Pizza Bites

This straightforward-peasy cheesy Pizza Bites will blow you away. They are the school lunches or an after-school snack. Containing just 4 ingredients, these couldn’t be easier to make. We know how overwhelming lunch making can be, so we wanted to come up with something that’s appealing and fun for kids but also takes no time at all.

What stands out

These are ooey and gooey, offering all the flavor of pizza but at a fraction of the labor and time it takes to make a full pizza. Being bite-size not only makes these a great grab-and-go snack for kids but also a fun party appetizer or game day snack. You can prepare these ahead of time freeze them, and heat them up when you’re ready to eat or pack for school. We have been told that they store beautifully in a thermos after they are heated up, but please let us know in the comments below if you try!

How to Prepare Pizza Bites

Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).

Unroll the Pillsbury dough, pull apart each piece and then roll each triangle into a ball.

Next, spray your muffin tin with some avocado spray and then flatten each piece of dough into the muffin tin, pressing it down and up along the sides so that it looks like a little cup.

Place 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce into each cup and top with a piece of mozzarella and a slice of pepperoni.

Finally, bake the Pizza Bites for 15 minutes or until they’re puffed up and golden. Enjoy!

Kitchen tip

This Pizza Bites is a great make-ahead. Cool the baked bites, then freeze them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once fully frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Swaps

1. Try different toppings in addition to or instead of the pepperoni. Options are: sliced black olives, thinly sliced bell peppers, or a small slice of deli ham.
2. Other melty cheeses, such as muenster, Swiss, or provolone, are also instead of the mozzarella.
3. For a sophisticated twist, swap the pizza sauce for pesto and the pepperoni for a halved cherry tomato.
4. You can use pizza dough, or a gluten-free pizza dough instead of the Pillsbury dough.
5. To make this Pizza Bites dairy-free, use your favorite non-dairy cheese instead of mozzarella.

Serve it with

• These pizza bites are a lunch, snack, game day food or party app.
• Pair this Pizza Bites with a cozy soup and salad to make a complete meal. Try our Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup and simple Wedge Salad.
• Ranch and pizza is a classic combo; you can make your own Ranch Dressing.

Questions

Can these pizza bites be frozen?

Yes, bake the Pizza Bites, cool them, then freeze on a mark baking sheet lined with mark parchment paper. Once fully frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How do we reheat?

After taking these Pizza Bites out of the freezer, reheat them for 10 to 15 minutes in the oven at 325F (165C) or until warm.

What other toppings can i use?

The sky’s the limit! Try whatever toppings you love, such as sliced black olives, thinly sliced bell peppers, red onion, or a small slice of deli ham and a pineapple cube.

can i make this Pizza Bites in the air fryer?

Yes, we think you can make these in the air fryer. This is our mark air fryer, which we love. Since each appliance varies, read your manual for suggested heat and cook time.

can i make these dairy-free?

Yes, this Pizza Bites can be made dairy-free by using your favorite non-dairy cheese instead of mozzarella.

Can i make these gluten-free?

Yes! We would swap the Pillsbury dough for your favorite gluten-free pre-made pizza dough, or make your own instead.

Ingredients

Makes 8 servings

• 1 package Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, 8 oz
• avocado oil spray, (optional) to help prevent sticking
• 8 teaspoons pizza sauce, such as Rao's or any brand you like
• 8 pieces fresh mozzarella cheese, you can use shredded as well
• 8 slices pepperoni, you can use turkey pepperoni as well

Equipment

• Measuring Cups + Spoons
• Nakiri Knife
• Cutting Board
• Oil Spray Bottle
• Muffin Pan

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
2. Unroll the Pillsbury dough, pull apart each piece and take each triangle and roll it into a ball. Flatten that dough ball and spray your muffin tin with some avocado spray, if using. If your muffin tin is brand new and non-stick you might not have to spray it at all.
3. We flatten each piece of dough into the muffin tin and make sure to press it down and along the sides so that it looks like a little cup.
4. Place 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce into each cup and top with a piece of mozzarella.
5. Add a slice of pepperoni on top and bake for 15 minutes or until the pizza bites are puffed up and golden. Enjoy!