Name: Pizza Bites with Pepperoni, Mozzarella, and Garlic Butter Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 pounds pizza dough (homemade or store-bought); 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 24 small cubes; 24 pepperoni slices; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Kosher salt, a large pinch; Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish; Grated Parmesan, for garnish; 1 cup pizza sauce, for dipping

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 9 reviews

If you love all the best flavors of pizza in one bite-sized treat, then this Pizza Bites with Pepperoni, Mozzarella, and Garlic Butter Recipe is going to be your new favorite snack or party appetizer. Imagine golden, buttery dough hugging gooey mozzarella and zesty pepperoni, kissed with fragrant garlic and Italian herbs. These little pockets of joy come out perfectly golden and bursting with melty cheese and savory pepperoni, making them utterly irresistible for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re craving a fun twist on pizza night or need a crowd-pleasing finger food, this recipe delivers excitement in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round white dish in the front right holds a smooth ball of light tan pizza dough with soft texture. To its upper right is a white plate stacked with many slices of reddish-orange pepperoni arranged to cover the plate. Above the dough, a small white bowl contains finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese. Next to this, a tiny white bowl holds light yellow garlic powder. Moving left, a small white bowl filled with bright yellow melted butter sits next to a larger white bowl filled with white cubes of mozzarella cheese. Below the mozzarella, a small white bowl contains thick red pizza sauce. On the upper left, a small white bowl has fresh green parsley leaves, and above it another small white bowl holds mixed green and brown Italian seasoning. All bowls are placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple staples, but each plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect Pizza Bites with Pepperoni, Mozzarella, and Garlic Butter Recipe. From dough that becomes tender and golden, to the melty mozzarella that provides that signature cheese pull, every component shines in harmony.

2 pounds pizza dough: Choose homemade or store-bought for a flexible base that bakes to soft, pillowy perfection.
8 ounces mozzarella cheese: Cut into small cubes for that dreamy, gooey center that every pizza bite needs.
24 pepperoni slices: Adds a satisfying spicy and savory kick in every bite.
3 tablespoons butter, melted: Infuses the dough with rich flavor and helps the garlic seasoning stick beautifully.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs to elevate the garlic butter topping.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers bold, comforting garlic flavor without any added moisture.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances richness wonderfully.
Fresh chopped parsley: Adds a burst of fresh green color and mild herbaceousness as a garnish.
Grated Parmesan: Sprinkled on top for a tangy, salty finishing touch.
1 cup pizza sauce: Perfect for dipping these flavorful bites and adding an extra layer of tomato goodness.

How to Make Pizza Bites with Pepperoni, Mozzarella, and Garlic Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Dough

Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly greasing an 11.5-inch deep dish pie pan or a large cast iron skillet. Rolling out the pizza dough into a rectangle on a floured surface makes portioning easy. Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough into 24 even squares so each bite will be perfectly sized.

Step 2: Assemble the Pizza Bites

Pop a cube of mozzarella cheese and a slice of pepperoni right into the center of each dough square. Then carefully pinch the edges together, sealing them tightly to form little balls. This ensures that the delicious melty cheese stays inside while baking, making each bite a mini surprise.

Step 3: Arrange and Brush with Garlic Butter

Place the sealed dough balls seam-side down in your greased pan. Now it’s time to mix the melted butter with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of kosher salt. Brush this fragrant garlic butter all over the pizza bites; it’s this step that creates that irresistible golden color and adds a burst of flavor to every bite.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Pop the pan into the oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the pizza bites are puffed, golden brown, and just begging to be eaten. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will make waiting difficult!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan atop the pizza bites for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve them warm alongside a cup of pizza sauce for dipping, maximizing that classic pizza flavor experience.

How to Serve Pizza Bites with Pepperoni, Mozzarella, and Garlic Butter Recipe

The image shows 20 square pieces of dough laid out in a neat 4 by 5 grid on a white marbled surface. Each dough square is light beige with a slightly flour-dusted texture. On each square, there is one round slice of reddish-orange pepperoni placed near the center. On top of each pepperoni slice, there is a small cube of white cheese, creating a three-layer look: beige dough at the base, a circle of pepperoni in the middle, and a white cheese cube on top. The scene is clean and evenly spaced, showing the preparation stage of these small dough squares. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan not only brighten the look of these pizza bites but add a fresh, herbal note and a salty punch, perfectly balancing the rich, buttery dough and gooey cheese inside.

Side Dishes

Pair these pizza bites with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. They also make a delightful companion to a bowl of marinara or your favorite dipping sauce, inviting everyone to customize each bite to their taste.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange pizza bites on a wooden serving board with small bowls of different dipping sauces—think classic marinara, creamy ranch, or spicy buffalo. You can even stack them like mini towers or sprinkle with extra fresh herbs for a festive look everyone will want to dig into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover pizza bites tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a convenient snack or quick meal option during busy days.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead for future cravings, freeze the assembled but unbaked pizza bites on a parchment-lined tray. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To reheat stored pizza bites, pop them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the dough may become soggy and lose that delightful crispness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully and has a mild flavor perfect for pizza bites, you can experiment with provolone, cheddar, or even a blend for different flavor profiles. Just make sure the cheese melts well to keep that gooey center.

Is it possible to make these pizza bites vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the pepperoni and consider adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives inside the bites for vibrant taste and texture.

Can I use pre-made garlic butter instead of mixing it myself?

Yes, pre-made garlic butter works well here and saves time. Just be sure to brush it generously over the dough balls to get that perfect golden, flavorful finish.

What if I don’t have a pizza cutter?

No worries! You can use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut the dough into squares. Just be sure to flour the blade or scissors to prevent sticking.

Can these pizza bites be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough brand or recipe. The baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the bites to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and fun about these Pizza Bites with Pepperoni, Mozzarella, and Garlic Butter Recipe. They’re fantastic for sharing, easy to customize, and packed with all the flavors you love from classic pizza in a playful, portable form. I can’t wait for you to make them at home and enjoy every melty, buttery, cheesy bite!