Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Poppers
These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Poppers are the ultimate party snack! Perfect for sports events, game nights, or any gathering, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and a hit with both kids and adults. With a crispy dough wrapping, a melty mozzarella core, and savory pepperoni, each popper bursts with flavor. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite toppings like green peppers, onions, or mushrooms for an extra kick. Get ready for your guests to come back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
pizza dough
2 (10 ounce cans, unrolled and pressed out)
mozzarella cheese
8 (ounces, cut into 48 cubes)
pepperoni
48 (slices)
olive oil
1/4 (cup)
Italian seasoning
1 1/2 (teaspoons)
Parmesan cheese
2 (tablespoons, grated)
pizza sauce
1 (14 ounce jar, heated for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Generously spray a 13x9 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
Carefully remove each can of pizza dough and unroll the dough onto a clean surface.
4
Using a rolling pin, roll out each dough rectangle to form roughly 12x8 inches to create evenly sized squares.
5
Cut each rectangle into 24 equal squares, so you end up with a total of 48 pieces.
6
Place one cube of mozzarella cheese and one slice of pepperoni in the center of each dough square.
7
Gently wrap the dough around the filling, ensuring it is completely sealed to keep the cheese from leaking during baking.
8
Place each filled dough ball seam side down in the prepared pan, arranging them closely together.
9
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and Italian seasoning, mixing well before drizzling over the filled dough balls.
10
Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 25 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed.
12
Serve warm with a side of heated pizza sauce for dipping!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Poppers?
They are bite-sized party snacks consisting of pizza dough squares filled with mozzarella and pepperoni, then baked until golden.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the poppers.
How long do these pizza poppers need to bake?
Bake them for 15 to 25 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown.
How many poppers does this recipe make?
This recipe yields a total of 48 individual pizza poppers.
What kind of dough is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 10-ounce cans of refrigerated pizza dough.
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes, you can use homemade dough; just ensure you roll it out into two 12x8 inch rectangles.
What type of cheese should I use?
Use 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese cut into 48 small cubes.
How do I keep the poppers from sticking to the pan?
Generously spray a 13x9 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray before arranging the dough balls.
How large should I roll the pizza dough?
Roll each dough rectangle to approximately 12x8 inches to ensure even squares.
How do I cut the dough into the right number of pieces?
Cut each 12x8 inch rectangle into 24 equal squares to get 48 pieces total.
What is the best way to seal the dough balls?
Gently wrap the dough around the cheese and pepperoni, then pinch the edges to seal them completely.
Why should I place the dough balls seam side down?
Placing them seam side down helps prevent the cheese from leaking out during the baking process.
What goes into the topping mixture?
The topping is a combination of olive oil and Italian seasoning, finished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can customize them with small pieces of green peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve the poppers warm with a side of heated pizza sauce for dipping.
Can I make these pizza poppers ahead of time?
You can assemble the balls and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before drizzling the oil and baking.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to maintain crispiness.
Are these suitable for a Super Bowl party?
Yes, they are tagged as a perfect Super Bowl and game night snack.
Can I use turkey pepperoni?
Absolutely, turkey pepperoni can be substituted for regular pepperoni if preferred.
How do I know when the poppers are done?
They are ready when the dough has puffed up and reached a golden brown color.
Can I use string cheese instead of a cheese block?
Yes, you can cut mozzarella string cheese into small chunks as a convenient substitute.
What size baking pan do I need?
A standard 13x9 inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, these bite-sized treats are a major hit with both kids and adults.
How much Italian seasoning is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning mixed with olive oil.
Do I need to heat the dipping sauce?
Heating the 14 ounce jar of pizza sauce is recommended for the best flavor experience.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, simply omit the pepperoni and fill the dough with cheese and your favorite vegetables.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed for the top?
You will need 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese to sprinkle over the poppers.
Should the dough balls be touching in the pan?
Yes, arrange them closely together in the prepared pan before baking.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil to drizzle over the dough balls.
Can I use a rolling pin for the dough?
Yes, a rolling pin is helpful to get the dough rectangles to the correct 12x8 inch size.