Pizza Poppers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pizza Poppers are bite-sized, cheesy, and packed with classic pizza flavors. Perfect as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or kid-friendly treat, these little pockets of goodness are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. They’re quick to make, fun to eat, and totally customizable with your favorite toppings.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

refrigerated pizza dough
mozzarella cheese (cubed)
pepperoni slices (chopped)
marinara or pizza sauce
Italian seasoning
olive oil
grated Parmesan cheese
garlic powder
optional: red pepper flakes, chopped basil

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into small squares, about 2×2 inches.

Place a cube of mozzarella and a few pieces of pepperoni in the center of each square.

Fold the dough around the filling and pinch the edges to seal, forming a ball.

Place the poppers seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 pizza poppers.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15-18 minutes
Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, ham, or vegetables for different flavors.
Use crescent roll dough for a flakier texture.
Add a small spoonful of sauce inside each popper for extra pizza flavor.
Sprinkle sesame seeds or everything seasoning on top for added crunch.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 30-45 seconds.
Freeze uncooked poppers for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Do I have to use store-bought dough?
No, you can use homemade pizza dough if preferred.

Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely—just skip the meat or use veggie-friendly toppings like mushrooms or olives.

Can I air fry them?
Yes, air fry at 370°F for 8-10 minutes, checking for doneness.

What dipping sauces work best?
Marinara is classic, but ranch, garlic butter, or pesto also pair well.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure the edges are well sealed and avoid overfilling.

Are these spicy?
Not unless you add red pepper flakes or spicy toppings.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales easily for larger batches.

Conclusion

Pizza Poppers are the ultimate handheld snack for any occasion. With their crispy crust, melty cheese, and savory fillings, they deliver all the best parts of pizza in a fun, bite-sized form. Make a batch and watch them disappear—these are sure to become a go-to favorite for kids and adults alike.

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