy shell that bakes quickly. The mozzarella melts inside and the pepperoni adds savory flavor. A little Parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano give the bombs a nice, familiar pizza taste. Brushing with olive oil makes the tops golden and shiny.
Why you should try this recipe
You should try it because it is fast, uses few ingredients, and most people love the result. These are great for snacks, game nights, or a quick dinner. For another easy handheld idea, check simple chicken wraps like cheesy chicken garlic wraps.
How to make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
This recipe is simple and quick. Prepare the dough, add cheese and pepperoni, seal into balls, brush with oil, and bake. If you want a similar prep method for other snacks, see an idea like cheesy chicken garlic wraps to vary your snack menu.
Ingredients :
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Equipments Needed
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush or small brush
- Clean flat surface or board
- Small bowl for marinara
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions :
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Open the can of refrigerated pizza dough and unroll it onto a clean surface.
- Cut the pizza dough into squares, about 2 inches on each side.
- Sprinkle a small amount of flour on the surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Take the shredded mozzarella cheese and place a heaping tablespoon in the center of each dough square.
- Add a slice or two of pepperoni on top of the cheese in the center of each square.
- Sprinkle a pinch of grated Parmesan cheese over the pepperoni and mozzarella.
- Dust a light pinch of garlic powder and dried oregano over the cheese and pepperoni.
- Carefully fold the corners of each dough square in toward the center, sealing the filling inside to form a ball.
- Gently roll each dough ball between your hands to ensure it’s fully sealed and round.
- Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
- Brush the tops of the dough balls with olive oil using a pastry brush.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the pizza bombs are golden brown and puffed up.
- While the pizza bombs are baking, pour the marinara sauce into a small dipping bowl.
- Once the pizza bombs are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the cheesy pepperoni pizza bombs warm with the marinara sauce for dipping.
How to serve Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
Serve warm on a plate with the marinara bowl for dipping. They go well with a simple salad or raw veggie sticks. Offer napkins — the cheese can be hot.
How to store Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
Cool them to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes or until warm. For longer storage, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month; bake from frozen a few extra minutes.
Tips & Tricks
- Seal the edges well to avoid cheese leaks while baking.
- Lightly dust your work surface with flour to stop sticking.
- Use full slices or chop pepperoni to fit small dough squares.
- Let bombs cool a bit before biting to avoid hot cheese burns.
- Brush with butter mixed with garlic powder for extra flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
- Use cooked sausage, diced ham, or cooked chicken instead of pepperoni.
- Try different cheeses: provolone, cheddar, or a blend.
- Add a small basil leaf or a bit of pizza sauce inside for extra sauce.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning on top before baking.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble and place on a tray in the fridge covered for a few hours, then bake when ready. For longer hold, freeze assembled bombs and bake from frozen.
Q: Can I use homemade pizza dough?
A: Yes. Homemade dough works well. Roll it out and cut into 2-inch squares the same way.
Q: How do I keep them from bursting in the oven?
A: Seal edges tightly and avoid overfilling. A small pinch of dough pressed together holds better.
Q: Are these freezer friendly?
A: Yes. Freeze unbaked, then bake from frozen adding 3–5 minutes to baking time.
Q: Can I make them spicy?
A: Yes. Use spicy pepperoni or add red pepper flakes inside.
Conclusion
For another take on pepperoni cheese bombs, you can read an Easy Pizza Bombs Recipe on Sizzling Eats at Easy Pizza Bombs Recipe (Pepperoni and Cheese) – Sizzling Eats. If you want more tested versions, see the Pizza Bombs Recipe on Allrecipes at Pizza Bombs Recipe – Allrecipes.
PrintCheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
Warm, melty, and easy to make, these pizza bombs are a great snack or party food filled with mozzarella, pepperoni, and seasoning, all encased in soft pizza dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Open the can of refrigerated pizza dough and unroll it onto a clean surface.
- Cut the pizza dough into squares, about 2 inches on each side.
- Sprinkle a small amount of flour on the surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Take the shredded mozzarella cheese and place a heaping tablespoon in the center of each dough square.
- Add a slice or two of pepperoni on top of the cheese in the center of each square.
- Sprinkle a pinch of grated Parmesan cheese over the pepperoni and mozzarella.
- Dust a light pinch of garlic powder and dried oregano over the cheese and pepperoni.
- Carefully fold the corners of each dough square in toward the center, sealing the filling inside to form a ball.
- Gently roll each dough ball between your hands to ensure it’s fully sealed and round.
- Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
- Brush the tops of the dough balls with olive oil using a pastry brush.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the pizza bombs are golden brown and puffed up.
- While the pizza bombs are baking, pour the marinara sauce into a small dipping bowl.
- Once the pizza bombs are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with the marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Seal edges well to avoid cheese leaks while baking. Use full slices or chop pepperoni to fit small dough squares. Let bombs cool a bit before biting to avoid hot cheese burns.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bomb
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg