Cheesy Slam Dunk Pizza Bites

Featured in: Warm Comfort Bites

These bite-sized savory dough balls feature a melty mozzarella filling paired with optional pepperoni and pizza sauce. After sealing and baking, they're brushed with egg and Parmesan, then decorated with edible lines to resemble basketballs. Perfect as an easy appetizer or fun snack for gatherings and game day, these bites offer a delicious cheesy experience with aromatic oregano and a crisp golden crust. Serve warm with extra sauce or dips for added flavor and enjoyment.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:18:00 GMT
Golden basketball pizza bites, ready to enjoy with pizza sauce for dipping. Save to Pinterest
Golden basketball pizza bites, ready to enjoy with pizza sauce for dipping. | nibbro.com

Cheesy, bite-sized pizza snacks shaped like basketballs—perfect for game day or parties!

This recipe quickly became a favorite at family gatherings thanks to its fun shape and delicious flavor

Ingredients

  • Dough: 1 pound (450 g) refrigerated pizza dough
  • Filling: 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 24 slices pepperoni (optional omit for vegetarian), 1/2 cup (120 ml) pizza sauce plus more for dipping
  • Topping: 1 large egg beaten, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, Black food coloring or black olives for basketball lines

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) thickness.
Step 3:
Using a 2 inch (5 cm) round cutter cut out 24 circles from the dough.
Step 4:
Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce a sprinkle of mozzarella and a slice of pepperoni (if using) onto the center of each dough circle.
Step 5:
Fold the edges up and pinch to seal forming a ball. Place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6:
Brush each ball with beaten egg. Sprinkle with Parmesan and oregano.
Step 7:
Bake for 12 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 8:
Let cool slightly. Using a fine brush dipped in black food coloring or a thin strip of black olive draw basketball lines onto each bite.
Step 9:
Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Warm, bite-sized Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites with melted cheese and pepperoni inside. Save to Pinterest
Warm, bite-sized Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites with melted cheese and pepperoni inside. | nibbro.com

My family loves how these pizza bites turn game day into a fun and tasty event

Notes

Serve with ranch dressing or garlic butter for dipping. Food safe markers may also be used for basketball lines.

Required Tools

Baking sheet, parchment paper, rolling pin, round cookie cutter (2 inch/5 cm), pastry brush, small brush or food safe marker

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and egg. Pepperoni may contain additional allergens check labels. Always verify store bought ingredient labels for allergens.

Freshly baked Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites, a game day appetizer with Parmesan and oregano. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites, a game day appetizer with Parmesan and oregano. | nibbro.com

These pizza bites are a slam dunk for any occasion—quick to make and delightful to eat

Recipe FAQs

What dough works best for these snack bites?

Refrigerated pizza dough provides the perfect texture for forming bite-sized balls that bake evenly with a tender crust.

Can I make these without meat?

Yes, simply omit the pepperoni or substitute with vegetarian alternatives for a meat-free option.

How do you create the basketball lines on top?

Use a small brush dipped in black food coloring or thin strips of black olive to draw the basketball pattern after baking.

What dipping sauces pair well with these bites?

Classic pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter complements the cheesy flavors beautifully.

How long do these snacks stay fresh?

Store them in an airtight container and consume within 2 days for best taste and texture.

Cheesy Slam Dunk Pizza Bites

Cheesy, bite-sized pizza snacks shaped like basketballs, perfect for sharing at parties or game day.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Duration
35 minutes
Created by Evan Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 24 Portions

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Dough

01 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough

Filling

01 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
02 24 slices pepperoni (optional, omit for vegetarian)
03 1/2 cup pizza sauce, plus additional for dipping

Topping

01 1 large egg, beaten
02 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
03 1 teaspoon dried oregano
04 Black food coloring or black olives for basketball line detailing

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set oven temperature to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare dough circles: Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut 24 circles using a 2-inch round cutter.

Step 03

Assemble bites: Place a spoonful of pizza sauce, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and a slice of pepperoni (if desired) on each dough circle. Fold edges up and pinch to seal into balls, placing seam side down on the baking sheet.

Step 04

Apply toppings: Brush each ball with beaten egg. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and oregano evenly.

Step 05

Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 06

Decorate: Allow bites to cool slightly, then use a fine brush dipped in black food coloring or a thin strip of black olive to draw basketball lines on each.

Step 07

Serve: Serve warm with additional pizza sauce for dipping.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling pin
  • 2-inch round cookie cutter
  • Pastry brush
  • Small brush or food-safe marker

Allergy Info

For allergen concerns, review each food item and check with your healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and egg. Pepperoni may include additional allergens; consult labels.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutritional values are for reference and aren't a substitute for professional health guidance.
  • Kcal: 80
  • Fats: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Proteins: 3 g