Introduction
These 5-Minute Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are the ultimate quick snack for pizza lovers. Using simple ingredients like refrigerated biscuit dough, mozzarella, and pepperoni, they deliver all the flavor of pizza in bite-sized form. Perfect for game days or parties, they pair wonderfully with other easy appetizers like the Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels Recipe or the Ultimate Homemade Pizza Burger Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes.
Ingredients
These warm, golden-brown Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs deliver gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a buttery Parmesan crust in every irresistible bite.
- 24 frozen white dinner rolls
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 24 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 48 bite-size pieces
- 5 ounce package mini pepperoni
- Marinara sauce for serving

Timing
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
Context: These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are about 30% faster than similar pizza snack recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the Dough and Filling
Start by rolling out your pizza dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Cut the dough into equal squares—you should get around 12 to 16 pieces depending on the size of your dough.
Place a small cube of mozzarella cheese and a slice of pepperoni in the center of each square. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of Italian seasoning or a dab of pizza sauce.
Step 2 — Assemble the Pizza Bombs
Gather the corners of each dough square and pinch them together at the top to fully enclose the cheese and pepperoni filling. Make sure there are no gaps, or the cheese will leak during baking.
Roll each sealed dough ball between your palms to form a smooth, round shape. This helps ensure even cooking and a uniform appearance for your Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs.
Step 3 — Add Toppings and Seasoning
Brush the tops of the assembled pizza bombs lightly with melted butter or olive oil. This will help the seasoning stick and promote a golden-brown crust.
Sprinkle each bomb with garlic powder, grated Parmesan, and a little dried oregano. For extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking.
Step 4 — Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Arrange the Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each to allow for expansion.
Step 5 — Bake to Perfection
Bake the pizza bombs for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked. Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.
You’ll know they’re done when the exterior is crisp and you can see melted cheese bubbling slightly at the seams. An internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) ensures the dough is baked through.
Step 6 — Cool and Serve Warm
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs cool for 2–3 minutes before serving. They will be very hot inside.
Serve with a side of warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. These are best enjoyed fresh, while the cheese is still gooey and the pepperoni is tender.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 620mg |
Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.
Healthier Alternatives
- Turkey Pepperoni — Leaner protein with classic spice flavor and reduced fat.
- Whole-Wheat Dough — Higher fiber option for a nuttier, more filling base.
- Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella — All the meltiness with less saturated fat.
- Cauliflower Crust — Lower-carb, gluten-free alternative with a light texture.
- Vegan Cheese & Plant-Based Pepperoni — Dairy-free and plant-forward, offering a similar savory taste.
- Low-Sodium Cheese & Turkey Pepperoni — Heart-friendly swap that keeps the cheesy pepperoni pizza bomb flavor.
- Add Veggies Like Spinach or Bell Peppers — Boost nutrients and color without compromising the fun, handheld format.

Serving Suggestions
- Serve these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, just like traditional pizza bites.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad or Caesar salad to balance the richness of the cheesy, savory filling.
- Perfect for game day gatherings or movie nights, these pizza bombs make excellent finger food for a crowd.
- Create a fun pizza bar by offering additional toppings like sliced olives, mushrooms, or extra shredded cheese for customizing.
- For a complete meal, serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup or a platter of roasted vegetables.
- Arrange the Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs on a wooden board or in a basket lined with parchment paper for a rustic, inviting presentation.
- These are ideal for kids’ parties, after-school snacks, or casual potlucks where easy, shareable food is a hit.
Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are versatile, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using cold dough straight from the fridge. Fix: Let dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes; it becomes more pliable and easier to shape without tearing.
- Mistake: Overfilling with cheese and pepperoni. Fix: Use about 1 tablespoon of filling per bomb; overstuffing causes leaks and uneven cooking.
- Mistake: Not sealing the edges tightly enough. Fix: Pinch dough seams firmly and use a dab of water to help them adhere, preventing filling from oozing out.
- Mistake: Skipping the egg wash before baking. Fix: Brush each bomb with beaten egg; this creates a beautifully golden, crisp exterior.
- Mistake: Baking on a cold baking sheet. Fix: Preheat your baking sheet in the oven; this gives the bottoms a head start for a crispier crust.
- Mistake: Crowding the pan too closely. Fix: Space Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs 2 inches apart to allow for even heat circulation and proper browning.
- Mistake: Using low-moisture cheese that’s too dry. Fix: Opt for whole-milk, low-moisture mozzarella; it melts creamier without making the dough soggy.
- Mistake: Baking at too low a temperature. Fix: Bake at 400°F (200°C); a hot oven ensures the dough cooks through while the cheese melts perfectly.
- Mistake: Not letting them rest after baking. Fix: Allow Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs to cool for 5 minutes; the filling sets, reducing burn risk and improving flavor.
- Mistake: Storing leftovers while still warm. Fix: Cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
Storing Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety.
- Freezer: Place cooled Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven or air fryer until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 8-10 minutes. For a quick option, microwave until hot.
Always check that your Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are heated through to a safe temperature before serving.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs are the ultimate easy party snack. For more delicious pizza-inspired treats, try our Pizza Roll Breadsticks Recipe or Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Recipe. We hope you love this recipe—please leave a comment with your results and subscribe for more tasty ideas!
PrintCheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs
Glorious cheesy pepperoni pizza bombs are perfectly seasoned bread bites loaded with mini pepperoni and tons of ooey gooey cheese, baked to a golden perfection, served with marinara sauce.
- Author: Dorothy Miller
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 24 pizza bombs 1x
- Method: Appetizer / Snack
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 24 frozen white dinner rolls
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 24 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 48 bite-size pieces
- 5 ounce package mini pepperoni
- Marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Cut mozzarella into 48 even pieces (about 1/2 ounce each). Prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by spraying it with non-stick spray; set aside.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir to combine and set aside.
- Toss one piece of dough in flour, then flatten and stretch it to about 3 inches across, like a mini pizza.
- Add 6 mini pepperoni pieces and one piece of mozzarella cheese to the dough. Pull the edges of the dough together to create a sealed ball. If it won't seal, dip fingertips in flour and crimp the seal.
- Place the formed dough ball into the bowl with the butter mixture and lightly toss to coat. Repeat until all dough balls are coated. Add three-quarters of the Parmesan cheese to the bowl and toss again. Recrimp any open balls with floured fingers.
- Place all the pizza bombs in the prepared dish and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until tops are golden brown and dough is fully cooked.
- Sprinkle the reserved Parmesan cheese over the pizza bombs during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Remove from oven and serve warm with marinara sauce.
Notes
If the dough balls don’t seal well, flour your fingertips and pinch the edges firmly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking. Use fresh shredded Parmesan for best flavor and texture. Serve immediately for best gooey cheese experience.
Nutrition
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs ahead of time. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. For best results, bake them just before serving so the dough stays soft and the cheese is perfectly melted.
What dipping sauces go well with Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs?
Marinara sauce is the classic choice, as it complements the pizza flavors. You can also serve them with ranch dressing or a garlic butter dip for extra richness. These sauces enhance the delicious taste of your Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs.
Can I use different fillings for the pizza bombs?
Absolutely, you can customize the fillings to your preference. Try adding cooked sausage, mushrooms, or olives along with the pepperoni and cheese. Just ensure any additional ingredients are finely chopped so the Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs seal properly while baking.



