why make this recipe
Pizza Balls are easy, fast, and loved by kids and adults. They need few ingredients. You can make them for a quick snack, party food, or game day. They bake fast and taste like pizza in a small bite.
introduction
Pizza Balls are small dough pockets filled with cheese and pepperoni. They bake to a golden brown and stay warm and soft inside. If you like simple snacks, try almond butter protein balls energy boost recipe for a different quick bite.
how to make Pizza Balls
Follow the steps below to make Pizza Balls. Work on a clean, floured surface. Keep the filling ready before you cut the dough. Seal each ball well so the cheese does not leak.
Ingredients :
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepperoni, chopped
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Olive oil (for greasing)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into small squares.
- In a bowl, mix the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese and pepperoni mixture into each dough square.
- Fold the dough around the filling and pinch to seal, rolling it into a ball.
- Place each ball on the greased baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
how to serve Pizza Balls
Serve warm on a plate with a small bowl of marinara sauce. They work as an appetizer or side. Put napkins and toothpicks nearby for easy eating.
how to store Pizza Balls
Let them cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until warm. You can freeze baked balls in a freezer bag for up to 2 months; reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes.
tips to make Pizza Balls
- Use cold dough for easier handling.
- Do not overfill each square to prevent leaks.
- Press edges firmly to seal.
- Brush egg wash lightly for a shiny top.
- Use a pizza cutter for fast, even squares.
variation (if any)
- Use cooked sausage, ham, or cooked veggies instead of pepperoni.
- Add a small spoon of ricotta with the mozzarella for creamier filling.
- Try herbs like basil or oregano for different flavors.
- Make them mini or larger to fit your need.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: Yes. Pre-shredded cheese works fine. Fresh shredded melts a little better but both are okay.
Q: Do I need to cook the pepperoni first?
A: No. Pepperoni is ready to eat and cooks in the oven with the balls.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble and freeze unbaked balls on a tray, then move to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the bake time.
Q: What if the dough is sticky?
A: Sprinkle flour on the surface and on the dough to make it easier to handle.
Pizza Balls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Carnivore
Description
Easy and delicious dough pockets filled with cheese and pepperoni, perfect for a quick snack or party food.
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepperoni, chopped
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Olive oil (for greasing)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into small squares.
- In a bowl, mix the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese and pepperoni mixture into each dough square.
- Fold the dough around the filling and pinch to seal, rolling it into a ball.
- Place each ball on the greased baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Store cooled Pizza Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or freeze baked balls for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Pizza Balls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Carnivore
Description
Easy and delicious dough pockets filled with cheese and pepperoni, perfect for a quick snack or party food.
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepperoni, chopped
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Olive oil (for greasing)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into small squares.
- In a bowl, mix the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese and pepperoni mixture into each dough square.
- Fold the dough around the filling and pinch to seal, rolling it into a ball.
- Place each ball on the greased baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Store cooled Pizza Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or freeze baked balls for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg