Can I make these snacks vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the pepperoni or replace it with a vegetarian alternative to keep the bites meat-free while maintaining their full flavor.

What’s the best way to shape the dough balls evenly?

Use a 2-inch round cutter to ensure uniform circles before filling and sealing the dough balls for consistent size and baking.

After baking, use a food-safe black marker or thin strips of black olive to draw the characteristic basketball lines on each bite.

You can shape and fill the dough balls in advance, then refrigerate them before baking to save time for your event or party.

Classic choices include extra pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or a garlic butter dip to enhance the savory flavors.

Absolutely! Their fun basketball shape and cheesy filling make them a hit with kids and adults alike at any casual gathering.

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

This snack is always a slam dunk at our family gatherings and gets everyone cheering for more.

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

Preheat:: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll Out 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.
Fill:: 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.
Topping:: Brush each ball with beaten egg. Sprinkle with Parmesan and oregano.
Bake:: Bake for 12 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool and 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.

Making these bites always brings the family together, and watching everyone enjoy them warms my heart.

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

Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and egg. Pepperoni may contain additional allergens—check labels.

Calories 80, Total Fat 3.5 g, Carbohydrates 9 g, Protein 3 g per serving

These pizza bites are a guaranteed hit for any occasion and simple enough to make ahead for your next party.

→ Can I make these snacks vegetarian?: Yes, simply omit the pepperoni or replace it with a vegetarian alternative to keep the bites meat-free while maintaining their full flavor.
→ What’s the best way to shape the dough balls evenly?: Use a 2-inch round cutter to ensure uniform circles before filling and sealing the dough balls for consistent size and baking.
→ How do I create the basketball lines on these bites?: After baking, use a food-safe black marker or thin strips of black olive to draw the characteristic basketball lines on each bite.
→ Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?: You can shape and fill the dough balls in advance, then refrigerate them before baking to save time for your event or party.
→ What dips complement these cheesy bites?: Classic choices include extra pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or a garlic butter dip to enhance the savory flavors.
→ Are these bites suitable for kids’ parties?: Absolutely! Their fun basketball shape and cheesy filling make them a hit with kids and adults alike at any casual gathering.