Save Cheesy, bite-sized pizza snacks shaped like basketballs—perfect for game day or parties!
Ingredients
- Dough: 1 pound (450 g) refrigerated pizza dough
- Filling: 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Filling: 24 slices pepperoni (optional omit for vegetarian)
- Filling: 1/2 cup (120 ml) pizza sauce, plus more for dipping
- Topping: 1 large egg, beaten
- Topping: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Topping: 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Topping: 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 Notes
Serve with ranch dressing or garlic butter for dipping.
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 This fun appetizer will score big at your next party and is easy to make ahead!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the bites to resemble basketballs?
After filling and sealing the dough balls, bake them until golden, then use a fine brush dipped in black food coloring or a thin strip of black olive to paint basketball lines.
- → Can these bites be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the pepperoni or substitute with vegetarian pepperoni for a meat-free version.
- → What type of cheese works best inside?
Shredded mozzarella provides a creamy, melty texture; mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini) can also enhance cheesiness.
- → How should I serve these snacks?
Serve warm, accompanied by pizza sauce for dipping; ranch dressing or garlic butter are also excellent choices.
- → What tools are needed to prepare these bites?
A baking sheet lined with parchment, rolling pin, 2-inch round cookie cutter, pastry brush, and a small brush or food-safe marker for decorating are required.