Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites

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

This recipe was a slam dunk at my last game day party—everyone loved the fun basketball shape and cheesy flavor.

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

Step 1:

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

Step 2:

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

Step 3:

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

Step 4:

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

Step 5:

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

Step 6:

Brush each ball with beaten egg Sprinkle with Parmesan and oregano

Step 7:

Bake for 12 15 minutes or until golden brown

Step 8:

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

Step 9:

Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping

Pin

This recipe always brings my family together during game nights and celebrations

Notes

Serve with ranch dressing or garlic butter for dipping

Required Tools

Baking sheet Parchment paper Rolling pin Round cookie cutter (2-inch/5 cm) Pastry brush Small brush or food-safe marker

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) milk (dairy) and egg Pepperoni may contain additional allergens check labels Always verify store-bought ingredient labels for allergens

Pin

These pizza bites make any game day more exciting and delicious Try them with your favorite dipping sauce

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I shape the bites to look like basketballs?

After sealing the dough balls, use a fine brush dipped in black food coloring or thin strips of black olives to draw the basketball lines once baked and cooled slightly.

→ Can I make these bites vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the pepperoni or substitute with vegetarian alternatives to keep the flavor while maintaining the vegetarian option.

→ What is the best dough to use for these bites?

Refrigerated pizza dough works well for convenience and texture, providing a soft and chewy base for these snacks.

→ Are there any suggested dipping sauces?

Traditional pizza sauce works perfectly, but ranch dressing or garlic butter also complement these bites nicely.

→ How long does it take to prepare and cook these bites?

Preparation takes about 20 minutes and baking time is 12-15 minutes, making the total time roughly 35 minutes.