Introduction
Stuffed Crust Pizza Snacks are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, combining everything you love about pizza into a convenient, handheld bite. These golden, cheesy snacks feature soft dough wrapped around gooey melted cheese and flavorful fillings, delivering a satisfying burst of flavor in every bite. They are perfect for game nights, casual gatherings, after-school snacks, or even as a fun weekend cooking project with family. I first made these when I wanted something more exciting than traditional pizza slices, and they quickly became a repeat request. The crisp exterior gives way to a warm, stretchy cheese center that feels indulgent yet comforting. Whether dipped in marinara sauce or enjoyed on their own, these pizza snacks strike the perfect balance between convenience and flavor. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible while still delivering impressive results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pizza snacks are easy to prepare, highly customizable, and perfect for sharing. They bake quickly, reheat well, and can be tailored to different flavor preferences. With a soft interior and cheesy core, they offer the comforting taste of pizza in a portable form.
Stuffed Crust Pizza Snacks – Cheesy, Bite-Sized Perfection
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 16 snacks
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Stuffed Crust Pizza Snacks are bite-sized pizza pockets with gooey mozzarella centers, wrapped in soft dough and baked until golden for the ultimate cheesy snack.
Ingredients
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese cubes
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (optional)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out pizza dough and cut into small squares.
- Place a cube of mozzarella and a few mini pepperoni slices in the center of each square.
- Add a small spoonful of pizza sauce.
- Fold dough around filling and pinch edges tightly to seal.
- Place seam-side down on prepared baking sheet.
- Brush tops with olive oil.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure edges are tightly sealed to prevent cheese leakage.
- Try different fillings like sausage or veggies.
- Best enjoyed fresh and warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pizza dough
Store-bought or homemade pizza dough forms the base, providing structure and a soft, chewy texture when baked.
Mozzarella cheese sticks or cubes
Mozzarella creates the classic stretchy center that defines stuffed crust snacks.
Pepperoni slices
These add savory, slightly spicy flavor and enhance the pizza-inspired taste.
Pizza sauce
Used as a dipping sauce or lightly inside the filling, it brings classic tomato richness.
Olive oil
Brushed over the dough before baking to encourage golden browning.
Italian seasoning
A blend of herbs that enhances the pizza flavor profile.
Garlic powder
Adds depth and aromatic warmth to the crust.
Parmesan cheese
Sprinkled on top for an extra layer of savory richness.
Egg (optional)
Used for an egg wash to create a glossy, golden finish.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into equal squares or circles, depending on your preferred shape.
Place a piece of mozzarella and a slice or two of pepperoni in the center of each dough piece. If desired, add a small spoonful of pizza sauce inside, being careful not to overfill.
Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges firmly to seal completely. Shape into small balls or pockets, ensuring there are no openings where cheese can escape.
Arrange the snacks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil or egg wash. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping.
Equipment needed : Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 16 pizza snacks, serving 4 to 6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: Approximately 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving for extended periods, as this may soften the crust excessively. These snacks can also be frozen before or after baking and reheated directly from frozen with slightly longer cooking time.
Variations and Customizations
Stuffed Crust Pizza Snacks are highly adaptable. For a vegetarian version, replace pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. The flavor remains rich and satisfying.
If you prefer a different cheese, try provolone or cheddar for a unique twist. Mixing cheeses can create a more complex flavor profile.
For a spicier option, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling.
You may also incorporate cooked sausage or shredded chicken for a heartier snack.
For a garlic butter finish, brush melted butter mixed with minced garlic over the snacks immediately after baking.
Whole wheat pizza dough can be used for a slightly nuttier taste and added fiber. Gluten-free dough is also suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Finally, experiment with dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or spicy marinara to complement the cheesy center.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate nutrition per serving (4 snacks):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Seal Edges Thoroughly
Ensure dough is tightly sealed to prevent cheese leakage.
Do Not Overfill
Excess filling can cause bursting during baking.
Even Spacing
Leave space between snacks for proper browning.
Golden Finish
Use egg wash for a shinier crust.
Serve Immediately
Enjoy warm for the best cheese texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes, homemade dough works perfectly and enhances flavor.
Can I freeze these snacks?
Yes, freeze before or after baking and reheat when needed.
How do I prevent cheese from leaking out?
Seal edges firmly and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Can I air fry them?
Yes, cook at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes until golden.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Marinara, ranch, or garlic butter complement the flavors well.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, assemble in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Conclusion
Stuffed Crust Pizza Snacks deliver classic pizza flavor in a convenient, shareable format. With their golden crust and gooey cheese center, they are perfect for gatherings, snacks, or casual meals. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, this recipe offers both comfort and versatility in every bite.
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