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