Muffin Tin Pizza Bombs are the perfect bite-sized snack, combining the delicious flavors of classic pizza with the convenience of a grab-and-go treat. These savory bombs feature gooey cheese, savory pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings, all wrapped up in a golden, buttery biscuit dough. They’re perfect for parties, game-day snacks, or even a quick weeknight dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, these pizza bombs are easy to customize and can be ready in under 30 minutes, making them a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Muffin Tin Pizza Bombs are a unique twist on traditional pizza and provide a quick and easy way to satisfy pizza cravings without the hassle of making a full-sized pizza. They’re made with refrigerated biscuit dough, which cuts down on prep time, and each one is loaded with melty cheese, savory toppings, and pizza sauce. Plus, they’re baked in a muffin tin for easy serving and portion control, making them ideal for parties, lunches, or snacks. The recipe is highly customizable—add your favorite toppings or serve with various dipping sauces to make it your own!
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 pizza bombs
- Serving Size: 1 pizza bomb
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Ingredients
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices or other toppings (such as cooked sausage, chopped bell peppers, or sliced olives)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Optional garnish: fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough and Toppings
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or a small amount of butter.
- Separate the Biscuit Dough: Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Cut each biscuit in half, giving you 16 pieces total, so each piece will be smaller and easier to manage in the muffin cups.
Step 2: Assemble the Pizza Bombs
- Flatten the Dough Pieces: On a lightly floured surface, flatten each biscuit half into a small, roughly 3-inch circle. This will help create a pocket for the fillings.
- Add the Fillings: Place 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce in the center of each flattened dough circle. Add about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese and a few mini pepperoni slices (or your preferred toppings).
- Seal the Bombs: Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together over the fillings to form a ball. Make sure the seams are sealed well to prevent any fillings from leaking during baking.
- Place in Muffin Tin: Place each filled and sealed dough ball seam-side down into the greased muffin tin.
Step 3: Add Toppings and Bake
- Top with Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Brush the tops of each pizza bomb with the seasoned butter mixture for extra flavor.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool Slightly: Let the pizza bombs cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before removing them. Use a small spatula or knife to gently lift them out of the tin.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for added color and flavor.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter for dipping.
Ingredient Background
Each ingredient in these Muffin Tin Pizza Bombs plays a specific role in creating the ideal pizza flavor. The biscuit dough serves as the crust, offering a buttery and flaky texture that contrasts with the gooey cheese filling. Mozzarella cheese is the traditional choice for pizza, providing the classic stretchy, melty texture we all love. Pizza sauce adds a tangy and savory element that enhances the flavors of the cheese and toppings. Finally, Italian seasoning and Parmesan add extra depth, creating a rich, flavorful topping that brings out the best in each bite.
Technique Tips
- Seal the Dough Well: Make sure to press the dough edges firmly together to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.
- Use Smaller Toppings: Smaller toppings, like mini pepperonis or finely chopped vegetables, are easier to enclose and keep the pizza bombs compact.
- Don’t Overfill: A small amount of sauce and toppings will prevent the pizza bombs from bursting and help them maintain their shape.
- Serve Warm: These pizza bombs are best served warm when the cheese is still melty and gooey.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
- Mini Pizza Cups: Instead of forming balls, press the dough into the muffin cups to create mini pizza cups, then fill with sauce, cheese, and toppings.
- Pull-Apart Style: Place each pizza bomb in a round baking dish for a pull-apart presentation. Brush the tops with melted butter and bake as directed.
- Skewer-Style Pizza Bites: After baking, skewer a few pizza bombs onto a wooden skewer and serve with dipping sauces for a fun twist.
Additional Tips for Success
- Avoid Over-Baking: Check the pizza bombs at the 12-minute mark to ensure they don’t over-bake, which can make the dough dry.
- Melted Butter Topping: Brushing with melted butter gives them a beautiful golden color and rich flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- Grease the Muffin Tin Well: This prevents the dough from sticking and makes it easier to remove the pizza bombs after baking.
- Use a Pizza Cutter for Quick Dough Cutting: If cutting the dough in half or rolling it out, a pizza cutter works well for clean, quick cuts.
Recipe Variations
- Supreme Pizza Bombs: Add finely chopped bell peppers, black olives, and cooked sausage for a “supreme” flavor.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza Bombs: Swap the pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and fill with shredded cooked chicken and cheddar cheese.
- Hawaiian Pizza Bombs: Add a few pieces of pineapple and ham along with mozzarella cheese for a Hawaiian twist.
- Vegetarian Pizza Bombs: Skip the meat and load up on veggies like mushrooms, olives, and bell peppers for a veggie-filled snack.
- Spicy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs: Add a few red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni for a hint of heat.
Freezing and Storage
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftover pizza bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
- Freezing: Arrange baked pizza bombs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Freezing Unbaked: Freeze assembled, unbaked pizza bombs on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the bake time.
Healthier Twist Ideas
- Whole Wheat Dough: Use whole wheat biscuit dough for added fiber and nutrients.
- Low-Fat Cheese: Substitute part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content.
- Vegetable-Filled Pizza Bombs: Load up on veggies as the main filling, reducing the amount of cheese for a lighter option.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free biscuit dough to make these pizza bombs gluten-free and suitable for more diets.
Serving Suggestions for Events
- Game Day Spread: Serve on a platter with various dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or buffalo sauce for a game day snack.
- Party Appetizers: Place each pizza bomb in a mini cupcake liner for an easy, grab-and-go party appetizer.
- Lunchbox Treat: Pack a couple of pizza bombs in a lunchbox for a fun, pizza-inspired meal on the go.
- Kid-Friendly Platter: Arrange alongside baby carrots, apple slices, and ranch dressing for a kid-approved snack plate.
Special Equipment
- Muffin Tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin is perfect for creating portioned pizza bombs.
- Pastry Brush: Use a brush to apply the melted butter and seasoning mixture on top of each pizza bomb for even coverage.
- Rolling Pin: If you prefer a thinner dough layer, use a rolling pin to flatten the biscuit halves.
- Small Cookie Scoop: A small scoop is helpful for adding the sauce and cheese without overfilling each dough piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?
Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough if you prefer. Roll it out and cut into small portions, then fill and fold as instructed.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pizza bombs, cover them, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Bake them just before serving for best results.
3. Can I skip the butter topping?
The butter topping adds flavor and color, but you can skip it if desired. For added flavor without butter, sprinkle with Italian seasoning or Parmesan.
4. How do I keep the filling from leaking?
Be sure to pinch the dough edges tightly to seal. Flattening the dough slightly also helps prevent leaks by giving the fillings more room.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free biscuit dough or gluten-free pizza dough as an alternative.
6. What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of feta can be delicious additions for a different flavor profile.
7. Can I reheat them in an air fryer?
Yes, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warm and crispy.
8. What dipping sauces go best with these pizza bombs?
Serve with marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or even a bit of pesto for dipping. These sauces complement the pizza flavors well.
Conclusion
Muffin Tin Pizza Bombs are a fun, easy way to enjoy all the delicious flavors of pizza in a handheld, bite-sized form. Perfect for a party or a cozy movie night at home, these pizza bombs can be tailored to your taste, from the fillings to the dipping sauces. Quick to make and highly customizable, this recipe is sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Gather your ingredients, prep these tasty pizza bombs, and get ready for a cheesy, satisfying snack that’s guaranteed to disappear fast!
Print
Muffin Tin Pizza Bombs
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 pizza bombs 1x
Ingredients
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices or other toppings (such as cooked sausage, chopped bell peppers, or sliced olives)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Optional garnish: fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough and Toppings
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or a small amount of butter.
- Separate the Biscuit Dough: Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Cut each biscuit in half, giving you 16 pieces total, so each piece will be smaller and easier to manage in the muffin cups.
Step 2: Assemble the Pizza Bombs
- Flatten the Dough Pieces: On a lightly floured surface, flatten each biscuit half into a small, roughly 3-inch circle. This will help create a pocket for the fillings.
- Add the Fillings: Place 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce in the center of each flattened dough circle. Add about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese and a few mini pepperoni slices (or your preferred toppings).
- Seal the Bombs: Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together over the fillings to form a ball. Make sure the seams are sealed well to prevent any fillings from leaking during baking.
- Place in Muffin Tin: Place each filled and sealed dough ball seam-side down into the greased muffin tin.
Step 3: Add Toppings and Bake
- Top with Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Brush the tops of each pizza bomb with the seasoned butter mixture for extra flavor.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool Slightly: Let the pizza bombs cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before removing them. Use a small spatula or knife to gently lift them out of the tin.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for added color and flavor.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza bomb
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g