Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Rest Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 35 mins
Cooking Method: Air Fryer, Baking
Cuisine: American, Italian
Courses: Appetizers, Snacks
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 200  C
Servings: 8
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

Delight in these irresistible Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs—soft, golden dough pockets bursting with melted mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and savory pizza sauce. Perfect for quick snacks, party appetizers, or family meals, these pizza bombs are easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients
    For the Dough:
  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (38°C approx.)
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • For the Filling:
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 100 g sliced pepperoni (cut into halves or quarters)
  • ½ cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • For the Topping:
  • 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
    Activate the Yeast
  1. 1
    In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the water and let it bloom for 5-7 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
  2. Prepare the Dough
  3. 2
    In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the Filling
  5. 3
    In a bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, pepperoni pieces, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well to evenly coat the pepperoni and cheese.
  6. Assemble the Pizza Bombs
  7. 4
    Preheat the oven to 200°C. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12 x 16 inches). Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 16 equal squares. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each square. Carefully fold the corners of the dough over the filling, pinching edges together to seal completely, forming a small dough ball.
  8. Apply Egg Wash and Bake
  9. 5
    Place the dough balls seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly. Brush each bomb with beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 15 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
  10. Serve
  11. 6
    Let the pizza bombs cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce or marinara on the side for dipping.
Note

For a faster version, use store-bought pizza dough but adjust baking time accordingly.

These pizza bombs freeze well; freeze uncooked bombs on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

Customize fillings by adding veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.

Keywords: quick, easy, kid-friendly, party snacks, cheesy
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/cheesy-pepperoni-pizza-bombs/