Pizza Bombs
Pizza Bombs are the ultimate snack or party appetizer when you’re craving something cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor all in one handheld bite. These soft, golden dough balls are filled with melty mozzarella, your favorite pizza toppings, and a spoonful of pizza sauce.
Once baked, they’re brushed with garlic butter and served warm for a bite that’s crisp on the outside and gooey in the center. Whether you’re feeding kids, prepping for game day, or just need a fun snack, pizza bombs are always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Simple dough, easy filling, and no special tools required.
- Customizable: Fill with any cheese, meat, or veggie combo you like.
- Kid-approved: Soft, cheesy, and bite-sized perfect for little hands.
- Perfect party snack: Great finger food for guests, events, or family movie night.
- Make ahead friendly: You can prep and freeze these for quick snacks later.
Ingredients
Here’s a clear breakdown of everything you’ll need to make Pizza Bombs:
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup pizza sauce
- ¼ cup mini pepperoni slices or chopped cooked chicken
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
For Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How to Make Pizza Bombs
Follow these simple steps for the perfect cheesy, golden pizza bombs every time:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Gradually pour in the warm milk and olive oil, mixing with a spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–6 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella, pizza sauce, mini pepperoni (or other toppings), oregano, and chili flakes if using. Set aside.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 4: Shape the Bombs
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small round disk using your fingers. Place a spoonful of filling in the center and pinch the edges together to seal tightly. Roll into a ball and place seam-side down on the prepared tray.
Step 5: Let Them Rest
Let the filled dough balls rest for 10 minutes while the oven finishes preheating. This helps them puff up nicely during baking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the pizza bombs in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
Step 7: Add Garlic Butter
While they’re baking, mix melted butter with garlic powder, parsley, and Parmesan if using. As soon as the pizza bombs come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Serve hot with extra pizza sauce, ranch, or marinara for dipping. Enjoy the cheesy center and soft, flavorful crust.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the dough: Too much filling can cause the dough to tear or leak while baking.
- Not sealing the edges properly: This can make the filling spill out—always pinch firmly.
- Skipping the resting time: Resting the shaped bombs helps them bake evenly and stay fluffy.
- Not brushing with garlic butter: This step adds flavor and gives that golden finish. Don’t skip it.
- Using cold filling: Let your filling come to room temperature to avoid undercooking the dough inside.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, pizza dough or biscuit dough works too. Just divide and fill as directed.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Can I freeze pizza bombs?
Yes, freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 3–4 extra minutes.
What fillings can I use besides pepperoni?
Try sautéed mushrooms, cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, olives, or cooked chicken with BBQ sauce.
What to Serve With Pizza Bombs
- Warm pizza or marinara sauce for dipping
- Ranch dressing or garlic aioli
- A crisp garden salad or coleslaw
- Roasted vegetables
- A cold soda or sparkling lemonade
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Place in a single layer on a tray, freeze, then transfer to a bag or container.
- Reheating: Warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes or until heated through.
Recipe Notes
- Use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, or make your own for a more personal touch.
- Don’t overfill the bombs too much filling can cause them to burst while baking.
- Pinch the dough tightly at the seams to keep the filling sealed inside.
- Brushing with garlic butter before baking gives a golden, flavorful crust.
- These are best served hot and fresh, but they can also be reheated in an oven or air fryer.
- Feel free to experiment with fillings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a twist.
Final Bites
Pizza Bombs are proof that great snacks don’t have to be complicated. With a simple homemade dough and a cheesy, savory filling, these golden bites come together easily and satisfy every time. Whether you’re hosting a get-together, prepping after-school snacks, or just want a warm, gooey treat, this recipe has you covered. Their fun shape, soft texture, and customizable filling make them a hit for all ages.
Pizza Bombs
Course: Appetizers, DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
pizza bombs15
minutes15
minutes210
kcal30
minutesThese Pizza Bombs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack crispy on the outside, cheesy and savory inside.
Ingredients
- For the Dough
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon instant yeast
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup warm milk
2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Filling
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup pizza sauce
¼ cup mini pepperoni slices or chopped cooked chicken
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- For Garlic Butter Topping
3 tablespoons melted butter
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into 8 equal squares.
- In the center of each square, add a spoonful of marinara sauce, 2 pepperoni slices, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Fold each square into a ball, pinching the seams tightly closed.
- Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush over each bomb.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 14–16 minutes or until golden brown.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with extra marinara on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Pinch the dough tightly at the seams to keep the filling sealed inside.
- Brushing with garlic butter before baking gives a golden, flavorful crust.