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Cheesy Pepperoni Bites

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Cheesy Pepperoni Bites are a delicious, quick, and easy appetizer that combines gooey melted cheese with savory pepperoni wrapped in a crispy dough. Perfect for game nights, parties, or a cozy snack, these bites balance rich and spicy flavors with a golden, flaky crust. Highly customizable and kid-friendly, they are a crowd-pleasing treat that can be made gluten-free using suitable dough alternatives.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Blend

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Pepperoni

  • 20–30 slices of pepperoni (spicy or mild, as preferred)

Dough

  • 1 package of pizza dough or puff pastry (use gluten-free if needed)

Seasonings & Finishes

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)

Optional Dipping Sauce

  • Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Dough: Roll out your pizza dough or thawed puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness, ensuring it is even for uniform cooking and a crispy outer layer.
  2. Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Evenly spread the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend across the dough, then evenly layer pepperoni slices over the cheese. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the top for added flavor.
  3. Cut and Shape: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the dough into bite-sized squares or rectangles. Fold over or roll each piece to fully encase the cheese and pepperoni filling, pinching the edges tightly to seal and prevent leakage during baking.
  4. Brush and Bake: Place the bites onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Brush the outside of each bite with olive oil to promote a golden, shiny finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the dough is puffed and golden brown.
  5. Serve Warm: Let the Cheesy Pepperoni Bites cool for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly. Serve warm with marinara sauce or your preferred dipping sauce for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

  • Use a blend of high-moisture mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor combination.
  • Avoid overfilling the bites to prevent leaking during baking.
  • Pinch edges firmly to seal the filling inside to keep the bites neat and intact.
  • Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
  • Adjust baking time as needed depending on your oven and dough thickness to achieve a perfect golden crust.
  • For gluten-free version, use gluten-free pizza dough or puff pastry alternatives.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes for best texture; avoid microwave reheating.
  • Freeze unbaked bites on a tray, then store in freezer bags up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheesy Pepperoni Bites, Pepperoni Appetizer, Cheese Snack, Party Food, Gluten-Free Appetizer, Easy Bites, Game Day Snack

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/cheesy-pepperoni-bites/