Save Cheesy, bite-sized pizza snacks shaped like basketballs—perfect for game day or parties!
This recipe brings fun and flavor to our family gatherings, always a slam dunk!
Ingredients
- Dough: 1 pound (450 g) refrigerated pizza dough
- Filling: 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese , 24 slices pepperoni (optional , omit for vegetarian) , 1/2 cup (120 ml) pizza sauce , plus more for dipping
- Topping: 1 large egg , beaten , 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese , 1 teaspoon dried oregano , Black food coloring or black olives , for basketball lines
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper .
- Step 2:
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch (0.5 cm) thickness .
- Step 3:
- Using a 2-inch (5 cm) round cutter , cut out 24 circles from the dough .
- Step 4:
- Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce , a sprinkle of mozzarella , and a slice of pepperoni (if using) onto the center of each dough circle .
- Step 5:
- Fold the edges up and pinch to seal , forming a ball . Place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet .
- Step 6:
- Brush each ball with beaten egg . Sprinkle with Parmesan and oregano .
- Step 7:
- Bake for 12 15 minutes , or until golden brown .
- Step 8:
- Let cool slightly . Using a fine brush dipped in black food coloring or a thin strip of black olive , draw basketball lines onto each bite .
- Step 9:
- Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping .
Save These bites always get everyone excited , especially when shared during our game nights.
Notes
Serve with ranch dressing or garlic butter for dipping . Food-safe markers may also be used for basketball lines .
Required Tools
Baking sheet , parchment paper , rolling pin , round cookie cutter (2-inch/5 cm) , pastry brush , small brush or food-safe marker
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) , milk (dairy) , and egg . Pepperoni may contain additional allergens check labels . Always verify store-bought ingredient labels for allergens .
Save Enjoy your slam dunk basketball pizza bites fresh out of the oven for the best taste and fun!
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What dough works best for these pizza bites?
Refrigerated pizza dough provides an easy and reliable base that rolls out smoothly and bakes with a satisfying, tender texture.
- → Can these bites be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the pepperoni or use a vegetarian alternative to keep the snack meat-free while maintaining flavor.
- → How do I create the basketball lines on each bite?
Use black food coloring with a fine brush or thinly sliced black olives to draw basketball seam lines after baking.
- → What is an ideal dipping sauce pairing?
Classic pizza sauce works well, but ranch dressing or garlic butter offer delicious alternatives that complement the cheesy filling.
- → How long should the bites be baked?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden and cooked through for the perfect crisp yet chewy bite.
- → Can mini mozzarella balls be used inside instead of shredded cheese?
Yes, mini mozzarella balls add extra cheesiness and texture, enhancing the overall bite experience.