Name: Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 string cheese sticks, cut into thirds; 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade); 24 slices pepperoni; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional); Marinara sauce, for dipping

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When I’m craving pizza but want something snack-sized and fun to share, I make these Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites. They’re soft, golden, and chewy with gooey mozzarella tucked inside, then topped with pepperoni and brushed with buttery garlic seasoning. They’re perfect for game nights, parties, or anytime I need an easy, crowd-pleasing finger food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these bites because they deliver all the flavors of pizza in a poppable, cheesy snack. The melted cheese center makes them extra indulgent, and the buttery topping gives that irresistible pizzeria aroma. They’re simple to make with store-bought pizza dough or homemade dough, and they disappear fast every time I serve them. Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites

Ingredients

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

8 string cheese sticks, cut into thirds
1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade)
24 slices pepperoni
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Marinara sauce, for dipping

Directions

Step 1: Preheat Oven
I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Assemble the Bites
I roll out the pizza dough and cut it into 24 even squares. I place one piece of string cheese in the center of each square, then fold and pinch the dough tightly around the cheese to form a ball. I set each ball seam-side down on the baking sheet.

Step 3: Add Toppings
I press a slice of pepperoni on top of each dough ball. Then, I stir the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, brushing it over the tops. I sprinkle Parmesan for extra flavor.

Step 4: Bake
I bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bites are puffed and golden brown.

Step 5: Serve
I let them cool slightly before serving warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 (about 4 bites each)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Calories: Approximately 250 per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap mozzarella with cheddar, pepper jack, or a mix of cheeses.
For a pizza-roll vibe, I brush the baked bites with garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley.
I make them spicy with jalapeño slices under the pepperoni.
For a vegetarian version, I skip the pepperoni and top with black olives or roasted veggies.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to keep them crispy. They can also be frozen before baking and cooked straight from frozen with a few extra minutes added.

FAQs

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

I make sure the dough is sealed tightly around the cheese. Chilling the assembled bites for 10 minutes before baking also helps.

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?

Yes. Crescent dough works great and gives a softer, buttery finish.

What dipping sauces go best?

Marinara is classic, but ranch, garlic butter, or even spicy buffalo sauce are delicious options.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. I assemble the bites, cover, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking.

Can I air fry them instead of baking?

Absolutely. I air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Conclusion

These Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites are everything I love about pizza in bite-sized form — cheesy, garlicky, and perfectly shareable. They’re fun to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to please any crowd. Whether it’s for a party appetizer, game day snack, or just a cheesy indulgence, these bites always hit the spot.