If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years of cooking for family get-togethers, movie nights, and spontaneous weekend hangouts, it’s that bite-sized snacks always win. And when those snacks are warm, gooey, and wrapped in golden, buttery dough—well, let’s just say, they don’t last long on the plate. These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are everything you love about pizza, packed into a fluffy little pocket of goodness. They’re a total crowd-pleaser, and the best part? They’re super easy to whip up.
I first started making these a few years ago when I needed something quick but fun for a last-minute game night. I had a can of refrigerated biscuits, some leftover pepperoni, and a block of mozzarella—and just like that, pizza bombs were born. Since then, they’ve become a staple in my snack rotation. Whether it’s for parties, lunchbox treats, or lazy Sunday snacks, these are always a hit.
They’ve got that crispy, golden exterior brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan, and inside? A cheesy, pepperoni-filled center with a little burst of marinara. Honestly, they’re dangerously addictive. I usually make a double batch just to be safe.
Alright, let’s get into it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
16 slices of pepperoni
8 cubes of mozzarella cheese (cut small enough to fit inside the dough)
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
STEPS: Getting Started with Prep and Assembly
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Sheet
Go ahead and preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with butter to make sure the pizza bombs don’t stick. That little bit of butter also helps the bottoms get that perfect golden crisp—trust me on this.
Step 2: Prep the Biscuit Dough
Take each biscuit from the can and cut it in half—this gives you 16 pieces total. Flatten each half into a small disc using your palm or thumb. You want them just wide enough to wrap around the filling without tearing.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Here’s where the magic happens. In the center of each flattened biscuit, spoon a small amount of marinara sauce (not too much or it’ll leak!), then top with one slice of pepperoni and a cube of mozzarella. Keep everything centered to make sealing easier.
Step 4: Seal the Bombs
Carefully bring the edges of the dough up over the filling and pinch them together to seal. Make sure you press firmly and that there are no gaps—this helps keep all that cheesy goodness inside while they bake. Once they’re sealed, place them seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
Flavor Boost and Baking Tips
Now that your pizza bombs are all snug and sealed on the baking sheet, it’s time to turn up the flavor. This next part is where things go from “that looks good” to “I need that in my mouth right now.” The garlic butter topping not only makes them smell incredible, but it also gives that crisp golden crust an extra boost of savory flavor. And if you’re the type who likes to put your own twist on things, I’ve got a few fun variations for you to try too.
Let’s finish these pizza bombs off the right way!
STEPS: Brushing, Baking, and Serving
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, a pinch of salt and pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Give it a quick stir and make sure everything’s well combined. This mixture is going to soak into the tops of the dough as it bakes and give you that rich, buttery, herby flavor we all love.
Step 6: Brush the Pizza Bombs
Using a pastry brush (or even the back of a spoon if you’re in a pinch), generously brush the tops of each pizza bomb with the seasoned butter mixture. Don’t be shy here—the more you brush on, the more flavorful your bombs will be. Once they’re all coated, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a bit of sharpness and gives the tops that extra crisp once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden brown and the dough is puffed and cooked through. Keep an eye on them around the 15-minute mark. If you’re working with a particularly hot oven, they may cook a little faster.
Tips for Success and Variations
Alright, here’s where we can have a little fun. While classic pepperoni and mozzarella are always a winner, there’s plenty of room to get creative.
Switch up the meat: Not a pepperoni fan? Try cooked crumbled sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even chopped ham.
Add veggies: Sneak in some chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives. Just make sure whatever you add isn’t too watery—moisture is the enemy of that perfect seal.
Play with the cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, but sharp cheddar, provolone, or a little bit of cream cheese can add a unique flavor twist.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara or sprinkle a bit into your butter mix if you like a little heat.
These pizza bombs are also super freezer-friendly. You can assemble them ahead of time and pop them in the freezer on a tray. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to eat, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Perfect for those nights when you want something quick, easy, and totally comforting.
FAQs and Final Thoughts
By now, your kitchen probably smells like a cozy little pizzeria, and you’ve got a tray of golden, melty pizza bombs cooling on the counter. But before you dig in (or before the kids devour them all), let’s cover a few frequently asked questions I often get about these bite-sized beauties. Whether it’s your first time making them or you’re planning to put your own twist on the recipe, these tips will help you get it just right.
FAQ: Your Pizza Bomb Questions, Answered
1. Can I use homemade dough instead of canned biscuits?
Absolutely! If you’ve got a good pizza dough recipe or even store-bought pizza dough, it’ll work great here. Just roll it out and cut into small portions before filling. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly—keep an eye on them after 15 minutes.
2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
If you happen to have any left (which, honestly, is rare around here), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to get that crisp back—microwaving works too but might make them a bit soft.
3. Can these be frozen?
Yes! Assemble the bombs, then freeze them on a tray until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 20–25 minutes or until golden and heated through.
4. My pizza bombs leaked cheese while baking—what went wrong?
This usually happens if the dough isn’t sealed well. Make sure you pinch all the edges together tightly, and try not to overfill. A little leak is no big deal, but a good seal will give you that perfect surprise-inside effect.
5. Can I make them vegetarian?
Of course! Just skip the pepperoni and fill them with your favorite veggie toppings—think sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or spinach. Just remember to cook down watery veggies beforehand to avoid soggy dough.
6. How can I make them spicier?
If you’re a heat lover, add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or even toss a jalapeño slice inside each bomb. You could also mix a bit of hot sauce into your butter topping for a little extra kick.
7. What dipping sauces go well with these?
Marinara is the classic choice, but you could also try ranch dressing, garlic butter sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo if you’re feeling bold.
Final Thoughts: Make It Yours, Make It Fun
These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are more than just a snack—they’re a moment. A moment where everyone gathers around, dipping and biting, and just enjoying something that feels a little special. What I love most is how flexible this recipe is. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or experimenting with bold new flavors, it’s hard to go wrong.
So, the next time you’re looking for something fun and easy to make—whether it’s game night, movie night, or just Tuesday—give these a try. And if you do, I’d love to hear how it went! Drop your version in the comments, share any fun fillings you tried, or tag your photos. Let’s inspire each other one delicious bomb at a time.
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Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
- Author: Andrew Recipes
Description
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are the ultimate bite-sized treat—perfect for game day, parties, or a fun dinner idea. These golden dough balls are stuffed with gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and rich marinara, all brushed with a garlic-herb butter and topped with Parmesan for extra flavor. Easy to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients
Dough
465g (16½ oz) can of biscuit dough
3 tablespoons butter, for greasing the pan
Filling
225g (8 oz) mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
Sliced pepperoni
Marinara sauce
Topping
Butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Shredded Parmesan cheese
For Serving
Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease with butter.
Cut each biscuit in half. Press each half into a circle with your thumb to create small discs.
Place a small dollop of marinara sauce, 1 slice of pepperoni, and 1 cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each biscuit round.
Bring the edges up and over the filling, pressing them together firmly to seal completely, ensuring no gaps for the filling to leak out. Place the sealed bombs on the prepared baking sheet.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Brush the butter mixture evenly onto each pizza bomb and sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the bombs have nicely browned and are cooked through.
Allow to cool slightly until safe to handle, then serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
For extra crispiness, place the pizza bombs on a wire rack over the baking sheet. Feel free to mix up the fillings with other toppings like mushrooms, sausage, or olives. These are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven to maintain their crisp texture.