If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer that combines all the best flavors of pizza in a fun, bite-sized form, Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are your answer. These golden, crispy, gooey treats pack pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and zesty marinara sauce inside a soft, fluffy dough envelope that’s perfect for game days, parties, or even easy weeknight dinners.
This recipe brings the best of pizza into a portable, hand-held snack — perfect for dipping, sharing, and savoring. Beyond the simple ingredients, this guide will walk you through everything from the best dough to use, how to seal your bombs for perfect results, and tasty twists you can try to make this recipe your own.
Why You’ll Love These Pizza Bombs
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Easy to prepare: Uses refrigerated pizza dough for convenience.
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Perfect party food: Easy to share and serve as finger food.
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Customizable: Swap pepperoni for veggies, other meats, or different cheeses.
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Great for kids and adults: Fun shape, familiar pizza flavors.
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Make-ahead friendly: Assemble ahead and bake fresh when needed.
Ingredients (US Cups & Measures)
Before you start, gather these ingredients. They’re easy to find and mostly pantry staples.
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1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough — Pillsbury or your preferred brand
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½ cup marinara sauce — Choose your favorite jarred sauce or homemade
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese — Freshly shredded melts best
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½ cup mini pepperoni slices — Or cut larger slices in half
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1 tablespoon olive oil — For brushing tops
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½ teaspoon garlic powder — Adds a savory note
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¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) — For a little heat
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1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese — For sprinkling
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Fresh basil leaves (optional) — For garnish and fresh flavor
Equipment Needed
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Baking sheet
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Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
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Rolling pin
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Small bowl for marinara sauce
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Pastry brush for oil
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Proper oven temperature is crucial for that crispy outside and perfectly melted inside.
Step 2: Prepare Your Work Surface and Dough
Lightly flour a clean surface or cutting board. Open your refrigerated pizza dough and unroll or gently stretch it out with a rolling pin until it’s about ¼-inch thick. This thickness allows for a tender yet sturdy crust to hold your fillings.
Step 3: Cut the Dough Into Squares
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 3Ă—3-inch squares. Each square will be one pizza bomb.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Place 1 teaspoon of marinara sauce in the center of each dough square. Don’t add too much sauce to avoid sogginess. Next, add 1–2 mini pepperoni slices over the sauce. Finally, add about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. This layering ensures every bite is packed with classic pizza flavors.
Step 5: Fold and Seal the Dough
To form the pizza bombs, bring the corners of each square together over the filling. Pinch and seal the seams tightly to prevent leaks during baking. Make sure all edges are sealed well — a little water brushed on the edges can help seal if needed.
Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup. Place each sealed pizza bomb seam-side down to help them hold their shape during baking.
Step 7: Brush and Season
Use a pastry brush to lightly coat each pizza bomb with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and Parmesan cheese evenly on top for extra flavor and a beautiful golden finish.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and brightness. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutritional Info (Approximate)
Each pizza bomb has roughly:
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Calories: 250 kcal
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Protein: 10g
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Fat: 12g
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Carbohydrates: 22g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 3g
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Sodium: 450mg
Note: Nutrition depends on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Tips for Perfect Pizza Bombs Every Time
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Don’t overfill: Too much sauce or cheese can cause the bombs to burst open while baking.
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Seal well: Pinch seams firmly or use a little water to moisten edges for a tight seal.
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Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts better and creates gooier pockets inside.
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Adjust baking time: Depending on your oven, check a few minutes early or later.
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Serve immediately: Pizza bombs are best enjoyed warm for gooey cheese and crisp crust.
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Add herbs: Mix Italian seasoning into the dough or sprinkle on top for extra aroma.
Variations & Creative Twists
Pizza bombs are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to make them your own:
Meat Lovers’ Delight
Add cooked sausage crumbles or bacon bits with the pepperoni for a heartier filling.
Veggie Packed
Use sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers inside with cheese for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Kick
Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the filling or on top.
Four Cheese Bombs
Mix mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and provolone cheeses for a decadent filling.
BBQ Pizza Bombs
Replace marinara with BBQ sauce and add cooked chicken and red onions.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
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Assemble ahead: Prepare and freeze the uncooked bombs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
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Reheat leftovers: Warm pizza bombs in an oven or air fryer to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough soggy.
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Freeze cooked bombs: Store cooked bombs in an airtight container and reheat for a quick snack later.
Serving Suggestions
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Dipping Sauces: Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or spicy mayo make perfect companions.
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Salad Side: Pair with a fresh green salad or Caesar salad to balance richness.
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Appetizer Tray: Add pizza bombs to a platter with wings, veggies, and dips for parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use homemade pizza dough?
A: Absolutely! Homemade dough will work beautifully and let you customize the flavor and texture.
Q: Can I make these vegan?
A: Use vegan pizza dough, dairy-free cheese, and plant-based pepperoni alternatives.
Q: How do I prevent the bombs from leaking?
A: Make sure to pinch the dough seams tightly and avoid overfilling.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are a delicious, fun, and satisfying way to enjoy pizza in a handheld form. Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy night in, they combine convenience with comfort food at its best.
Try this recipe once, and it’ll become a staple in your snack and appetizer rotation. Easy to customize, quick to bake, and impossible to resist — pizza bombs are the ultimate bite-sized treat.