Recipe Card
Servings & Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 16 bites
Dietary Badges:
✔ Kid-Friendly
✔ Party Snack
✔ Freezer-Friendly
🛒 Ingredients
- Refrigerated pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Mozzarella string cheese (cut into 1-inch chunks)
- Pizza sauce (for dipping)
- Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Fillings: Pepperoni slices, cooked sausage, or veggies for variety.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Roll out pizza dough and cut into 2-inch squares.
- Place a piece of mozzarella (and pepperoni, if using) in the center of each square. Fold corners over and pinch tightly to seal.
- Place seam-side down on baking sheet. Brush with olive oil or butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes:
- Seal edges tightly to keep cheese from oozing out.
- Works in an air fryer: 375°F for 7–9 minutes.
Introduction
These Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites are everything you love about cheesy pizza—but in a fun, handheld snack size. Soft dough filled with gooey mozzarella, brushed with garlic butter, and baked golden brown. Perfect for game days, parties, or just when a pizza craving strikes!
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1 – Prep the dough
Roll out pizza dough into an even sheet. Cut into squares large enough to hold a cheese piece.
Step 2 – Fill & seal
Place cheese in the center (plus pepperoni or sausage, if desired). Fold and pinch edges to seal into a bite-sized ball.
Step 3 – Season & bake
Brush tops with butter or olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. Bake until puffed and golden.
Step 4 – Serve with sauce
Dip in warm marinara or pizza sauce for the full pizzeria vibe.
Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips
- Dough: Pizza dough is classic, but crescent roll dough makes a flakier bite.
- Cheese: String cheese works best for neat filling; shredded mozzarella can be used if packed tightly.
- Seasoning: Garlic powder + Italian seasoning = instant flavor boost. Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Toppings Inside: Pepperoni is classic, but try ham + pineapple, cooked sausage, or even mushrooms.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Cheesy Explosion: Use cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack instead of mozzarella.
- Buffalo Style: Toss baked bites in buffalo sauce and serve with ranch.
- Breakfast Version: Fill with scrambled eggs, bacon bits, and cheese.
-
Serving Ideas:
- With marinara, ranch, or garlic butter dipping sauce.
- As a party appetizer on a platter.
- Paired with a salad for a quick meal.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked bites on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to cook time.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to re-crisp.
FAQs
Q: Can I use biscuit dough instead of pizza dough?
A: Yes—biscuit dough gives a fluffier, softer bite.
Q: How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
A: Seal edges well and don’t overfill. A double pinch helps!
Q: Can I make these in advance?
A: Absolutely—assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Personal Note
Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites are one of my favorite “party hacks.” They taste like mini pizzas but take a fraction of the effort. I love setting out a variety of dips so guests can choose their favorite—and they always disappear fast!
