Irresistibly Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs You’ll Want to Make Tonight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are the kind of comfort food you can whip up with minimal effort while still impressing anyone at the table. These warm, golden bites are packed with gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and a buttery crust that tastes like a mini pizzeria experience. What I love most is how versatile they are—perfect for parties, game nights, or quick weeknight snacks. I’ve even tried making them with a mix of mozzarella and provolone, and the results were exceptional. They come together quickly, especially if you use refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough. You’ll appreciate how customizable they can be, whether you want them spicy, extra cheesy, or even filled with vegetables. Once baked, the centers melt beautifully, and the edges stay soft and pillowy. If you’re craving something comforting yet easy to prepare, these pizza bombs are guaranteed to satisfy.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ingredients Breakdown

Pizza dough
The foundation of every pizza bomb. Refrigerated pizza dough or biscuit dough keeps this recipe quick and fuss-free, offering a soft and bready shell that turns golden when baked.

Pepperoni slices
These bring bold, savory flavor. You can use regular or mini pepperoni, and you may chop them if you want the filling more evenly distributed.

Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella melts into a stretchy, creamy center. Freshly shredded cheese melts exceptionally well, but pre-shredded works if time is tight.

Marinara sauce
Just a spoonful inside each bomb adds a classic pizza tang. You can use homemade or store-bought sauce depending on what you have available.

Butter
Melted butter brushed on top helps create that irresistible golden finish and enhances the flavor.

Garlic powder
A touch of garlic powder in the butter mixture gives the bombs a warm, aromatic boost.

Italian seasoning
This adds a flavorful mix of herbs that pairs perfectly with the pizza filling.

Parmesan cheese
A sprinkle of Parmesan on top provides a slightly salty bite and helps create a crisp exterior.

Salt
A small pinch of salt balances flavors and enhances the dough’s natural taste.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the pizza dough out on a clean surface and cut it into equal squares, large enough to wrap around the filling. In the center of each piece, place a spoonful of marinara sauce, a generous pinch of mozzarella, and a few slices of pepperoni. Carefully pull the edges of the dough together and pinch to seal tightly, forming a ball. Place each sealed dough ball seam-side down on the baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly.

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Brush this mixture generously over each dough ball to help them brown beautifully and add flavor. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the tops for an extra cheesy finish. Bake the pizza bombs for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and allow them to rest briefly before serving. These are delicious on their own or dipped in additional marinara sauce.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 pizza bombs.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough chewy. These can be frozen before or after baking; if frozen unbaked, simply thaw slightly and bake as usual.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy pizza bombs

Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper inside each bomb.

Veggie-filled bombs

Include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a more robust filling.

Four-cheese bombs

Combine mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan for a fuller cheesy flavor.

Meat lover’s version

Add cooked sausage or diced ham alongside the pepperoni.

Hawaiian twist

Include small pieces of pineapple with ham or pepperoni.

Garlic butter overload

Brush a second layer of garlic butter on after baking for extra richness.

Ranch-style bombs

Replace marinara with ranch dressing inside for a different creamy twist.

Pesto bombs

Use pesto instead of marinara for a fragrant, herb-forward filling.

Gluten-free version

Use gluten-free pizza dough to make the recipe accessible to more guests.

Mini bite-size bombs

Cut dough into smaller pieces and reduce baking time slightly to create appetizer-size bites.

FAQs

Can I use biscuit dough instead of pizza dough?

Yes, biscuit dough works very well and creates a slightly fluffier texture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze pizza bombs?

Yes, freeze baked or unbaked pizza bombs in airtight containers.

Do I have to include marinara inside?

No, you can leave it out and serve it on the side.

Can I air-fry these?

Yes, cook at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes, checking for golden color.

How do I prevent them from leaking?

Seal the dough tightly and avoid overfilling.

Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely—any good melting cheese works well.

How do I make them crispier?

Brush extra butter on top and bake a couple of minutes longer.

Can I make these without pepperoni?

Yes, simply replace with another protein or vegetables.

What dipping sauces pair well?

Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, and cheese sauce are all excellent choices.

Conclusion

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are a quick, satisfying, and endlessly customizable snack that brings classic pizza flavors into a fun, handheld form. This recipe is simple enough for weeknights yet crowd-pleasing enough for parties. Whether you keep them traditional or experiment with new fillings, these warm, golden bites are sure to become a household favorite.

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