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These mouthwatering pepperoni pizza bombs turn basic ingredients into addictive snack-sized gems that pack all the pizza flavors into fun, popable bites. The mix of melty cheese, flavorful pepperoni, and tangy sauce wrapped in puffy golden dough makes an irresistible treat that vanishes fast at any get-together.
I whipped up these pizza bombs for my kid's birthday bash when I wanted something folks could eat without needing any utensils. They were such a smash hit that the children actually gobbled them up instead of the birthday cake, and now they've become a must-have for our family movie nights.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: Offers a handy shortcut though you can use homemade pizza dough for something extra special
- Mozzarella cheese: Gives that must-have stretchy pull grab fresh for tastier results
- Pepperoni slices: Bring that zesty kick look for top-notch brands with fewer additives
- Pizza sauce: Delivers that classic tomato kick grab store-bought or mix up your own
- Butter: Makes the outside shiny and brown while helping seasonings stick
- Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: Add that genuine pizza flavor throughout
- Parmesan cheese: Tops it off with a salty nutty finish that makes each bite better
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat Your Oven:
- Warm it to 375°F and get your baking tray ready with a spray of cooking oil or parchment paper. I really suggest parchment since it stops sticking and makes cleaning up way easier.
- Spread Out The Dough:
- Push each biscuit into a flat circle about 3 to 4 inches wide. Use your fingers to push from middle to edge while keeping some thickness in the center for your fillings. If the dough keeps shrinking back, give it half a minute then try again.
- Layer Your Toppings:
- Drop a tiny spoonful of pizza sauce right in the middle of each dough circle but don't go overboard or it'll leak out. Add a chunk of mozzarella or a big pinch of shredded cheese on the sauce. Top with 1-2 pepperoni slices based on how big they are.
- Form The Bombs:
- This part matters most. Carefully pull the edges of dough up and around the filling, going all the way around. Squeeze the edges firmly together so they won't come apart, otherwise cheese will escape while cooking. Put each bomb with the sealed side down in your pan.
- Add Flavor Coating:
- Brush melted butter all over each dough ball, covering every bit. Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning evenly across all bombs. If you're using Parmesan, shake it on now for extra flavor kick. Place another pepperoni slice on top of each one.
- Cook Them Up:
- Stick the pan in your hot oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, watching carefully near the end. You want them deep golden brown outside which shows the dough is cooked through and the cheese inside has fully melted.
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The first batch of pizza bombs I ever made taught me something important about sealing the dough properly. Half of them burst open like tiny cheese volcanoes because I hurried through. Now I take extra time with the sealing part and show my kids how to pinch the edges several times all the way around.
Make Ahead Options
You can totally prep these pizza bombs in advance for busy nights or planned parties. Put them together up to a day before you need them and keep them covered in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just brush with butter, add your seasonings and pop them in the oven, cooking about 3 minutes longer since they'll start off cold.
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Storage and Reheating
Any leftover pizza bombs will stay good for up to 3 days in a sealed container in your fridge. To warm them back up, stick them in a 350°F oven for around 10 minutes or toss them in an air fryer at 325°F for 3 to 4 minutes which brings back their crispiness wonderfully. You can microwave them for about 20 seconds each in a pinch, but they won't be nearly as crispy.
Endless Variations
What's so great about these pizza bombs is how many ways you can switch them up. Swap pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage, ham or crispy bacon for totally different flavors. Meat-free versions work great with cooked mushrooms, peppers or spinach just make sure you cook the veggies first to get rid of extra water. You can even make sweet versions with Nutella and banana slices or cinnamon sugar butter and apple chunks using the same wrapping method.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use pizza dough instead?
Absolutely! Pizza dough will work great. Roll it flat, cut into circles, and use like you would biscuit dough.
- → Which cheese melts the best for this?
Mozzarella is a top pick for that dreamy meltiness, but cheddar or a combo works too.
- → How do I stop them from opening up?
Seal the edges tight and place them with the seam side down to keep them from bursting while baking.
- → Can I prep these in advance?
Definitely. Assemble them ahead, pop them in the fridge, and bake right before you're ready to serve.
- → What pairs well with these bombs?
Warm up some marinara for dipping! They also go great with side salads or garlic bread.
- → Can I stuff other goodies inside?
For sure! Mix it up with sausage, diced veggies, or some spicy jalapeños.