Who doesn’t love a good appetizer? They’re the perfect way to kick off any meal or gathering, setting the mood for fun and good times. But let’s be honest, sometimes the thought of making fancy party appetizers can feel a bit overwhelming, right?
Well, get ready to change your tune! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s incredibly simple yet bursting with flavor. We’re talking about cheesy, beefy, pepperoni-loaded pizza bombs that are practically foolproof. They’re fantastic for a casual weeknight dinner, awesome for game night snacks, and absolutely perfect for any party appetizers list.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These little flavor bombs are a dream for busy home cooks. They use simple, readily available ingredients and come together in a snap. Plus, they’re super customizable, meaning you can tweak them to your heart’s content. They’re also incredibly budget-friendly, proving that delicious food doesn’t need to cost a fortune.
Imagine pulling these golden-brown delights from the oven, the aroma of baked pizza filling your kitchen. They’re warm, gooey, and perfectly seasoned. Serving these makes any occasion feel special without adding stress to your plate.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced beef 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)
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Get Ready for Baking
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated. Crank it up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, which is about 190 degrees Celsius. This ensures your pizza bombs bake evenly right from the moment they go in.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Grab that can of refrigerated pizza dough. Gently unroll it onto a clean surface. A little sprinkle of flour will be your best friend here to keep things from sticking.
Now, let’s cut the dough. Aim for squares that are about 2 inches on each side. These little guys will become the pockets of deliciousness.
Step 3: Stuffing the Bombs
Time for the fun part! Take about a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella and place it right in the middle of each dough square. Don’t be shy with the cheese!
Next, add 1 or 2 slices of beef pepperoni right on top of that cheesy goodness. It adds that classic pizza flavor we all adore.
Now, add a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This really boosts the savory notes and adds another layer of flavor.
For that signature pizza taste, dust a little garlic powder and dried oregano over everything. It’s these little touches that make our appetizers truly sing.
Step 4: Shaping Your Pizza Bombs
Gently fold the corners of each dough square up towards the center. The goal is to create a little bundle, encasing all that yummy filling.
Once folded, carefully roll each bundle in your hands. This helps seal everything up nicely and gives you that cute, round pizza bomb shape.
Step 5: Ready for the Oven
Arrange your beautifully shaped dough balls on a baking sheet. Make sure to leave a little space between them. They’ll puff up as they bake, so give them room to grow!
Using a pastry brush, give the tops of the dough balls a light brush with olive oil. This little step is key for achieving that perfect golden, crispy crust we all crave.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color and that inviting puffed up look.
While your pizza bombs are baking, pour the marinara sauce into a small dipping bowl. It’ll be ready and waiting, just slightly warmed by the oven’s ambient heat.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re done, carefully remove the pizza bombs from the oven. Let them cool for just a few minutes. This is important to prevent any molten cheese surprises!
Serve these warm, delicious appetizers with the marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Get ready for happy eaters!
How To Store Leftovers
Got any leftovers? Lucky you! Let them cool completely before storing. You can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’re still pretty tasty the next day!
To reheat, a quick spin in the oven or toaster oven works wonders to bring back that delightful crispyiness. Microwaving can make them a bit soft, so try to avoid that if crisp is what you’re after.
Tips
Want to switch things up? Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat. Or, try different cheeses like provolone or a bit of cheddar.
These are fantastic for game night snacks. You can even make them ahead of time, refrigerate them, and bake them just before your guests arrive. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold.
Looking for more pizza night ideas? These pizza bombs are a fun alternative to a traditional pizza. They’re easy to handle and perfect for dipping, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
For larger gatherings, consider doubling the recipe. They disappear fast, especially when serving as party appetizers. They truly are crowd pleasers.
Conclusion
There you have it – a super simple, incredibly satisfying recipe for pizza bombs! These appetizers prove that you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to create amazing food for your friends and family.
They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknights to lively gatherings. So go ahead, give them a try, and get ready to enjoy some delicious, cheesy, pepperoni goodness. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I use different meats instead of pepperoni?
Absolutely! Cooked crumbled sausage, diced ham, or even shredded chicken would be delicious alternatives. Just make sure any meat is pre-cooked.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have marinara sauce for dipping?
No problem! Ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a creamy pesto dip would also be fantastic with these pizza bombs.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking?
Ensure you use a lightly floured surface when cutting and shaping the dough. Also, a little bit of olive oil on the baking sheet can help prevent sticking.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
You sure can! Finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions would be a great addition. Just make sure they are very finely diced so they cook through.
Easy Cheesy Pizza Bombs
These cheesy, pepperoni-loaded pizza bombs are the ultimate no-fuss appetizer. Perfect for game nights or a quick weeknight snack, they come together in just 30 minutes using simple ingredients.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the pizza bombs bake evenly.
- Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into squares approximately 2 inches on each side.
- Place about a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of each square. Top with 1-2 slices of beef pepperoni.
- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, followed by a dusting of garlic powder and dried oregano.
- Gently fold the corners of the dough up toward the center to create a bundle, then roll in your hands to seal and shape into a ball.
- Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet with space between them. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil for a golden crust.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and puffed up.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Want a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
These can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking; just add a few minutes to the bake time.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.
Feel free to experiment with other fillings like diced peppers or different cheeses like provolone.
Nutrition
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