Name: Cheesy pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Ingredients: 2 ¼ teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast; ¾ cup warm water (110°F); 1 teaspoon sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Or use store-bought pizza dough or refrigerated biscuit dough for convenience.; 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 20-25 pepperoni slices; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); For the Garlic Butter Topping; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Few things in life bring as much joy as the combination of melted cheese, zesty marinara sauce, and crispy, golden-brown dough. If you’re a pizza lover, then Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are about to become your new favorite snack. These irresistible, bite-sized delights are easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s game night, a casual family gathering, or a party appetizer that wows your guests.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making these delicious pizza bombs from scratch, including ingredients, preparation techniques, expert tips, creative variations, and serving suggestions. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be a pizza bomb master!

What Are Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs?

Cheesy pepperoni pizza bombs are small, stuffed bread bites that encapsulate the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza. They feature a soft dough exterior that bakes to golden perfection, hiding a gooey, cheesy, and slightly spicy filling of marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices. Brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Italian seasoning, these pizza bombs pack a ton of flavor into every bite.

Unlike traditional pizza, which requires rolling out large dough sheets and assembling toppings, pizza bombs are simple to shape, stuff, and bake. Their handheld size makes them incredibly convenient for on-the-go snacking or serving to a crowd.

Ingredients for Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs

To make the perfect cheesy pepperoni pizza bombs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough (Homemade Option)

If you want to make the dough from scratch, here’s a simple recipe:

2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
1 teaspoon sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil

Alternatively, you can use store-bought pizza dough or refrigerated biscuit dough for convenience.

For the Filling

1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

20-25 pepperoni slices
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

For the Garlic Butter Topping

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon salt

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Step-By-Step Instructions to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

If you’re using store-bought dough, skip this step. If making homemade dough:

In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Bombs

Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness and cut it into 3-inch squares (or flatten store-bought biscuit dough rounds).
Spoon about ½ teaspoon of marinara sauce onto the center of each dough piece.

Add a pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese and a slice or two of pepperoni.
Fold the edges of the dough up and pinch them together to seal, forming a ball.
Place each pizza bomb seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Brush with Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt.
Brush this mixture generously over each pizza bomb.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Pizza Bombs

Seal the Dough Properly: Ensure the edges are pinched well to prevent the cheese from leaking out while baking.

Use Pre-Cooked Pepperoni: If using thick slices, lightly crisp them in a pan beforehand to avoid excess grease in the pizza bombs.
Experiment with Fillings: Try adding chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked sausage for variety.
Use a Muffin Tin: If you want uniform pizza bombs, bake them in a greased muffin tin to help them maintain their shape.

Serve with Extra Sauce: Provide a side of marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the flavor.

Variations on Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs

Want to mix things up? Here are some creative variations:

1. Stuffed Crust-Style Pizza Bombs

Add a cube of cream cheese or ricotta along with the mozzarella for an extra creamy center.

2. Spicy Jalapeño Pizza Bombs

Add finely diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.

3. Hawaiian Pizza Bombs

Swap the pepperoni for diced ham and pineapple to create a sweet-and-savory twist.

4. BBQ Chicken Pizza Bombs

Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara, and fill with shredded rotisserie chicken and cheddar cheese.

5. Veggie Lover’s Pizza Bombs

Fill with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, olives, and bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy pepperoni pizza bombs are best served warm with dipping sauces. Here are some excellent pairings:

Classic Marinara Sauce: A timeless pairing for that authentic pizza taste.

Garlic Aioli: Adds a creamy and garlicky contrast.
Ranch Dressing: A favorite for dipping pizza-flavored snacks.
Spicy Sriracha Mayo: For those who like a spicy and tangy flavor boost.

Pair these pizza bombs with a side salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal, or serve them alongside wings and mozzarella sticks for the ultimate party platter.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed snack that captures the essence of classic pizza in a fun, bite-sized form. Whether you’re making them for a party, a snack, or just because you’re craving something delicious, these pizza bombs are sure to hit the spot.

With endless variations, simple ingredients, and easy prep, there’s no reason not to try making them today! So, preheat that oven and get ready to enjoy some gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.