Description
These Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites are a fun and easy appetizer or snack, perfect for parties or a quick family treat. They combine the deliciousness of pizza with the convenience of bite-sized snacks, featuring a cheesy stuffed crust and flavorful toppings.
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
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the pizza bites from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Unwrap the string cheese and cut each stick into thirds. This will give you 24 small cheese pieces to stuff into the pizza bites.
Step 3: In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, oregano, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture adds flavor and helps the pizza bites brown nicely in the oven.
Step 4: Open the roll of pizza crust and lay it out on a clean surface. Cut the dough into 24 even pieces. A pizza cutter or sharp knife works best for this.
Step 5: Place a piece of cheese in the center of each dough piece. Roll the dough tightly around the cheese, pinching the seams closed to ensure the cheese doesn’t leak out during baking.
Step 6: Place the rolled dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are evenly spaced to allow for proper baking.
Step 7: Brush each dough roll with the melted butter mixture. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan seasoning mixture over the top. This adds a rich, savory flavor and a golden-brown crust.
Step 8: Press one slice of pepperoni onto the top of each roll. The pepperoni adds a classic pizza flavor and looks appealing.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 10: Serve immediately with pizza sauce, if desired. These pizza bites are best enjoyed warm.
Why you’ll love this recipe
These pizza bites are incredibly versatile and customizable. You can easily swap out the pepperoni for other toppings like sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers. They’re also a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen, as they’re simple to assemble and fun to eat. The cheesy stuffed crust is a guaranteed hit, making these pizza bites a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these pizza bites as an appetizer at parties, a snack for movie nights, or as a fun addition to lunchboxes. Pair them with a side of warm pizza sauce, marinara sauce, or ranch dressing for dipping. They also go well with a simple salad or a side of vegetables.
Tips:
- For a crispier crust, brush the dough with olive oil instead of butter.
- If you don’t have string cheese, you can use mozzarella cheese cut into small pieces.
- Experiment with different toppings to create your own custom pizza bites.
- To prevent the cheese from leaking out, make sure to pinch the seams of the dough tightly.
- These pizza bites can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30-32 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximately)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 300mg
Conclusion
These Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their cheesy stuffed crust, flavorful toppings, and customizable ingredients, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a fun appetizer, or a crowd-pleasing party food, these pizza bites are a fantastic choice.
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use different types of cheese for the stuffed crust?
A1: Absolutely! While string cheese is convenient, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese that melts well. Just cut it into small pieces or sticks to fit inside the dough.
Q2: What other toppings can I use besides pepperoni?
A2: The possibilities are endless! Try using cooked sausage, diced ham, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even pineapple for a Hawaiian-style pizza bite.
Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can assemble the pizza bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bake them as directed when you’re ready to serve.
Q4: How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?
A4: The key is to pinch the seams of the dough tightly to seal in the cheese. You can also brush the seams with a little bit of water to help them stick together.
Q5: Can I freeze these pizza bites?
A5: Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to eat.
