Irresistible Pizza Bombs: Easy Homemade Cheesy Bites

Pizza Bombs: Cheesy Bites of Heaven

Pizza Bombs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines everyone’s favorite pizza flavors in a convenient, bite-sized package. These golden-brown biscuit dough balls are filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, savory pepperoni, and zesty marinara sauce, then baked to perfection and brushed with a flavorful garlic butter. They’re incredibly versatile – perfect as an appetizer for parties, a quick snack for movie nights, or even as a fun dinner option that the whole family will love.

The beauty of these Pizza Bombs lies in their simplicity. Using refrigerated biscuit dough as the base, you can create these delicious treats in just about 30 minutes from start to finish. The sealed pockets of dough ensure that all the delicious fillings stay contained until that magical moment when you take your first bite and the melted cheese stretches in that perfect, Instagram-worthy way.

Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is accessible and adaptable. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create these irresistible Pizza Bombs!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Pizza Bombs is that they require simple, easy-to-find ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s everything you’ll need to gather before getting started:

For the Pizza Bombs:

• 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury™ Grands!)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (mini pepperoni works great!)
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 16 equal-sized cubes

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Some delicious variations include adding small pieces of cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, olives, or even pineapple if you’re feeling adventurous. Just make sure not to overstuff the bombs, as this could cause them to burst during baking.

Equipment Needed

The equipment needed for this recipe is minimal, making it perfect for even the most basic kitchen setup:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small bowl for the garlic butter mixture
• Pastry brush
• Knife or pizza cutter
• Rolling pin (optional, but helpful for flattening the biscuits)

If you don’t have parchment paper, you can also use aluminum foil sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, or simply grease your baking sheet well to prevent sticking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the process of making these delectable Pizza Bombs into simple, easy-to-follow steps:

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s fully heated when you’re ready to bake.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
3. If using a block of mozzarella cheese, cut it into 16 equal-sized cubes. If you’re using pre-shredded mozzarella, have it measured and ready.

Creating the Pizza Bombs:

1. Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Depending on the brand you use, you’ll typically have 8 large biscuits.
2. Cut each biscuit in half to make 16 pieces. This will give you the perfect amount of dough for each Pizza Bomb.
3. Take each piece of dough and flatten it into a circle about 3 inches in diameter. You can use your fingers, the palm of your hand, or a rolling pin for this step.
4. Place a small spoonful (about 1 tablespoon) of pizza sauce in the center of each flattened dough circle.
5. Add a few slices of pepperoni on top of the sauce.
6. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese (or about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella) on top of the pepperoni.

Sealing and Preparing for Baking:

1. Carefully fold the edges of the dough up and over the fillings, pinching them together at the top to seal. Make sure there are no openings where cheese could leak out during baking.
2. Place each sealed Pizza Bomb on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Use a pastry brush to generously coat each Pizza Bomb with the garlic butter mixture.
5. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops of the butter-coated bombs.

Baking:

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the Pizza Bombs are golden brown on top and cooked through.
2. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they don’t over-brown.
3. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling will be extremely hot!

Serving Suggestions

Pizza Bombs are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:

• Dipping Sauce: Serve with extra warm marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
• Party Platter: Arrange on a large serving platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an impressive appetizer spread.
• Complete Meal: Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced dinner option.
• Game Day Spread: Include as part of a game day buffet alongside other finger foods like wings, sliders, and vegetable platters.

For an extra touch of presentation, you can place the Pizza Bombs in a circular pattern in a cast-iron skillet before baking. This creates a beautiful pull-apart bread effect that’s sure to impress your guests!

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have leftover Pizza Bombs (though this is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Place cooled Pizza Bombs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These freeze beautifully! Place completely cooled bombs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• From Refrigerated: Place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until heated through, or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
• From Frozen: Do not thaw first. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until hot throughout.

Note that microwaving may make the biscuit dough a bit softer, while reheating in the oven helps maintain that desirable crispy exterior.

Recipe Variations

One of the joys of Pizza Bombs is how easily they can be customized. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Different Fillings:

• Veggie Lover’s: Replace pepperoni with diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives.
• Meat Lover’s: Add cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, bacon bits, or ham along with the pepperoni.
• Hawaiian: Use small pieces of ham and pineapple for a sweet and savory combination.
• Buffalo Chicken: Fill with shredded chicken mixed with buffalo sauce instead of pizza sauce, and use blue cheese instead of Parmesan in the topping.

Different Cheeses:

• Try using cheddar, pepper jack, or a pizza blend instead of or in addition to mozzarella.
• Add a tiny cube of cream cheese along with the mozzarella for an extra creamy center.

Different Dough Options:

• Use pizza dough instead of biscuit dough for a more authentic pizza flavor.
• Try crescent roll dough for a flakier texture.
• For a homemade touch, use your favorite from-scratch biscuit or bread dough recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did my Pizza Bombs burst open during baking?

A: This typically happens when the seams aren’t sealed well enough or when there’s too much filling. Make sure to pinch the dough firmly and completely when sealing, and don’t overfill the bombs. Also, placing them seam-side down helps prevent bursting.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prepare the Pizza Bombs up to the point of baking, then refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, brush with the garlic butter mixture and bake as directed, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I use homemade pizza sauce instead of store-bought?

A: Absolutely! Homemade pizza sauce works wonderfully in this recipe and can add an extra level of flavor. Just make sure it’s not too thin or watery, as this could make the dough soggy.

Q: My cheese isn’t melting completely. What am I doing wrong?

A: Make sure your oven is properly preheated and that you’re baking for the full recommended time. If using larger chunks of cheese, they may need a bit more time to melt completely.

Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?

A: Yes! Cook them at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, checking frequently. They may need less of the butter mixture since air fryers tend to dry food out more than conventional ovens.

Pizza Bombs are a delightful twist on traditional pizza that offers all the flavors you love in a fun, portable package. With endless customization possibilities, simple ingredients, and straightforward preparation, they’re sure to become a regular part of your recipe rotation. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking for a fun cooking project with kids, these cheesy, savory bites are guaranteed to be a hit!

Author

Anjali Sayee

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

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