Irresistible Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe for Game Night

Pizza nights just got more exciting with these delectable pepperoni pizza bombs that burst with cheesy goodness in every bite.

Crispy on the outside and molten with melted mozzarella inside, these little flavor grenades will make you the star of any gathering.

Small pockets of dough wrap around savory pepperoni and gooey cheese, creating a handheld treat that feels like a complete pizza experience.

Packed with intense Italian-inspired flavors, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and a warm, melty center.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making these bombs perfect for spontaneous snacking or unexpected guests.

Kids and adults alike will devour these irresistible morsels faster than you can say “more cheese, please!” Prepare to become the culinary hero of your kitchen with this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises pure deliciousness.

Why Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Are A Crowd Favorite

• Tackle Weeknight Dinners: These pizza bombs are perfect for busy families needing a quick, delicious meal that kids and adults will devour.
• Customize with Ease: Swap out pepperoni for ham, add different cheeses, or include vegetables to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Master Impressive Appetizers: Surprise guests with these restaurant-quality bites that look professionally made but are simple to prepare with basic cooking skills.
• Batch and Freeze Friendly: Prepare multiple batches in advance, freeze uncooked bombs, and bake directly from frozen for super convenient meal planning.

Everything Inside Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs

• Flour: The main structural ingredient that provides the foundation for the pizza bombs.
• Warm Water: Helps activate the yeast and brings the dough together.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: Creates the rising and texture of the dough.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps in kneading the dough.

• Marinara Sauce: Provides a classic pizza flavor inside the bombs.
• Pepperoni Slices: Adds a spicy and savory meat component.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a gooey, melted center in each pizza bomb.

• Butter, Minced Garlic: Adds a rich, aromatic coating to the outside of the pizza bombs.
• Dried Oregano: Brings an herbal and traditional pizza-like seasoning.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty and tangy finish to the pizza bombs.

How To Bake Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Easily

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Dissolve yeast in warm water, watching it transform into a bubbly, frothy mixture. Let it sit and activate for 5-7 minutes until it looks alive and foamy.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

• Flour
• Salt

Craft a cozy well in the center, ready to welcome the yeast mixture and olive oil.

Step 3: Knead and Rise

Work the dough with your hands, transforming it into a smooth, elastic treasure. Knead for 8-10 minutes until it feels silky and soft. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl and let it rest in a warm, draft-free spot for one hour, allowing it to puff up beautifully.

Step 4: Shape the Bombs

Gently deflate the risen dough and divide into 8-10 equal portions. Each piece becomes a potential flavor explosion.

Step 5: Fill with Deliciousness

Flatten each dough portion into a small circle. Dollop marinara sauce in the center of each round.

Step 6: Layer Flavor Makers

• Pepperoni slices
• Mozzarella cheese

Carefully fold and seal the edges, creating compact flavor-packed balls.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Arrange the sealed pizza bombs on a baking sheet, ensuring they have breathing room and don’t touch.

Step 8: Final Rise and Heat

Let the bombs rest for 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F, building anticipation for the delicious transformation.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Watch them turn a stunning golden brown with crispy edges.

Step 10: Add Finishing Touches

• Melted butter
• Minced garlic

Sprinkle with dried oregano and grated parmesan for an extra flavor punch.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Let the pizza bombs rest for 5 minutes. This crucial moment allows the cheese to set and prevents tongue-burning mishaps. Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Smart Tips For Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F for optimal yeast activation without killing the microorganisms.
• Knead with Care: Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, creating a smooth and stretchy dough that holds its shape beautifully.
• Seal Edges Tightly: Press pizza bomb edges firmly to prevent cheese and sauce from leaking during baking, maintaining a neat presentation.
• Boost Flavor Naturally: Brush warm bombs with garlic butter and herbs immediately after baking to enhance taste and create an irresistible aroma.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow pizza bombs to cool slightly, letting cheese stabilize and preventing potential mouth burns from hot fillings.

Fun Styles Of Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond and rice flour, ensuring a crisp exterior and soft interior while maintaining the pizza bomb's structure.
• Vegetarian Delight: Swap pepperoni with roasted bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, and spinach, creating a hearty plant-based alternative that bursts with flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower-based dough instead of traditional flour, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the cheesy, savory essence of the original recipe.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute mozzarella with cashew cheese or dairy-free cheese alternatives, keeping the creamy texture and melty experience intact for those with dietary restrictions.

Best Dips For Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs

• Pair with Crisp Italian Lager: Cut through the rich, cheesy pizza bombs with a refreshing, light Italian beer that cleanses the palate and complements the savory flavors.
• Create a Fresh Caprese Salad Side: Serve alongside a bright salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a light balsamic drizzle to balance the hearty pizza bombs.
• Dip with Zesty Marinara Sauce: Offer extra warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping, enhancing the tomato and cheese flavors and adding a tangy contrast to the crispy exterior.
• Select Bright Pinot Grigio: Pour a chilled, acidic white wine that cuts through the richness of the pepperoni and cheese, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, cheesy appetizer.

Simple Storage For Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs

• Store pizza bombs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual pizza bombs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place pizza bombs on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Heat individual pizza bombs for 30-45 seconds, checking to avoid overheating and maintain crispy texture.

FAQs About Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs

• Why do I need to activate the yeast first?

Activating yeast in warm water ensures it’s alive and ready to help the dough rise, creating a fluffy and soft texture for your pizza bombs.

• How do I know the dough is properly kneaded?

When the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and springs back when you press it, it’s ready. This typically takes 8-10 minutes of consistent kneading.

• Can I make pizza bombs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and form the bombs in advance. Cover them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, which can help develop deeper flavors.

• What if my pizza bombs leak during baking?

Ensure edges are tightly sealed by pinching and pressing them together. A good seal prevents cheese and sauce from escaping while baking.

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 33-36 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Pepperoni pizza bombs deliver an explosion of melted cheese and savory pepperoni in one irresistible bite-sized snack. Crispy golden pastry wraps around zesty marinara and gooey mozzarella, promising a mouthwatering experience that brings Italian flavors right to your plate.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt

Filling:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce

Topping:

• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 clove minced garlic

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water, allowing it to foam and become frothy for about 5-7 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt, creating a well in the center for the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, approximately 8-10 minutes, then place in a lightly oiled bowl and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
4. Punch down the risen dough and divide into 8-10 equal portions.
5. Flatten each dough portion into a small circle, placing a spoonful of marinara sauce in the center.
6. Layer pepperoni slices and mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara, carefully folding and sealing the edges to create a compact ball.
7. Arrange the sealed pizza bombs on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F and let the formed bombs rest for 15 minutes before baking.
9. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
10. While hot, brush with melted butter mixed with minced garlic and sprinkle with dried oregano and grated parmesan.
11. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let the cheese set and prevent burning.

Notes

• Activate yeast carefully in lukewarm water, ensuring temperature is between 100-110°F to guarantee proper activation without killing the microorganisms.
• Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a stretchy and smooth texture that helps pizza bombs hold their shape during baking.
• For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to improve dough elasticity.
• Experiment with alternative fillings like BBQ chicken, vegetarian options with roasted vegetables, or spicy jalapeño and cheese for diverse flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg