What dough works best for these bites?

Refrigerated pizza dough is ideal for easy handling and quick preparation, ensuring a soft and chewy bite.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the pepperoni or substitute with vegetarian alternatives without impacting taste or texture.

Use a fine brush dipped in food-safe black coloring or thin black olive strips to draw the characteristic basketball lines after baking.

Classic pizza sauce works well, as do ranch dressing or garlic butter for added richness and flavor variety.

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Cheesy, bite-sized pizza snacks shaped like basketballs—perfect for game day or parties!

This recipe quickly became a favorite at our family gatherings and game nights.

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

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 1215 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.

Making these pizza bites started as a fun project with my kids that quickly turned into a cherished family tradition.

Baking sheet, parchment paper, rolling pin, round cookie cutter (2-inch 5 cm), pastry brush, small brush or food-safe marker

Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and egg. Pepperoni may contain additional allergens check labels.

Calories 80 Total Fat 3.5 g Carbohydrates 9 g Protein 3 g per serving

These pizza bites are guaranteed to be the highlight of your next party or game night.

→ What dough works best for these bites?: Refrigerated pizza dough is ideal for easy handling and quick preparation, ensuring a soft and chewy bite.
→ Can I make these vegetarian?: Yes, simply omit the pepperoni or substitute with vegetarian alternatives without impacting taste or texture.
→ How do I create the basketball lines?: Use a fine brush dipped in food-safe black coloring or thin black olive strips to draw the characteristic basketball lines after baking.
→ What dipping sauces complement these bites?: Classic pizza sauce works well, as do ranch dressing or garlic butter for added richness and flavor variety.
→ How long should they bake?: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.