Name: Stuffed Pizza Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound, thawed and at room temperature; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 oz. pepperoni, chopped; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; Marinara or pizza sauce for serving

If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, look no further than these Stuffed Pizza Bites with Garlic Butter. Whether you’re throwing a game-day bash, hosting a movie night, or simply spicing up a weeknight dinner, these melty, golden pull-apart bites never fail to impress. Each piece is bursting with cheesy goodness and savory pepperoni, then finished with a luscious garlic butter that puts them over the top. Just don’t forget the side of marinara for dipping, because that extra saucy touch is part of what makes these bites completely irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Stuffed Pizza Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Stuffed Pizza Bites with Garlic Butter come together with just a handful of staple ingredients, but every single one pulls its weight. From the crisp, tender dough to the gooey cheese and aromatic butter, each element helps build those mouthwatering flavors and beautiful color.

Frozen pizza dough: The shortcut hero here! It bakes up chewy and golden, making this recipe easy as can be.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: For the signature stretchy, melty cheese pull in every bite.
Pepperoni, chopped: Adds a punch of savory, spicy flavor. Dice it up so you get a little in every bite.
Butter, melted: Acts as the rich base for that glorious garlic butter topping.
Italian seasoning: Brings herby, aromatic layers to the butter, echoing classic pizza flavors.
Garlic powder: The secret to quick, perfectly even garlic flavor in your butter.
Shredded Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty crunch and stunning color.
Marinara or pizza sauce: Serve on the side for dipping and extra pizazz — don’t skip it!

How to Make Stuffed Pizza Bites with Garlic Butter

Step 1: Prep the Dough and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF so it’s ready when you are. Give your favorite 8 × 8 or 9 × 9 inch baking dish a light coating of nonstick spray to ensure nothing sticks during the big cheese pull moment.

Step 2: Divide and Fill the Dough

Cut your pizza dough into 16 even pieces. It doesn’t have to be perfect, so don’t stress — rustic bites have more character anyway! In a small bowl, stir together the mozzarella cheese and chopped pepperoni. This mix will become the magical, melty center of your pizza bites.

Step 3: Shape the Pizza Bites

Take each piece of dough and gently stretch it into a rough 3-inch circle. If the dough keeps snapping back, just let it rest a few minutes to relax (your patience will pay off!). Pile on a generous tablespoon of the cheesy filling, then pull up the dough edges and pinch them together firmly to seal. Pop each stuffed bite in your prepared pan, seam-side down, tucking them snugly together like pizza-loving puzzle pieces.

Step 4: Make and Brush the Garlic Butter

Combine your melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a small dish. This is where magic happens! Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of each pizza bite with this fragrant mixture, making sure every bite is blessed with herby, garlicky flavor.

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Bake

Shower the tops with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan — as much as your heart desires! This cheese crisps up in the oven and delivers that classic, impossible-to-resist pizza aroma. Slide the pan into your oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until your bites are golden brown and bubbling.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

Once baked, let your Stuffed Pizza Bites with Garlic Butter hang out for about 10 minutes so the cheese can settle and you don’t lose any filling with the first bite. Serve them warm with your favorite marinara or pizza sauce for dipping — now watch them disappear!

How to Serve Stuffed Pizza Bites with Garlic Butter

Garnishes

A handful of fresh chopped parsley or basil sprinkled over the top adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal finish that perfectly complements the garlicky butter. For extra flair, an extra dusting of Parmesan (or even red pepper flakes for heat lovers) makes the finished Stuffed Pizza Bites with Garlic Butter look irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair these bites with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette for balance, or a platter of fresh veggies with dip for contrast. They’re also right at home alongside other finger foods, like mozzarella sticks or baked wings, for the ultimate game-day spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the Stuffed Pizza Bites with Garlic Butter high on a rustic wooden board surrounded by multiple dipping sauces (think ranch, spicy marinara, or garlic aioli). For parties, thread them onto skewers for an easy grab-and-go snack, or tuck them into paper cones for a fun appetizer station.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the bites cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3 days and make an awesome snack or lunchbox surprise.

Freezing

To freeze Stuffed Pizza Bites with Garlic Butter, allow them to cool completely, then place on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Pop them out whenever you need a quick appetizer or a fun comfort food fix!

Reheating

For best results, reheat pizza bites in a 350ºF oven until hot and crisp (about 8 to 10 minutes); this keeps the outside golden and the cheese melty. The microwave works in a pinch, but the crust won’t be as delightfully crispy.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade dough brings an extra layer of flavor and lets you control the texture. Just be sure it’s fully thawed and at room temperature, so it stretches easily for filling.

What are some tasty vegetarian filling ideas?

For a meatless version of Stuffed Pizza Bites with Garlic Butter, try sautéed mushrooms, chopped spinach, bell peppers, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes mixed with the mozzarella. The options are endless and totally customizable!

My dough is really sticky. What should I do?

If your pizza dough gets a bit sticky, dust your hands and work surface lightly with flour. Letting the dough rest for 10 minutes can also help reduce its elasticity and make it easier to shape.

Can I make Stuffed Pizza Bites with Garlic Butter ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the bites, arrange them in your pan, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to a day, then bake fresh when you’re ready. Brush on the garlic butter just before baking for best flavor.

What’s the best way to keep them warm for a party?

If you’re serving these at a gathering, keep Stuffed Pizza Bites with Garlic Butter warm in a low oven (around 200ºF) loosely covered with foil. This way, they stay fresh and gooey for hours!

Final Thoughts

Once you try Stuffed Pizza Bites with Garlic Butter, you’ll wonder how you ever hosted without them! They’re easy, endlessly customizable, and just plain fun to eat. So gather up your favorite ingredients, invite some friends or family, and get ready for a guaranteed hit at your next get-together!

Stuffed Pizza Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

These cheesy stuffed pizza bites, brushed with garlic butter and served with marinara, are a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. Whether as a fun dinner entrée or a game-day appetizer, they are guaranteed to be a hit!

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 16 pizza bites
Category: Appetizers/Snacks
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Frozen Pizza Dough:

1 pound, thawed and at room temperature

Cheese Filling:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 oz. pepperoni, chopped

Garlic Butter Topping:

2 tablespoons butter, melted
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder

Additional Toppings:

¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Marinara or pizza sauce for serving

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375ºF and grease a baking dish.
Cut Dough: Divide pizza dough into 16 pieces.
Prepare Filling: Mix mozzarella cheese and chopped pepperoni in a bowl.
Make Stuffed Bites: Stretch dough, fill with cheese mixture, and seal each piece.
Add Toppings: Brush with garlic butter, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake until golden.
Serve: Let cool, then serve with marinara sauce.