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Bite-Sized Pizza Pockets
These tiny pizza cups are a total hit with my kids. I whipped them up after they kept asking me to make something like those snacks from Little Caesars. Now we can't watch movies without them. The buttery soft dough with golden cheese tops is amazing. When you bite into that warm sauce with those crispy pepperoni edges, it's like having a tiny pizza paradise right in your hand.
Tiny Flavor Bombs
We can't keep these little guys around for long. My teen boy will eat almost half by himself. They're super simple to switch up so everyone gets what they love on top. I made a batch for my daughter's friends last weekend and they couldn't believe we'd made them at home.
What You'll Need
- Pizza Dough: 24 ounces and maybe pack some extra if you've got teens
- Butter: Unsalted that's been melted and cooled down a bit
- Fresh Garlic: Cut it up yourself it's way tastier than the stuff in jars
- Parmesan: Buy it as a chunk and grate it yourself
- Marinara: Any store brand you like does the job
- Mozzarella: Go for low moisture shredded kind for perfect melting
- Turkey Pepperoni: But standard pepperoni works fine too
- Italian Seasoning: Just a dash makes everything taste better
- Fresh Parsley: Cut some up to toss on top for a nice look
Cooking Steps
- First Things First
- Turn your oven to 375°F and pull out a muffin tin. Coat it with the tasty garlic butter mix you'll make.
- Prep Your Dough
- Break the dough into 12 equal balls and let them rise. I love watching them puff up to twice their size.
- Butter Mix Magic
- Combine your melted butter with fresh garlic some grated parmesan and parsley. The aroma alone will get you hungry.
- Shape And Fill
- Push each dough ball into the tin then add your sauce cheese pepperoni and a dash of herbs.
- Into The Oven
- Bake for about 15 minutes until you see that golden bubbly top. Your whole house will smell wonderful.
- Cool Down
- Let them sit for a moment so they keep their shape and don't burn anyone's mouth.
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Tips For Success
Always give your dough enough time to get nice and puffy. Don't skimp on the mozzarella since it makes those crunchy edges everyone wants. I've started putting cheese in the bottom of each cup before the dough and it's a game changer.
About The Dough
I try to make dough from scratch but when I'm in a rush I grab some from Trader Joe's. You can even use those frozen dinner rolls if you let them thaw and rise properly.
Change It Up
My niece doesn't eat meat so hers get bell peppers and mushrooms instead. Sometimes I'll use whatever cheese is in the fridge. My husband loads his with extra pepperoni while my daughter wants pineapple on hers yep we're that kind of family.
Other Tasty Treats
If these are a hit in your house check out our stuffed garlic bread too. Those small pizza rolls work great in lunch boxes. And don't forget some dipping sauces my kids want ranch while I stick with extra marinara.
Common Cooking Questions
You can definitely get the dough ready ahead of time just warm it up before you use it. If your cups fall flat they probably needed to cool longer. Feel free to use any toppings but stay away from really wet ones or you'll end up with soggy bottoms. They're done when the edges turn golden and the cheese gets all bubbly. They freeze really well just warm them in the oven when you want them.
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Final Thoughts
These handheld cheesy dough bites, brushed in garlic butter, are packed with marinara, cheese, and pepperoni. Great for parties, and super easy to whip up.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I prep these early on?
You can shape the dough ahead of time and let it rise. Hold off on toppings and baking until you're ready to serve.
- → What can I swap toppings with?
Sausage or crispy bacon are great meat options, while mushrooms or diced peppers add a veggie twist. Just be cautious about overstuffing.
- → How can I tell if the dough has risen properly?
Dough balls will puff up to twice their size and feel soft. Around 30-45 minutes in a warm space usually does it.
- → Is freezing them an option?
Yep, bake them first, then freeze. Warm them back up in the oven for the best bite. They’re good for two months in the freezer.
- → Why rest them before eating?
The filling heats up a lot during baking. A quick 5-minute cool down keeps you from burning your tongue and allows the cheese to settle.