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These cheesy pizza bombs transform ordinary biscuit dough into irresistible little pockets of pizza goodness. Each bite delivers the perfect combination of tender dough, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese that will satisfy your pizza cravings in a fun new format.
I first made these pizza bombs when hosting a last minute movie night with my nieces and nephews. The kids were so delighted by these handheld treats that they've become our mandatory movie night tradition ever since.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough forms the perfect pillowy exterior that bakes to golden perfection
- Pizza sauce adds that classic tangy tomato flavor choose a high quality brand for best results
- Shredded mozzarella cheese creates that stretchy gooey center look for whole milk mozzarella for maximum meltability
- Mini pepperoni adds the perfect punch of savory flavor regular pepperoni chopped works great too
- Italian seasoning infuses these bombs with aromatic herbs use a fresh blend for best flavor
- Melted butter creates a golden crust and helps seasonings stick to the exterior
- Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty savory finish to the exterior select freshly grated for best flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease your baking sheet or muffin tin. The muffin tin option helps the bombs maintain their shape better if you're concerned about them spreading.
- Flatten the Dough
- Take each biscuit and gently press it into a circle approximately 4 inches in diameter. Use your fingertips to press from the center outward keeping the thickness as even as possible. If the dough springs back simply let it rest for a minute before trying again.
- Add the Filling
- Place a small teaspoon of pizza sauce in the center of each flattened biscuit leaving at least a 1 inch border around the edges. Follow with a generous pinch of mozzarella about 2 tablespoons and several pieces of pepperoni. Resist the urge to overfill as this can lead to leakage.
- Seal the Bombs
- This is the most crucial step. Carefully gather the edges of the dough up and over the filling pinching firmly at the top to create a tight seal. Then gently roll between your palms to form a nice round shape ensuring no cheese is peeking through any openings.
- Arrange for Baking
- Position each sealed bomb seam side down on your prepared baking sheet or in muffin cups. Space them at least 2 inches apart as they will expand during baking.
- Add Flavorful Toppings
- Brush each bomb generously with melted butter making sure to coat the entire top surface. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and a light dusting of Parmesan cheese for an extra dimension of flavor.
- Bake to Perfection
- Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes watching carefully toward the end. Look for a deep golden brown color and listen for a hollow sound when lightly tapped indicating they're completely cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Allow the bombs to cool for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the melted cheese set slightly so it doesn't immediately ooze out with the first bite. Serve with extra warm pizza sauce for dipping.
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My absolute favorite version includes a tiny piece of fresh basil tucked inside each bomb before sealing. The aroma when they come out of the oven takes me back to my grandmother's kitchen where she taught me to make her famous Italian meatballs with that same fragrant herb.
Make Ahead Options
These pizza bombs can be completely assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare them through the sealing step then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake brush with butter add seasonings and allow an extra 2 to 3 minutes of baking time to account for the chilled dough. The make ahead option actually improves the flavor as the ingredients have time to meld together.
Creative Variations
Transform these basic pizza bombs into endless flavor combinations by swapping ingredients. Try buffalo chicken with blue cheese cooked crumbled sausage with bell peppers or a vegetarian version with spinach and ricotta. For an extra special touch try pressing a small cube of mozzarella into the center instead of shredded cheese for an even more dramatic cheese pull when bitten into.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your pizza bombs are leaking during baking you likely overfilled them or didn't seal properly. For your next batch use less filling and be extra vigilant about pinching the seams completely closed. A fork pressed around the edges can help create a tighter seal. If the bombs are browning too quickly lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees and cover loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
These pizza bombs pair perfectly with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to create a complete meal. For a fun party spread arrange them on a platter surrounded by different dipping sauces like garlic butter ranch dressing or spicy marinara. Kids especially love having their own individual pizza bombs alongside carrot and celery sticks for a balanced meal that feels like a special treat.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these pizza bombs ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pizza bombs completely, place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply brush with butter, add toppings, and bake as directed, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
- → What other fillings can I use instead of pepperoni?
These are incredibly versatile! Try cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, diced ham, cooked bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or olives. For vegetarian options, use a combination of cheeses and vegetables like spinach, diced tomatoes, or roasted garlic.
- → Can I freeze pizza bombs?
Absolutely! Freeze fully baked and cooled pizza bombs in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual bombs for 30-45 seconds.
- → How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?
Make sure to completely seal the dough by pinching the edges firmly. Place them seam-side down on the baking sheet. Using less filling can help if you're still having trouble, and chilling the assembled bombs for 10 minutes before baking can also help the dough set.
- → What can I serve with these pizza bombs?
These are delicious served with extra warm pizza sauce or marinara for dipping. They also pair well with a fresh green salad, garlic knots, or as part of an appetizer spread with other finger foods like mozzarella sticks or chicken wings.
- → Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated biscuit dough?
Yes! You can use homemade pizza dough or bread dough instead. Divide your dough into 8 equal portions, flatten each piece, add fillings, and seal as directed. The baking time may need to be adjusted based on your dough type.