Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites

Name: Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 string cheese sticks, cut into thirds; 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (about 16 oz); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 24 slices mini pepperoni (or regular pepperoni cut smaller); 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese; Optional: marinara sauce for dipping

These Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites are my favorite way to enjoy all the bold, cheesy flavors of a classic pizza—without needing a knife or fork. Each bite is filled with gooey melted cheese wrapped in soft, golden-brown dough, then topped with crispy pepperoni and savory herbs. They’re everything I love about pizza in a fun, snackable form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and easy these pizza bites come together. They’re perfect for parties, movie nights, or when I want to treat myself to something indulgent without ordering out. The cheese-stuffed centers are irresistibly gooey, and the crispy pepperoni on top gives every bite a punch of flavor. Best of all, they’re customizable, so I can switch up the toppings or stuffing to match whatever I’m craving.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 string cheese sticks, cut into thirds
1 can refrigerated pizza dough
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
24 slices mini pepperoni (or regular, cut smaller)
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: marinara sauce for dipping

directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I roll out the pizza dough and cut it into 24 equal squares.
I place one piece of cheese in the center of each dough square, then fold and pinch the edges to seal.
I arrange the sealed bites seam-side down on the baking sheet.
I brush the tops with melted butter, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and press a pepperoni slice on top of each.
I bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Right after baking, I sprinkle the bites with Parmesan and serve them warm with marinara sauce on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 bites, perfect for sharing with 4 to 6 people. From prep to table, it takes around 25 minutes—10 minutes for prep and 12–15 minutes in the oven.

Variations

When I want to switch things up, I swap the pepperoni for cooked sausage crumbles or diced veggies. I’ve also used mozzarella cubes instead of string cheese, and sometimes I brush the tops with garlic butter instead of plain melted butter. For a spicy kick, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes to bring back that crispy texture. The microwave works too, but the bites won’t be as crisp.

FAQs

Can I make these pizza bites ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble them ahead and store them in the fridge for a few hours. Then I bake them fresh when I’m ready to serve.

Can I freeze them?

Absolutely. I freeze them after baking and let them cool completely. When I want to eat them, I reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes.

What dipping sauces go best with these?

I love classic marinara, but ranch, garlic butter, or spicy buffalo sauce are all tasty options.

Can I use homemade dough?

Definitely. When I have extra time, I make my own dough—it adds a personal touch and tastes amazing.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

I make sure to seal the dough tightly and press the seams well. It helps to slightly stretch and pinch the dough to keep everything inside during baking.

Conclusion

These Stuffed Crust Pizza Bites are a hit every time I make them. They’re cheesy, savory, and perfectly poppable ideal for any gathering or even just a solo snack session. I always make extra because they disappear fast!