Save to Pinterest 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.
I love making these with my kids because they get to decorate their own basketball lines using black olives, making snack time extra fun and interactive.
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
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust with cornmeal.
- Prepare dough:
- Divide pizza dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten gently into a 2-inch (5 cm) round.
- Add sauce and cheese:
- 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.
- Seal dough balls:
- Pinch edges to seal and roll gently back into a ball. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with oil:
- Brush each ball lightly with olive oil. For a deeper basketball color, brush with a bit of tomato paste mixed with olive oil.
- Add topping:
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
- Cool:
- Let cool for 2 minutes.
- Decorate:
- Use thin strips of black olive to create basketball lines on each bite.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Save to Pinterest These pizza bites always bring smiles during family game nights and are a hit with kids who enjoy creating their own basketball designs.
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
Calories: 70, Total Fat: 3.2 g, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 2.5 g per pizza bite.
Save to Pinterest With just a few simple steps, you can create a memorable and delicious snack that's sure to impress.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the basketball design on the bites?
Use thinly sliced black olives to create the basketball lines on each baked bite once cooled slightly, adding a playful, authentic look.
- → Can I add other fillings besides pepperoni?
Yes, try cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers for varied flavors and textures inside the bites.
- → What dough works best for these snacks?
Store-bought or homemade pizza dough works well; ensure it’s rolled into smooth balls for even cooking and easy filling.
- → How long should I bake the bites?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbling for the best texture.
- → Are these suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by using gluten-free pizza dough, you can easily adapt these snacks to gluten-free diets without compromising taste.