These Cheesy Pepperoni Bites are tasty little snacks packed with gooey cheese and flavorful pepperoni. Perfect for game day or a cozy movie night!
Who can resist a snack that’s crispy on the outside and melty on the inside? I love popping them in my mouth like candy (but way more delicious) while binge-watching my favorite shows!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: The foundation of these bites! I recommend refrigerated biscuit dough like Pillsbury Grands for ease. If you want a healthier option, consider using whole wheat biscuit dough.
Cheeses: Mozzarella brings the stretch, while Parmesan adds a nice bite. If you’re out of Parmesan, any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even cheddar works well.
Pepperoni: Classic choice! For a twist, try turkey pepperoni, or replace it with diced veggies for a vegetarian option. Cooked sausage bits or ham are also tasty alternatives.
Seasonings: Italian seasoning is nice for flavor, but feel free to customize it! Dried basil or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a kick!
How Do You Ensure Your Cheesy Pepperoni Bites Don’t Get Stuck?
Greasing your muffin tin is crucial to prevent sticking. Use cooking spray or butter generously in each cup before adding the dough. Make sure to press the dough firmly into the cups for nice, even shapes.
- Instead of a muffin tin, a silicone mold can work well—easy to pop out the bites!
- Let them cool for a few minutes after baking, as this helps them firm up.
Cheesy Pepperoni Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tube (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 20 slices pepperoni, halved
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the muffin tin)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake. So, in about 25-30 minutes, you’ll have warm, cheesy bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, take a mini muffin tin and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. This will help your cheesy bites not to stick.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Next, open your tube of biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each biscuit into quarters. This will give you plenty of little pieces to work with!
3. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until well mixed—this will be your cheesy filling!
4. Assemble the Bites:
Take one quarter piece of biscuit dough and press it into a muffin cup in the tin, covering the bottom and sides. Then, place one half-slice of pepperoni inside the dough cup. Sprinkle a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture over the pepperoni.
5. Seal the Bites:
Now, take another quarter piece of biscuit dough and place it on top of the filling, sealing everything inside by gently pinching the dough edges together.
6. Repeat and Add Flavor:
Keep going until you’ve used up all the dough pieces and filled each muffin cup. If you like, sprinkle a little extra Italian seasoning or Parmesan cheese on top of each bite to add even more flavor!
7. Bake:
Pop the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown bites that smell irresistible!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before taking them out of the tin. They will firm up a bit as they cool. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy your cheesy, pepperoni goodness!
These Cheesy Pepperoni Bites are sure to be a hit—happy munching!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute mozzarella with other melty cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will alter the flavor profile slightly!
Can I Make These Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the bites ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the muffin tin tightly with plastic wrap to keep them fresh. Bake them just before serving!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Freeze Cheesy Pepperoni Bites?
Yes! After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just reheat from frozen in the oven until warmed!