Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites

Cheesy, bite-sized pizza snacks shaped like basketballs—perfect for game day or parties!

This recipe quickly became a favorite for every basketball watching night in my house.

Ingredients

• Dough: 1 pound (450 g) refrigerated pizza dough
• Filling: 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 24 slices pepperoni (optional omit for vegetarian), 1/2 cup (120 ml) pizza sauce plus more for dipping
• Topping: 1 large egg beaten, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, Black food coloring or black olives for basketball lines

Instructions

Preheat oven:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Roll dough:

Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch (0.5 cm) thickness

Cut circles:

Using a 2-inch (5 cm) round cutter cut out 24 circles from the dough

Add filling:

Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce a sprinkle of mozzarella and a slice of pepperoni (if using) onto the center of each dough circle

Seal balls:

Fold the edges up and pinch to seal forming a ball Place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet

Apply topping:

Brush each ball with beaten egg Sprinkle with Parmesan and oregano

Bake:

Bake for 12 15 minutes or until golden brown

Decorate:

Let cool slightly Using a fine brush dipped in black food coloring or a thin strip of black olive draw basketball lines onto each bite

Serve:

Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping

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Making these bites always brings everyone together around the TV on game nights.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with ranch dressing or garlic butter for a delicious dip experience.

Tool Tips

Using a round cookie cutter and pastry brush simplifies the preparation process.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and egg Pepperoni may contain additional allergens verify ingredient labels carefully.

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These basketball pizza bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Recipe FAQ

→ How can I make these bites vegetarian?

Simply omit the pepperoni or substitute with vegetarian pepperoni alternatives to keep these bites vegetarian friendly.

→ What is the best way to shape the bites?

Use a round cutter approximately 2 inches in diameter to cut dough circles, then fold and pinch edges around the filling to form neat, sealed balls.

→ How do I create the basketball lines on the bites?

After baking and cooling slightly, use black food coloring with a fine brush or thin strips of black olive to draw basketball stitching for the authentic look.

→ Can I prepare these bites in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the bites beforehand and refrigerate. Brush with egg wash and add toppings just before baking for best results.

→ What dipping sauces work well with these snacks?

Complement these bites with pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter to enhance their flavors at serving time.