Irresistible Cheesy Pizza Bombs 🍕✨
Elevate your snack game with these irresistible Cheesy Pizza Bombs. Bursting with gooey mozzarella and zesty pepperoni, wrapped in soft biscuit dough, and brushed with savory herb butter, they’re perfect for a quick appetizer, party treat, or a fun family dinner. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to be a hit at any gathering!
Ingredients Overview
Main Ingredients
- Refrigerated Biscuits: Provides a soft and fluffy base for the pizza bombs.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy center.
- Pepperoni: Adds a classic, zesty flavor to each bite.
Herb Butter Topping
- Butter: Melted to create a rich base for the herb topping.
- Garlic Powder, Dried Oregano, and Dried Parsley: Infuse the butter with aromatic flavors.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory finish.
Serving
- Marinara Sauce: Perfect for dipping, adding an extra burst of tomato goodness.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Assemble the Pizza Bombs
Roll and Flatten: Take each half of a biscuit and roll it into a ball. Flatten each ball into a round circle about 3 inches in diameter.
Add the Filling: Place 4 pieces of quartered pepperoni on each flattened biscuit round. Top the pepperoni with a slice of mozzarella.
Step 3: Forming the Bombs
Seal the Bombs: Carefully bring the sides of the biscuit round up and around the filling. Pinch the edges together to seal tightly, ensuring no filling is exposed.
Step 4: Prepare the Herb Butter
Mix the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Baking
Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Place each assembled pizza bomb seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with the herb butter mixture.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pizza bombs are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serving
Cool and Serve: Remove the pizza bombs from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Valuable Tips for Seamless Cooking
Helpful Tip: Ensure a Tight Seal
- Pinch the biscuit dough firmly to ensure it seals tightly around the filling. This will prevent any cheese from leaking out during baking.
Helpful Tip: Customize Your Fillings
- Feel free to add other favorite pizza toppings inside the bombs, such as cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Helpful Tip: Make Ahead and Freeze
- Assemble the pizza bombs and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a ziplock bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Reheat individual pizza bombs in the microwave on medium power for about 1 minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of biscuits should I use?
- Answer: Use refrigerated biscuits, such as Pillsbury Grands. They provide the best texture for these pizza bombs.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Answer: Yes, you can use any meltable cheese like cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Can these be made in an air fryer?
- Answer: Yes, cook at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
- Answer: Ensure the dough is tightly sealed around the filling and check for any gaps before baking.
Can I add sauce inside the bombs?
- Answer: It’s best to serve sauce on the side to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
Are these suitable for freezing?
- Answer: Yes, assemble and freeze them before baking. Bake from frozen with a few extra minutes of cooking time.
How can I make these spicy?
- Answer: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to the filling.
Can I use homemade dough?
- Answer: Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly as homemade dough might take longer to cook.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
- Answer: Marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo are great options.
How can I make these gluten-free?
- Answer: Use gluten-free biscuit dough and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I prepare these the night before?
- Answer: Yes, assemble the pizza bombs, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake the next day.
How do I prevent the bottoms from burning?
- Answer: Use parchment paper and check them halfway through baking, rotating the pan if necessary.
Can I use a different type of meat?
- Answer: Yes, cooked sausage, ham, or even bacon bits work well.
How can I make these vegetarian?
- Answer: Omit the pepperoni and add more veggies like olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
What if I don’t have a pastry brush for the butter?
- Answer: Use a spoon to drizzle the butter mixture over the pizza bombs.
Can I add herbs to the dough?
- Answer: Yes, knead some dried herbs into the biscuit dough for extra flavor.
Are these good for kids’ lunches?
- Answer: Absolutely! They make a great, portable lunch option.
How do I make sure they cook evenly?
- Answer: Space them evenly on the baking sheet and rotate the sheet halfway through baking.
Can I use pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?
- Answer: Yes, pizza dough works too but may require a different baking time.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
- Answer: Serve them warm with a variety of dipping sauces and some fresh veggies on the side.
Secrets for Culinary Perfection
Secret: Brush with Extra Butter
- For an extra golden and crispy finish, brush the pizza bombs with more butter halfway through baking.
Secret: Preheat the Baking Sheet
- Preheat the baking sheet in the oven before placing the pizza bombs on it to ensure a crisp bottom.
Secret: Season the Cheese
- Toss the mozzarella with a bit of Italian seasoning before filling the dough for added flavor.
Enjoy creating and sharing these Cheesy Pizza Bombs, a delightful and versatile treat that’s sure to please everyone at your table!
