Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites -

Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites are the perfect appetizer or snack for your next gathering. These bite-sized treats bring all the deliciousness of pizza into a compact, gooey form, making them irresistible for both kids and adults. With melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and aromatic herbs, this recipe is a sure-fire way to impress your guests!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

If you love pizza, you’ll adore these Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites. They encapsulate all the classic pizza flavors, but in a fun and convenient format. Plus, they are easy to make and can be baked to golden perfection in just 12 minutes. Serve them with your favorite pizza sauce for dipping, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing snack that will disappear in no time.

Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites

Cheese Selection: Use high-quality string cheese for maximum gooeyness. Mozzarella brings the classic pizza flavor, but you can experiment with different cheese types.

Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the herbs in the butter mixture. Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or Italian seasoning for a more robust flavor.
Customization: Personalize your pizza bites by adding your favorite toppings inside the dough alongside the cheese. Vegetables, mushrooms, or different meats can add a unique touch.
Baking Sheet Prep: Make sure to spray the baking sheet well to prevent sticking. This will ensure that your pizza bites come out beautifully crusty.

Cooling Time: Allow the bites to cool slightly before serving. The cheese will be extremely hot, and waiting a minute will prevent burns.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites, you’ll need the following ingredients:

8 string cheese sticks

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 roll (14 ounces) refrigerated pizza crust
24 slices regular pepperoni

Pizza sauce, optional for serving

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create your Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Unwrap the string cheese and cut each stick into thirds to create bite-sized cheese portions.
Step 3: In a small bowl, stir together the oregano, garlic powder, and grated parmesan cheese until well combined.
Step 4: Open the roll of pizza crust and lay it flat on a clean surface. Cut the dough into 24 even pieces, preparing for each pizza bite.

Step 5: Place a piece of cheese in the center of each dough piece. Carefully roll the dough tightly around the cheese, ensuring to pinch the seams closed securely.
Step 6: Place the rolled dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to leave enough space between each bite.
Step 7: Brush each dough roll with melted butter. Sprinkle the parmesan seasoning mixture over the top of each rolled bite for added flavor.

Step 8: Press one slice of pepperoni onto the top of each roll, allowing the pepperoni to bake into the bite.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bites turn golden brown.
Step 10: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with pizza sauce, if desired. Enjoy your gooey and cheesy snacks!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of dough for this recipe?

Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough or even puff pastry for a different twist. The texture and flavor will vary but will still be delicious.

2. How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to restore the crispiness.

3. Is there a vegetarian option for these bites?

Absolutely! You can replace the pepperoni with your favorite vegetables or meat substitutes to create a vegetarian version.

4. Can I freeze the pizza bites before baking?

Yes, you can freeze them! Assemble the bites, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

5. What dipping sauces pair well with these bites?

Along with classic pizza sauce, you can serve these bites with marinara, ranch dressing, or even a spicy buffalo sauce for a unique flavor experience.

Conclusion

Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites offer a fun, cheesy, and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. They are perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in. With this simple recipe and a few personalized tweaks, you will have a delightful snack that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready for some deliciousness!