Description

These Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Bites are a fun and delicious appetizer perfect for parties or snack time. Made with refrigerated pizza dough, mozzarella, mini pepperoni slices, and Italian seasoning, these bite-sized treats bake up golden and gooey, served best with warm pizza sauce for dipping. Easy to make and shareable, they bring all the flavors of classic pepperoni pizza into handheld, pull-apart balls.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Dough and Filling

1 can refrigerated pizza dough (16 oz)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
1/2 cup pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping

Toppings

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking pan or a cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the pizza bites.
Divide the Dough: Open the can of refrigerated pizza dough and divide it into 24 equal pieces for consistent-sized bites.
Fill the Dough Circles: Flatten each piece of dough into a small circle. Place a pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese and a few mini pepperoni slices in the center of each circle to create the filling.
Seal and Shape: Pinch the edges of the dough together tightly to seal in the filling, then roll each sealed piece into a smooth ball shape.
Arrange in Pan: Place the dough balls seam-side down in the prepared pan. Position them close together but not touching to allow for even baking and easy pull-apart texture.
Add Toppings: Brush the tops of the dough balls with olive oil. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and optionally add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Bake: Bake the pizza bites in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Make sure to pinch the dough edges tightly to avoid cheese or pepperoni leaking out during baking.
If using cast-iron skillet, be cautious when handling hot pan.
Variations can include adding other fillings like cooked sausage or vegetables.
These bites are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven.