Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites are the ultimate snackable version of everyone’s favorite comfort food. These golden, bite-sized treats are filled with gooey mozzarella and pepperoni, wrapped in soft pizza dough, and baked until bubbly. Brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan, they taste just like classic pizza but in a fun, pull-apart style that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or family dinners. Serve them with marinara or ranch for dipping, and you have an irresistible appetizer that disappears fast. Easy to customize with different cheeses, fillings, or dipping sauces, these pizza bites are a versatile recipe you’ll want to make over and over again. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or looking for a kid-friendly dinner idea, Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites bring cheesy satisfaction in every bite.
Print
Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites – Cheesy, Bite-Sized Pizza Perfection
- Total Time: 38 mins
- Yield: 16 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy and delicious bite-sized pizza snacks made with stuffed crust dough, marinara sauce, and your favorite toppings. Perfect for parties, game day, or a fun family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 16 mozzarella cheese sticks or cubes
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide pizza dough into 16 equal portions.
- Flatten each portion and place a piece of mozzarella in the center. Fold dough around cheese and pinch edges to seal tightly.
- Arrange stuffed dough balls on prepared baking sheet, seam side down.
- Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from oven, garnish with basil or parsley, and serve warm with marinara dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure dough is sealed tightly to prevent cheese from leaking out while baking.
- Customize with cooked sausage, veggies, or other pizza toppings inside the dough.
- Can be made ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Category: Appetizer, 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 – The soft, pillowy base that wraps around the filling.
Mozzarella cheese – Melts into gooey pockets inside each bite.
Pepperoni slices – Classic pizza flavor packed into the center.
Marinara sauce – For dipping and serving alongside the bites.
Butter – Melted and brushed on top for richness.
Garlic powder – Infuses the butter with savory flavor.
Italian seasoning – Adds an herby finish to the bites.
Parmesan cheese – Sprinkled on top for extra cheesy goodness.
Olive oil – Prevents sticking and helps the bites bake golden brown.
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish or cast-iron skillet with olive oil. Roll out the pizza dough and cut into small squares. Place a piece of mozzarella cheese and a slice of pepperoni in the center of each square, then fold the dough over the filling and pinch to seal. Arrange the sealed dough balls seam-side down in the baking dish, placing them close together. Melt butter and stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then brush over the tops of the dough. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20 pizza bites. Preparation takes 15 minutes, and baking requires 18 minutes, for a total of about 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, or in an air fryer for 4–5 minutes, to restore crispiness. These bites can also be frozen before baking; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Variations and Customizations
Supreme bites – Fill with sausage, peppers, and onions for a loaded version.
BBQ chicken – Swap marinara for BBQ sauce and fill with chicken and cheddar.
Buffalo style – Use shredded chicken and hot sauce with mozzarella, serving with ranch for dipping.
Veggie lovers’ – Fill with mushrooms, olives, and bell peppers.
Four-cheese – Use mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
Pesto bites – Spread pesto inside instead of marinara for a fresh, herby twist.
Spicy pepper jack – Use pepper jack cheese for an added kick.
Breakfast version – Fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar.
Hawaiian bites – Use ham and pineapple with mozzarella.
Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free pizza dough for a celiac-friendly version.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, it works perfectly and saves time.
Do I have to use mozzarella?
Mozzarella melts best, but you can substitute provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bites and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze pizza bites?
Yes, freeze unbaked bites on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Seal the dough tightly and place seam-side down when baking.
Can I use biscuit dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes, biscuit dough works for a fluffier version.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or Alfredo all pair beautifully.
Conclusion
Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites are a fun, shareable, and utterly delicious twist on classic pizza. With their gooey cheese filling, golden crust, and flavorful toppings, they’re the ultimate snack for parties, game days, or casual family dinners. Easy to customize with endless fillings, these bites bring all the best parts of pizza into perfect handheld portions. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces, and watch them disappear within minutes.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!