Pizza Bombs
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Course: Appetizer, Snack, Main Dish
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Yield: 12 Pizza Bombs
Ingredients
For the Pizza Bombs
- 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough)
- 12 small cubes mozzarella cheese (about 6 ounces total)
- 24 slices pepperoni
- ¼ cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Fillings
- Cooked Italian sausage
- Sliced black olives
- Diced bell peppers
- Cooked mushrooms
- Cooked bacon
- Jalapeño slices
- Spinach
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Roll the pizza dough into a rectangle approximately ¼-inch thick.
Cut it into 12 equal squares.
Step 3: Fill Each Pizza Bomb
Place one cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each dough square.
Top with two slices of pepperoni and add about 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce.
If using additional fillings, add a small amount to avoid overfilling.
Step 4: Seal the Dough
Carefully bring the edges of the dough together around the filling.
Pinch the seams tightly to completely seal each pizza bomb.
Roll gently between your hands to create a smooth ball.
Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried parsley, and garlic powder.
Mix well.
Brush the tops of the pizza bombs generously with the garlic butter.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the pizza bombs are puffed and golden brown.
The cheese inside should be fully melted, and the dough should be cooked through.
Step 7: Cool Slightly
Allow the pizza bombs to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
The cheese filling will be extremely hot immediately after baking.
Step 8: Serve
Serve warm with extra pizza sauce, marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic dipping sauce.
Enjoy while the cheese is still deliciously melted.
Tips for Success
- Seal the dough completely to help prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- Avoid adding too much sauce inside each pizza bomb, as excess moisture can make sealing difficult.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella for the best melting results.
- Brush with garlic butter immediately before baking for maximum flavor.
- Let the pizza bombs rest briefly before serving to avoid burns from the hot cheese.
Recipe Variations
Supreme Pizza Bombs
Add cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and black olives.
Meat Lover’s Pizza Bombs
Fill with pepperoni, cooked sausage, bacon, and ham.
Vegetarian Pizza Bombs
Use spinach, mushrooms, olives, roasted peppers, and mozzarella.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Bombs
Replace the pepperoni with cooked shredded chicken mixed with Buffalo sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Hawaiian Pizza Bombs
Fill with diced ham, mozzarella, and pineapple chunks for a sweet-and-savory twist.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftover Pizza Bombs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze baked Pizza Bombs in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Pizza Bombs pair perfectly with:
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic butter
- Ranch dressing
- Caesar salad
- Fresh garden salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Tomato soup
- French fries
- Mozzarella sticks
- Sparkling lemonade or iced tea
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Pizza Bombs ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble them up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use biscuit dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes. Refrigerated biscuit dough creates a softer, fluffier version that works well for this recipe.
How do I prevent cheese from leaking out?
Make sure the dough is tightly sealed around the filling and place each pizza bomb seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Can I air fry Pizza Bombs?
Yes. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, checking for doneness as cooking times may vary by appliance.
Final Thoughts
Pizza Bombs are everything you love about pizza packed into a warm, bite-sized package. With their golden crust, gooey melted cheese, savory fillings, and buttery garlic topping, they’re perfect for entertaining, family meals, or satisfying snack cravings. They’re easy to customize with your favorite toppings, simple enough for beginner cooks, and quick enough for busy weeknights. Whether served as an appetizer, lunch, or game-day favorite, these homemade Pizza Bombs are sure to disappear fast and earn a permanent place in your recipe collection.
Recipe Summary
- Recipe Name: Pizza Bombs
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Course: Appetizer, Snack, Main Dish
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Yield: 12 Pizza Bombs
Nutrition Information (Per Pizza Bomb, Approximate)
- Calories: 185
- Protein: 8 g
- Total Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 22 mg
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Calcium: 140 mg
- Iron: 1.2 mg
