A delightful and easy-to-make twist on traditional pizza, these Pizza Bombs pack all the classic pizza flavors in a bite-sized form. Perfect for a fun meal, party appetizer, or snack, they combine gooey mozzarella, pepperoni, and Parmesan wrapped in pizza dough and baked to perfection. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Bombs:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough – This serves as the base for wrapping the fillings.
- 24 slices pepperoni – Adds that classic pizza flavor and a little spice.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For gooey, melty goodness inside each bomb.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Provides a salty, savory depth of flavor.
For the Butter Mixture:
- 1/4 cup melted butter – Helps the bombs achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a flavorful, garlicky kick.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Brings that familiar Italian seasoning flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil – Complements the oregano, enhancing the herbaceous notes.
For Dipping:
- Marinara sauce – Perfect for dipping and adding that extra tomatoey flavor punch.
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent it from sticking. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 24 equal squares. These will be the wraps for the pizza fillings.
Step 3: Add the Filling
On each dough square, place a slice of pepperoni, a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, and a little Parmesan cheese. The combination of the two cheeses gives the Pizza Bombs a rich, gooey texture with a touch of sharpness from the Parmesan.
Step 4: Form the Pizza Bombs
Carefully fold the corners of the dough up and over the filling, pinching the edges tightly to ensure they seal properly. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking. Place the formed bombs seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to help them keep their shape during cooking.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, oregano, and basil. The mixture will give the Pizza Bombs a flavorful, golden crust.
Step 6: Brush and Bake
Brush the garlic herb butter generously over the tops of each Pizza Bomb, ensuring they’re well coated. This not only adds flavor but also helps the dough achieve a beautiful golden-brown color.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the Pizza Bombs are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure they don’t burn.
Serving the Pizza Bombs
Step 7: Serve Warm
Once the Pizza Bombs are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve them warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The combination of the crispy, cheesy dough with the rich tomato sauce is irresistible.
Tips for the Perfect Pizza Bombs
- Customization: Feel free to customize the fillings based on your preference. You can substitute pepperoni with ham, sausage, or even vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese: While mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even smoked gouda for a twist on flavor.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the Pizza Bombs ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time if you’re cooking them straight from the fridge.
- Freezing: Pizza Bombs can also be frozen before baking. Simply freeze them on a tray first and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conservation and Storage
Leftover Storage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them back in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them in short intervals.
Freezing for Future Use
Pizza Bombs freeze well, making them an excellent option for make-ahead snacks or meals. To freeze, simply follow the steps for preparing the Pizza Bombs but stop before brushing them with the butter mixture. Freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, brush them with the garlic butter and bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
Pizza Bombs are a fantastic fusion of classic pizza flavors and the convenience of bite-sized snacks. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a game night, a casual get-together, or just want a fun twist on pizza for dinner. The combination of gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and buttery garlic dough makes these little treats irresistible. Pair them with your favorite marinara sauce, and you’ve got a winner!