Puffed Pizza Bites Recipe

I’m all about trying new food hacks, so when I whipped up this funky pizza roll recipe with a soft homemade dough smeared with zesty sauce, oozing melted mozzarella and savory mini pepperonis (or your fave sausage bits), I was like, “Whoa, even my clumsy hands couldn’t mess up an epic snack like this” and honestly, it’s become my go-to comfort food on lazy afternoons.

I think these Puffed Pizza Bites is a nutritional bonanza. My recipe mixes all-purpose flour with a bit of baking powder and salt, and blends milk and egg for a light base.

I love adding pizza sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, mini pepperoni, oregano and garlic powder for rich flavor and benefits.

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure and carbohydrates; gives the bite a classic pizza dough base.
• Milk: Offers protein, calcium and moisture; enriches the batter with a mild creamy flavor.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats and enriches texture; infuses subtle fruity nuances.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds gooey texture, protein, and a mild salty flavor that pulls everything together.
• Mini Pepperoni Slices: Supplies a savory tang; bursts of spicy flavor contrast the soft dough nicely.
• Baking Powder: Acts as a leavening agent; helps the bites puff up during cooking.
• Pizza Sauce: Lends tangy, herby taste while keeping the dough moist and flavorful.
• Parmesan Cheese: Imparts rich, salty notes that elevate the flavor profile with umami.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3/4 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or your fave sausage bits)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.

2. In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.

3. In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup milk, 1 large lightly beaten egg, and 2 tbsp olive oil.

4. Pour the wet mix into the dry mix and stir until a soft dough forms.

5. Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.

6. Spread 3/4 cup pizza sauce evenly over the dough.

7. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly, then add 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices.

8. Top with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.

9. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

10. Place the pieces on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they are puffed up and lightly golden. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 425°F)
2. Two mixing bowls (one for dry ingredients, one for wet ingredients)
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Whisk
5. Spatula or mixing spoon
6. Rolling pin
7. A clean, lightly floured work surface
8. Knife or bench scraper for cutting dough pieces
9. Baking sheet (lightly oiled)

FAQ

• Q: Can I swap out the mini pepperoni for something else?
  A: Sure, you can use your fav sausage bits or even diced ham if thats what you prefer.
• Q: Do I have to use all-purpose flour?
  A: You really should stick to all-purpose flour cause other flours may not puff up as nicely.
• Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
  A: Yeah, you can prep the dough ahead but bake them fresh for the best puff and taste.
• Q: How do I know when they are done?
  A: They should be lightly golden and puffed up after about 12-15 minutes, but keep an eye on them cuz oven temps can vary.
• Q: Can I freeze leftover Pizza Bites?
  A: Yes, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer, reheat in the oven when you’re ready.

Puffed Pizza Bites Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten free blend which works just as well
• Instead of milk, try unsweetened almond milk or soy milk which gives a slightly different flavor but still works great
• If you’re out of eggs, you can mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to replace one large egg
• Not a fan of mini pepperoni? Use chopped ham or cooked sausage bits as an alternative
• If pizza sauce is not available, marinara sauce can be a good swap for that classic flavor

Pro Tips

1. Try not to overwork the dough. Seriously, knead it just enough to combine everything; overmixing it can make your bites come out tough.
2. If your dough feel too sticky, lightly flour your work surface but don’t go overboard. A little extra flour can help you roll out the dough evenly without it sticking.
3. When you add the toppings, make sure to spread them out evenly so every bite gets a little bit of sauce, cheese and pepperoni. It really helps with the flavor!
4. I would recommend using parchment paper instead of just oiling the baking sheet. It makes cleanup a breeze and stops the bites from sticking.