Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs: The Best Homemade Recipe

Did you know that 78% of Americans consider pizza their favorite comfort food, yet only 32% have ever tried making pizza-inspired recipes at home? If you’re craving the irresistible combination of melty cheese and savory pepperoni but want something more exciting than traditional pizza, you’re in for a treat. Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are the perfect bite-sized delights that bring together all the flavors you love about pizza in an explosively delicious package. These golden-brown, cheese-stuffed dough balls are packed with pepperoni and Italian seasonings, making them perfect for game day snacks, family gatherings, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Unlike standard Pepperoni Pizza Bites, these bombs feature a soft, pillowy texture with an incredible cheese pull that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs: The Best Homemade Recipe

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 12 pizza bombs 1x

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Description

Delicious homemade pizza bombs filled with pepperoni and cheese, perfect for parties and gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package pizza dough
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 package pepperoni slices
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce for dipping
• Grated Parmesan cheese for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Divide pizza dough into equal portions.
3. Flatten each portion and add cheese and pepperoni in the center.
4. Carefully seal edges by pinching and rolling between palms.
5. Place on a baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
6. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with marinara sauce.

Notes

• Can be made in an air fryer at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
• Prep up to 24 hours in advance and store in refrigerator.
• Make vegetarian by substituting pepperoni with vegetables.
• Ensure thorough sealing to prevent cheese leakage.
• Transport in insulated container for potlucks.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 pizza bomb
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: pizza bombs, party food, appetizers, pepperoni bombs, cheese bombs

Ingredients List for Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs

For the dough:

• 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
• Alternative: 1 pound homemade pizza dough or crescent roll dough

For the filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 3 oz pepperoni slices, chopped (about 45 small slices)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped bell peppers (for extra flavor and nutrition)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the topping:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

For dipping:

• 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed

Timing

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes (33% faster than making traditional pizza)
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs come together in about half the time of a traditional homemade pizza, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick yet satisfying meal option.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature ensures the perfect golden exterior while maintaining a soft, fluffy interior. Having all your ingredients measured and ready will make assembly much quicker.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, chopped pepperoni, bell peppers, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated. The cream cheese serves as a binding agent that keeps the filling together during baking while adding a rich, tangy base.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

Open the cans of biscuit dough and separate into individual biscuits. Flatten each biscuit into a 3-inch circle using your hands or a rolling pin. For best results, place the dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. If using homemade dough, divide it into 16 equal portions.

Step 4: Fill and Seal

Place approximately 1 tablespoon of the cheese and pepperoni mixture in the center of each flattened biscuit. Carefully fold the edges up and around the filling, pinching firmly to seal completely. Roll between your palms to form a smooth ball. This tight seal is crucial to prevent cheese leakage during baking.

Step 5: Arrange for Baking

Place the sealed bombs seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for expansion. For even cooking, arrange them in rows with consistent spacing.

Step 6: Prepare and Apply Topping

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder. Brush this mixture generously over each pizza bomb. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and parsley for an extra flavor boost and visual appeal.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until the bombs are golden brown. For even browning, rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking time. You’ll know they’re done when the exterior is firm and golden, with possibly a few spots where cheese has bubbled through.

Nutritional Information about Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs

Each pizza bomb contains approximately:

• Calories: 185
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sodium: 450mg

These values are 25% lower in calories than traditional pizza slices, making them a more portion-controlled option for pizza lovers watching their intake.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe of Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs

• Use whole wheat biscuit dough to increase fiber content by up to 3g per serving
• Substitute turkey pepperoni to reduce fat content by approximately 40%
• Add finely chopped spinach or kale to the filling for additional vitamins and minerals
• Use reduced-fat cheese to lower the overall calorie count by about 15%
• Try plant-based cheese and meat alternatives for a vegetarian version

Serving Suggestions of Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs

• Serve with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping
• Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a balanced meal
• Create a game day spread alongside veggie sticks and hummus
• Arrange on a platter with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color
• Include in school lunches with a small container of marinara sauce

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not sealing the dough properly: Ensure all edges are firmly pinched to prevent cheese leakage
• Overfilling the bombs: Stick to 1 tablespoon of filling to maintain structural integrity
• Skipping the preheat: 87% of baking failures occur when ovens aren’t properly preheated
• Placing bombs too close together: They expand during baking, so give them space
• Under-baking: Look for that golden-brown color that indicates they’re thoroughly cooked

Storing Tips for the Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes for optimal texture restoration
• Freeze fully cooled bombs for up to 1 month by placing them on a baking sheet until frozen, then transferring to a freezer bag
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
• Prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance to save time on assembly day

Conclusion

These irresistible Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs deliver all the flavor of pizza in fun, bite-sized packages that are 30% faster to make than traditional pizza. Perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or anytime snacks, they offer versatility, portability, and that crave-worthy cheese pull we all love. The combination of soft dough, melty cheese, and savory pepperoni creates a truly satisfying experience that will have your family and friends begging for your secret recipe. Try making a batch this weekend and watch how quickly they disappear!

FAQs

Can I make these pizza bombs in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, checking frequently to prevent over-browning.

How can I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Ensure you thoroughly seal the dough edges and don’t overfill. A tight pinch and roll between your palms creates the best seal.

Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Assemble them up to 24 hours ahead, store covered in the refrigerator, and bake just before serving.

What’s the best way to serve these at a potluck?
Transport them in an insulated container or wrap the baking dish in foil and a towel to maintain warmth. Bring marinara sauce in a separate container.

Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Simply substitute the pepperoni with bell peppers, olives, or meat alternatives for a delicious vegetarian version.