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These cheesy, garlicky Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are the perfect bite-sized snack for game nights, parties, or a quick pizza fix. Crispy on the outside and filled with gooey mozzarella and pepperoni, they're easy to make and even easier to eat!
I first made these pizza bombs for a last-minute Super Bowl party when I was short on time but wanted something impressive. They disappeared faster than any other snack on the table, and now they're requested at every gathering I host.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: Forms the perfect pillowy exterior while making this recipe incredibly simple
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that stretchy pizza pull we all love
- Mini pepperoni slices: Add classic pizza flavor in every bite
- Melted butter: Creates a golden crust and carries the garlic flavor
- Garlic powder: Provides that essential pizza shop aroma
- Italian seasoning: Adds authentic Italian flavor without measuring multiple herbs
- Marinara sauce: For dipping completes the pizza experience
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Turn your oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature ensures the outside gets golden while allowing enough time for the inside to heat through without burning.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Open your can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Gently flatten each one into a circle about 3 inches wide using your fingers or palm. Work from the center outward to maintain even thickness.
- Fill the Pizza Bombs:
- Place a tablespoon of mozzarella and several mini pepperoni slices in the center of each flattened biscuit. Resist the urge to overfill or the dough may tear during baking and release all that delicious cheese.
- Seal the Dough:
- Carefully fold the edges of each dough circle up and over the filling. Pinch the seams together firmly to create a tight seal. Place each ball seam side down on your prepared baking sheet to prevent them from opening during baking.
- Brush with Butter:
- Mix your melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to generously coat each pizza bomb with this flavorful mixture which will create an aromatic golden crust.
- Bake:
- Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch for that perfect golden brown color and slight puffing which indicates they're done. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the pizza bombs to cool for about 2 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period prevents burnt mouths while keeping the cheese perfectly melty. Serve alongside warm marinara sauce for dipping.
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The garlic butter topping is truly what makes these pizza bombs special. My daughter once called them "little pillows of pizza heaven" and I couldn't agree more. The combination of the aromatic garlic butter with the melty cheese inside creates an irresistible bite that somehow manages to capture all the flavor of pizza in a fun handheld package.
Storage and Reheating
These pizza bombs stay good in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. While you can microwave them for 15-20 seconds, they lose some of their crispness this way. For longer storage, freeze fully cooled pizza bombs in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Ingredient Substitutions
No refrigerated biscuit dough? Pizza dough or crescent roll dough works beautifully as alternatives. For a lower carb option, try using fathead dough made with mozzarella, cream cheese, almond flour and egg. If pepperoni isn't your thing, cooked sausage, ham, bacon, or even vegetarian options like sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers make excellent substitutes. Plant-based cheese can replace the mozzarella for a dairy-free version that still delivers on taste.
Serving Suggestions
Transform these pizza bombs into a complete meal by serving alongside a fresh green salad with Italian dressing. For parties, create a dipping station with various sauces like marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or even buffalo sauce. During the holidays, arrange them in a circular wreath pattern on a large platter with a bowl of marinara in the center for a festive presentation. They also pair wonderfully with other finger foods like mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, or veggie platters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated biscuits?
Yes! While refrigerated biscuit dough is convenient, you can substitute with homemade pizza dough or even crescent roll dough. Just ensure you roll it to about 1/4-inch thickness before adding fillings.
- → How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure to properly seal the edges by pinching firmly and placing the bombs seam-side down on the baking sheet. Don't overfill with cheese, and consider using cheese cubes instead of shredded for better containment.
- → Can I freeze these pizza bombs?
Absolutely! Freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.
- → What other dipping sauces work well besides marinara?
Ranch dressing, garlic butter, pesto, alfredo sauce, or even buffalo sauce make excellent alternatives to marinara. Choose based on your filling variations for complementary flavors.
- → How do I reheat leftover pizza bombs?
For best results, reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving is quicker but may make them slightly soggy.
- → What vegetables work well as filling alternatives?
Try finely chopped bell peppers, spinach (squeeze out excess moisture), mushrooms, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes. Pre-cook vegetables that release moisture to prevent soggy bombs.