Save Fun, bite-sized mini pizzas shaped like basketballs—perfect for game day snacks or parties. These cheesy, customizable treats are easy to make and guaranteed to score big with kids and adults alike.
This recipe quickly became a favorite at our family game nights, bringing smiles and deliciousness every time.
Ingredients
- Dough: 1 lb (450 g) pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
- Sauce & Cheese: 1/2 cup (120 ml) pizza sauce, 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings & Decoration: 24 slices pepperoni (optional, for filling), 1/4 cup (25 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons cornmeal (for dusting), 2 tablespoons black olives, thinly sliced (for basketball lines), 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for basketball color)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust with cornmeal.
- Step 2:
- Divide pizza dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten gently into a 2-inch (5 cm) round.
- Step 3:
- Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese in the center of each round. Add a pepperoni slice, if desired.
- Step 4:
- Pinch edges to seal and roll gently back into a ball. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5:
- Brush each ball lightly with olive oil. For a deeper basketball color, brush with a bit of tomato paste mixed with olive oil.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
- Step 8:
- Let cool for 2 minutes. Use thin strips of black olive to create basketball lines on each bite.
- Step 9:
- Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Save We love having the kids help decorate the basketball lines, making it a fun family activity before the game starts.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, rolling pin, pastry brush, sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (cheese), possible soy (pizza sauce). May contain eggs (depending on dough), processed meats (pepperoni). Always check ingredient labels if allergens are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Per pizza bite: 70 calories, 3.2 g total fat, 8 g carbohydrates, 2.5 g protein.
Save These pizza bites are perfect for any party or game day. Easy to customize and always a crowd pleaser.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of dough works best for these bites?
Use a soft pizza dough, either homemade or store-bought. Gluten-free dough is an excellent alternative for dietary needs.
- → How do I make the basketball lines on the bites?
Thinly slice black olives and arrange them on top after baking to mimic basketball lines, adding a decorative touch.
- → Can I customize the fillings inside the bites?
Absolutely. While pepperoni is popular, you can try sautéed mushrooms, cooked sausage, or diced bell peppers for variety.
- → What is the best method to seal the dough around the filling?
After adding sauce and cheese, gently pinch the edges and roll the dough ball until smooth to seal the filling securely.
- → How long should the pizza bites bake?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbling.