Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs

These delicious pepperoni pizza bombs transform simple ingredients into irresistible bite-sized treats that capture all the flavors of pizza in a fun, poppable form. The combination of gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and zesty sauce wrapped in golden dough creates an addictive snack that disappears quickly at any gathering.

I first made these pizza bombs for my son's birthday party when I needed something that could be eaten without plates and forks. They were such a hit that the kids actually chose them over the birthday cake, and now they're requested for every family movie night.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated biscuit dough: Provides a quick shortcut but homemade pizza dough works beautifully too for an extra special touch
• Mozzarella cheese: Is essential for that classic pizza stretch choose fresh for best flavor
• Pepperoni slices: Add savory spicy flavor look for a quality brand without fillers
• Pizza sauce: Provides the classic tomato base use your favorite jarred variety or homemade
• Butter: Creates a golden shiny exterior and helps seasonings stick
• Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: Infuse authentic pizza flavor throughout
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty salty finish that elevates the entire bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F and prepare your baking dish with either a light coating of cooking spray or parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier so I strongly recommend it.

Flatten The Dough:

Take each biscuit piece and press it into a circle roughly 3 to 4 inches across. Use your fingertips to gently stretch from the center outward maintaining some thickness in the middle where your filling will go. If the dough springs back wait 30 seconds and try again.

Add The Filling:

Place a small teaspoon of pizza sauce in the center of each dough circle being careful not to use too much or it will leak. Add a cube of mozzarella or a generous pinch of shredded cheese directly on top of the sauce. Finish with 1 or 2 pepperoni slices depending on their size.

Create The Bombs:

This is the critical step. Carefully fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling working your way around the circle. Pinch the seams firmly together to create a tight seal otherwise the cheese will escape during baking. Place each bomb seam side down in your prepared dish.

Apply The Topping:

Brush each sealed dough ball generously with melted butter covering the entire surface. Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning distributing evenly across all the bombs. If using Parmesan add it now for a lovely flavor boost. Place an additional pepperoni slice on top of each one.

Bake To Perfection:

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes watching closely towards the end. You want a deep golden brown exterior which indicates the dough is fully cooked through and the cheese inside has melted completely.

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The very first time I made these pizza bombs I learned a valuable lesson about properly sealing the dough. Half of them erupted like tiny cheese volcanoes because I rushed the process. Now I take my time with the sealing step and show my children how to properly pinch the dough multiple times around the edges.

Make Ahead Options

These pizza bombs work beautifully as a make ahead option perfect for busy weeknights or planned gatherings. You can assemble them completely up to 24 hours before baking and store covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve simply brush with butter add the seasonings and bake adding about 3 extra minutes to the cooking time since they'll be starting cold.

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Storage and Reheating

Once baked leftover pizza bombs will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or use an air fryer at 325°F for 3 to 4 minutes which restores their crispy exterior beautifully. While microwaving works in a pinch about 20 seconds per bomb the texture suffers considerably.

Endless Variations

The beauty of these pizza bombs lies in their versatility. Try replacing pepperoni with cooked Italian sausage ham or bacon for different flavor profiles. Vegetarian versions work wonderfully with sautéed mushrooms bell peppers or spinach just be sure to cook vegetables first to remove excess moisture. You can even create dessert bombs using Nutella and banana or cinnamon sugar butter and apple pieces following the same technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?

Yes, pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe. Make sure to roll it out and cut it into circles before filling and sealing.

→ What cheese works best for the filling?

Mozzarella is ideal due to its gooey texture, but you can also experiment with cheddar or a cheese blend.

→ How do I keep the bombs from bursting open?

Pinch the edges firmly when sealing, and place the seam-side down in the baking dish to prevent them from opening.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bombs in advance and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving for the best results.

→ What can I serve with pizza bombs?

Serve them with warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. They also pair well with a side salad or garlic bread.

→ Can I add other toppings inside the bombs?

Definitely! Try adding chopped veggies, cooked sausage, or even jalapeños for extra flavor variations.