Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites

Stuffed crust pizza bites are a fun, cheesy, and bite-sized twist on a classic favorite. Each piece is filled with gooey mozzarella, wrapped in tender dough, and baked until golden and irresistible. Whether I’m serving them as a party appetizer, after-school snack, or game-day finger food, these pizza bites always disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these pizza bites because they combine the best parts of pizza—cheesy filling, soft crust, and bold flavor—in a poppable, easy-to-make form. They’re fun to dip, easy to customize, and perfect for feeding a crowd without needing plates or forks. Plus, the stuffed crust surprise in every bite keeps things extra exciting.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Refrigerated pizza dough or homemade dough

• Mozzarella cheese sticks or cubes

• Mini pepperoni (optional)

• Italian seasoning

• Garlic powder

• Olive oil or melted butter

• Marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. I roll out the pizza dough and cut it into small squares (about 2–3 inches each).

3. I place a piece of mozzarella (and pepperoni, if using) in the center of each square.

4. I fold the dough around the filling, pinch the edges to seal, and roll into a smooth ball.

5. I place the balls seam-side down on the baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.

6. I brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.

7. I bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

8. I serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16–20 pizza bites, depending on dough size. It takes 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake, so I can have them ready in 30 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I use different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a spicy kick. I’ve also added cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or olives to the filling for variety. If I’m feeling indulgent, I top the baked bites with grated Parmesan and a drizzle of garlic butter.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes or microwave them for 20 seconds. They also freeze well—just thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough?

Yes, I often make my own pizza dough if I have time. It works just as well as store-bought and gives a more rustic flavor.

What’s the best cheese for stuffing?

I use mozzarella sticks or low-moisture mozzarella cubes—they melt perfectly without making the dough soggy.

Can I make these ahead?

Definitely. I assemble them ahead and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. I bake them fresh when ready to serve.

How do I keep them from bursting open?

I seal the dough tightly around the cheese and bake seam-side down. I also avoid overfilling to keep the cheese contained.

Can I make them in an air fryer?

Yes. I air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes until golden. It gives a crispier crust and works great for small batches.

Conclusion

These stuffed crust pizza bites are everything I love about pizza, wrapped up in a soft, cheesy, handheld snack. They’re quick to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit wherever I bring them. Whether I’m feeding kids, guests, or just myself, these little bites always satisfy.