If you love the delicious flavors of pizza packed into a bite-sized snack, you're going to adore these Pizza Balls! They're crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and filled with your favorite pizza flavors—perfect for game days, parties, or a quick snack fix. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, these pizza bites are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Why You'll Love This Perfect Pizza Dish
- Quick & Easy. Ready in under 30 minutes, making them the perfect snack or appetizer.
- Customizable. Fill them with your favorite pizza toppings to suit your taste.
- Bite-Sized Fun. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or as an after-school snack.
- Crowd-Pleaser. Packed with gooey cheese and savory flavors that everyone will love.
Whether you’re craving a quick bite or need a fun appetizer for your next event, these pizza balls are a guaranteed winner!
What Are Pizza Balls?
Pizza balls are bite-sized, stuffed dough treats that capture all the delicious flavors of traditional pizza in a convenient, handheld form. They consist of pizza dough wrapped around classic pizza fillings such as mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and marinara sauce, then baked to golden perfection.
These savory bites are brushed with garlic butter and topped with herbs like parsley or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
What Do They Taste Like?
Pizza Balls combine all the best elements of pizza—cheesy goodness, savory fillings, and a crispy crust—in one delicious bite.
The golden brown exterior provides the perfect crunch, while the melty cheese and seasoned fillings make each bite irresistible.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Pizza Dough- Whether store-bought or homemade, the dough acts as the foundation, wrapping around the flavorful fillings to create a crispy, golden shell.
- Olive Oil- Brushed on the exterior, olive oil helps achieve a golden-brown crust, adding richness and preventing the dough from becoming too dry.
- Mozzarella Cheese- This key ingredient melts beautifully, providing that irresistible gooey, stretchy texture that makes pizza so satisfying.
- Pepperoni (Optional)- If included, pepperoni adds a savory, meaty bite with a hint of spice, giving the pizza balls a classic pizzeria taste.
- Marinara Sauce- A tangy, tomato-based sauce that infuses each bite with bold, rich flavors and complements the cheese and toppings perfectly.
- Italian Seasoning- A fragrant blend of herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme, which enhances the pizza flavor and gives the filling an authentic Italian touch.
- Grated Parmesan- Adds a nutty, salty depth of flavor to the filling, elevating the cheesiness and enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Garlic Butter- Brushed over the baked pizza balls, garlic butter infuses them with a rich, buttery aroma and irresistible garlic flavor.
- Fresh Parsley- A final garnish that adds a vibrant pop of color and a refreshing, herby finish, balancing out the richness of the cheese and butter.
Together, these ingredients create Pizza Balls that are crispy on the outside, cheesy and flavorful on the inside, and perfect for snacking or entertaining.
How To Make Pizza Balls
- Prepare the Dough. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into small squares, about 2x2 inches.
- Add the Filling. Place a small spoonful of marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and a slice of pepperoni in the center of each dough square. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Shape the Balls. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal, forming a ball. Make sure the seam is tightly closed to prevent any filling from leaking out.
- Bake to Perfection. Place the pizza balls seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Add the Finishing Touch. Once out of the oven, brush the pizza balls with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
- Serve and Enjoy. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for the ultimate snack experience.
Tips And Tricks
Making Pizza Balls is super simple, but these tips will help you achieve the best results every time:
- Seal the Dough Well. Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent any cheese from oozing out during baking.
- Use Parchment Paper. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Customize Your Fillings. Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked sausage for extra flavor.
- Crispier Crust. Bake at a higher temperature (400°F) for a few minutes if you prefer a crunchier bite.
Variations
Love experimenting in the kitchen? Here are a few delicious variations to try:
- Supreme- Add diced bell peppers, onions, and sausage for a supreme-style flavor.
- Veggie Delight- Skip the meat and load up on spinach, olives, and mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- BBQ Chicken- Substitute marinara with BBQ sauce and use shredded rotisserie chicken and red onions for a tangy twist.
- Cheesy Garlic Balls- Skip the sauce inside and fill with mozzarella and garlic for an indulgent cheesy treat.
What To Eat With Pizza Balls
These tasty bites pair perfectly with a variety of sides and dips. Here are a few great options:
- Dipping Sauces- Marinara, garlic butter, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo.
- Salad- A simple Caesar or garden salad balances out the richness.
- Soup- Pair with tomato basil soup for a comforting meal.
- French Fries- Serve alongside crispy fries for a fun, indulgent snack.
How Long Do They Last?
Pizza Balls are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain their crispy texture.
Can You Freeze Them?
Yes! You can freeze unbaked pizza balls for later. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
More Pizza-Inspired Recipes
Pin It!
If you love this recipe for Pizza Balls as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try it too! Don't forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.
Ingredients
For The Pizza Balls
- 16 ounces Refrigerated Pizza Dough
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 cup Pepperoni Slices
- 1/2 cup Marinara Sauce
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/4 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
For The Butter Topping
- 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 2 tsp Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into small squares, about 2x2 inches.
- Add the Filling. Place a small spoonful of marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and a slice of pepperoni in the center of each dough square. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Shape the Balls. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal, forming a ball. Make sure the seam is tightly closed to prevent any filling from leaking out.
- Bake to Perfection. Place the pizza balls seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Add the Finishing Touch. Once out of the oven, brush the pizza balls with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
- Serve and Enjoy. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for the ultimate snack experience.
Leave a Reply