Pizza Poppers

Pizza Poppers are bite-sized, cheesy, and delightfully crispy snacks that deliver all the flavors of a classic pizza in a fun, poppable form. These easy-to-make appetizers are perfect for game days, parties, or anytime you’re craving a savory snack with gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and your favorite toppings—all wrapped up in a golden crust.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pizza Poppers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They’re quick to make, kid-friendly, and endlessly customizable with your favorite pizza toppings. Whether you’re entertaining or just need a fast weeknight snack, these little bites hit the spot with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Plus, they’re portable and dippable, making them ideal for parties or lunchboxes.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough
• Mozzarella cheese (cubed or shredded)
• Mini pepperoni slices or chopped pepperoni
• Pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. Separate the biscuit or pizza dough into individual pieces and flatten each into a small circle.
3. Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce, a cube or pinch of mozzarella, and a few pepperoni slices in the center of each dough round.
4. Fold the dough around the filling and pinch the edges to seal tightly, forming a ball.
5. Arrange the poppers seam-side down on the baking sheet.
6. Brush each with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 pizza poppers, depending on the dough size. Prep time is around 15 minutes, with a baking time of 12–15 minutes, making the total time approximately 30 minutes.

Variations

• Use sausage, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers instead of pepperoni.
• Substitute marinara or pesto for the pizza sauce.
• Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding spinach or extra cheese.
• Use crescent roll dough for a flakier texture.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

storage/reheating

Store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or until warm and crispy. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, though the crust may soften. Freeze unbaked poppers for up to 2 months and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

What are pizza poppers?

Pizza poppers are small dough balls filled with pizza ingredients like sauce, cheese, and toppings, then baked until golden and delicious.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use homemade dough?

Absolutely. Pizza poppers work great with homemade or store-bought dough.

Are they freezer-friendly?

Yes. You can freeze them before or after baking. Reheat frozen baked poppers in the oven for best texture.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Mozzarella is the classic choice, but you can also try provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

How do I keep them from leaking?

Make sure to seal the dough edges tightly and avoid overfilling.

Can I air fry pizza poppers?

Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes until golden brown, shaking halfway through.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free pizza dough and check that all fillings are gluten-free.

Do I have to use pizza sauce?

No, you can use marinara, Alfredo, or even ranch as a fun alternative.

Are these good for kids?

Definitely. They’re fun to make and eat, and you can let kids help choose the fillings.

Conclusion

Pizza Poppers are a quick, fun, and flavorful way to enjoy pizza without the mess. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a snack, or feeding hungry kids, these cheesy bites are sure to satisfy. Customize them to your liking and keep a batch on hand for anytime cravings hit.

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