Pepperoni Pizza Bombs: An Easy and Delicious Cheesy Snack

A Fun and Flavorful Twist on Pizza Night

Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are a fun and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of pizza in a bite-sized, handheld format. These savory treats are made with refrigerated biscuit dough, stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese and flavorful pepperoni, and then brushed with a garlic-herb butter before baking. They’re perfect for parties, game-day snacks, after-school treats, or a fun and easy dinner option. The combination of the crispy, golden-brown biscuit exterior and the cheesy, meaty filling is simply irresistible.

A Recipe That’s Perfect for Quick and Easy Snacking

I first made these Pepperoni Pizza Bombs when I was looking for a quick and easy snack to serve at a casual get-together. I wanted something that was flavorful, satisfying, and wouldn’t require a lot of effort to prepare. These little bombs were a huge success! They were easy to assemble, baked up quickly, and everyone loved the combination of the flaky biscuit dough, the melted cheese, and the savory pepperoni. Since then, they’ve become one of my go-to recipes for any occasion that calls for a fun and delicious snack. I love that they’re so versatile – I can easily customize them with different fillings and toppings to suit everyone’s preferences. They’re also a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen, as they can help with assembling the bombs.

Ingredient Insights: Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying snack. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Refrigerated Biscuit Dough (1 can, 8 oz): Provides the convenient and flaky base for the pizza bombs.
  • Tip: Pillsbury Grands! or a similar brand of refrigerated biscuits works well.
  • Alternative: You can also use a homemade pizza dough, but it will require more prep time.
• Mozzarella Cheese (3/4 cup, shredded): Adds a classic, melty, cheesy element to the filling.
  • Tip: You can also use a blend of Italian cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
• Mini Pepperoni Slices (1/2 cup): Provide a savory, slightly spicy flavor that’s characteristic of pepperoni pizza.
  • Tip: You can find mini pepperoni slices in the deli or packaged meat section of most grocery stores.
• Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and flavor to the topping and helps create a golden-brown crust.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Provides a savory, aromatic flavor to the topping.
• Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs, such as oregano, basil, and thyme, that adds a classic Italian flavor to the topping.

Essential Equipment: Tools for Pizza Bomb Assembly and Baking

• Baking Sheet: For baking the pizza bombs.
• Parchment Paper: Lining the baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the melted butter and seasonings.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Rolling Pin or Hands: For flattening the biscuit dough.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing the melted butter mixture over the dough.

The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Pepperoni Pizza Bomb Perfection

Ingredients with Measurements

• 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands!)
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup mini pepperoni slices
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Detailed Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Getting Ready to Bake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the pizza bombs from sticking and make cleanup much easier. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Butter Topping: A Flavorful Glaze

1. Melt Butter: In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.
2. Add Seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning until well combined.
3. Set Aside: Set the butter mixture aside for later use.

3. Prepare the Dough: Flattening the Biscuits

1. Separate Biscuits: Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits.
2. Flatten: On a clean, lightly floured surface, flatten each biscuit into a 4-inch circle using your hands or a rolling pin.
   • Tip: If the dough is sticking, you can lightly flour your hands or the rolling pin.

4. Fill the Pizza Bombs: Adding the Cheese and Pepperoni

1. Add Cheese: Place a small handful of shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 tablespoon) in the center of each flattened biscuit.
2. Add Pepperoni: Top the cheese with about 5-7 mini pepperoni slices.

5. Seal the Pizza Bombs: Creating the Perfect Package

1. Fold and Pinch: Carefully fold the edges of the biscuit dough up and over the filling, pinching the edges together firmly to create a sealed ball. Make sure there are no gaps or openings where the filling could leak out.
2. Roll into a Ball: Gently roll the sealed dough ball between your hands to create a smooth, round shape.

6. Arrange and Brush: Preparing for the Oven

1. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one to allow for expansion during baking.
2. Brush with Butter Mixture: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the tops of each pizza bomb with the melted butter and herb mixture. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and add extra flavor.

7. Bake to Perfection: Achieving a Crispy Crust and Melty Filling

1. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
2. Baking Time: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pizza bombs are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
   • Tip: Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

8. Cool and Serve: Enjoying Your Homemade Creation

1. Cool Slightly: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Pepperoni Pizza Bombs cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly.
2. Serve Warm: Serve warm and enjoy!

Troubleshooting Common Problems: Tips for Success

• Filling Leaking Out:
  • Problem: The filling leaks out of the bombs during baking.
  • Solutions: Make sure to pinch the seams of the dough tightly closed. Don’t overfill the bombs.
• Dough Not Cooked Through:
  • Problem: The dough is still raw in the center.
  • Solutions: Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. If the tops are browning too quickly, tent them loosely with foil.
• Too Greasy:
  • Problem: The pizza bombs are too greasy.
  • Solutions: Make sure to use a good quality cooking spray when preparing the baking sheet, or use parchment paper.

Tips and Variations: Customize Your Pizza Bombs

• Cheese Variations: Use a blend of Italian cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan, for a more complex flavor. You could also try adding a sprinkle of cheddar or Monterey Jack.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate finely diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms into the filling for added flavor and texture. Be sure to saute them first.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or brush the tops with a spicy garlic butter.
• Different Meats: Use cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, cooked and chopped ham, or cooked and crumbled bacon instead of pepperoni.
• Sauce Options: Serve with a side of marinara sauce, pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter sauce for dipping.

Serving Suggestions: A Versatile Snack for Any Occasion

• Appetizers: These Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are perfect for serving as an appetizer at parties, game days, or any gathering.
• Snacks: A fun and satisfying snack for kids and adults alike.
• Lunch: Pack them in lunchboxes for a tasty and easy midday meal.
• Dinner: Serve alongside a salad or soup for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Pairing Recommendations: Drinks and Sides

• Drinks:
  • Soda: A classic pairing for pizza.
  • Beer: A light-bodied beer, such as a lager or pilsner, complements the flavors well.
  • Iced Tea: Sweet or unsweetened iced tea is a refreshing choice.
  • Lemonade: A good option for a non-alcoholic beverage.
• Sides:
  • Marinara Sauce: A classic dipping sauce for pizza.
  • Ranch Dressing: A creamy and tangy option for dipping.
  • Salad: A simple green salad or a Caesar salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the pizza bombs.
  • Garlic Knots: Another fun and flavorful bread option.

Nutritional Information: A Tasty Treat

Per serving (approximate, will vary based on size and specific ingredients): Calories: 200-250, Fat: 10-14g, Carbohydrates: 20-25g, Protein: 8-12g. (Note: This is an approximation and may vary based on the specific ingredients used).

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Comprehensive FAQ: Your Pepperoni Pizza Bomb Questions Answered

• Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
  • A: You can assemble the pizza bombs ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. You can also bake them ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?
  • A: Store leftover pizza bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Q: Can I freeze these pizza bombs?
  • A: Yes, you can freeze them either baked or unbaked.
    • Baked: Let the bombs cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
    • Unbaked: Assemble the bombs, but don’t brush with butter or add the topping. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Q: Can I use a different type of dough?
  • A: Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough or store-bought pizza dough instead of refrigerated biscuit dough.
• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
  • A: Absolutely! Provolone, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious.
• Q: Can I add other toppings to these pizza bombs?
  • A: Yes, get creative with toppings! Try adding cooked and crumbled sausage, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or any of your favorite pizza toppings.
• Q: What if I don’t have a pastry brush?
  • A: You can use a spoon to drizzle the melted butter mixture over the tops of the pizza bombs.
• Q: Can I bake these in an air fryer?
• A: Yes, you could try baking them in an air fryer, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and temperature.
• Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
• A: You can omit the pepperoni and use a mixture of sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers, for a vegetarian version. You could also use a plant-based pepperoni alternative.
• Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
• A: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350F for about 5-10 minutes, or in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute.
• Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
• A: You would need to find a gluten-free alternative to the refrigerated biscuit dough.