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Yummy Pizza Poppers

Featured in Appetizing Starters.

Flatten biscuit dough pieces, add cheese and pepperoni, fold and seal, brush with butter and seasonings, then bake until golden brown for quick, delicious pizza bites.
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Ranah
Updated on Sat, 19 Apr 2025 20:32:07 GMT
A bowl of cheese and tomato stuffed shells. Pin it
A bowl of cheese and tomato stuffed shells. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

These Yummy Pizza Poppers transform classic pizza flavors into irresistible bite-sized appetizers that are perfect for parties, game days, or fun family meals. With a crispy exterior and gooey cheesy center, they deliver all the satisfaction of pizza in a perfectly poppable form.

When I first made these for my son's birthday party, the kids devoured them so fast I had to make a second batch! Even the picky eaters kept coming back for 'just one more.' Now they're requested at every gathering - from book club to football Sundays.

Essential Ingredients

  • Refrigerated biscuit dough: Easy base (1 can, 8 count)
  • Mozzarella cheese: Melty center (1 cup cubed)
  • Pepperoni: Classic pizza flavor (½ cup diced)
  • Parmesan cheese: Savory coating (½ cup grated)
  • Italian seasoning: Flavor boost (1 tbsp)
A bowl of cheese and tomato stuffed bread. Pin it
A bowl of cheese and tomato stuffed bread. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F, grease baking sheet
Step 2: Make filling
Mix mozzarella cubes, pepperoni, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Step 3: Assemble
Flatten biscuits, add filling, pinch closed into balls
Step 4: Coat
Roll balls in melted butter, then parmesan-seasoning mix
Step 5: Bake
15-18 minutes until golden and cheese melts
Step 6: Serve
Hot with warm marinara for dipping

The Perfect Bite

The magic happens when the cheese melts inside the biscuit pocket, creating that irresistible pull-apart texture. For best results, use cold cheese cubes straight from the fridge - they'll hold their shape better during assembly and melt perfectly in the oven.

A bowl of cheese and tomato stuffed bread. Pin it
A bowl of cheese and tomato stuffed bread. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Creative Variations

  • BBQ Chicken: Use cooked chicken and BBQ sauce
  • Veggie: Add diced bell peppers and mushrooms
  • Supreme: Include sausage, olives, and onions
  • Margherita: Fresh basil and tomato pieces

I learned the hard way that warm cheese cubes make messy poppers! Now I keep everything chilled until assembly for perfect, contained pockets every time.

What started as a way to use up leftover ingredients has become my most requested party food. That moment when guests bite into a popper and the cheese stretches is pure magic - followed immediately by requests for the recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different fillings for these pizza poppers?
Absolutely! You can customize the fillings with your favorite pizza toppings like cooked sausage, ham, bacon, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. Just make sure any meat is pre-cooked and vegetables are finely chopped.
→ Can I make these pizza poppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them up to the baking stage and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. You may need to add 1-2 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
→ Can I freeze these pizza poppers?
Yes! After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes from frozen.
→ What can I serve with pizza poppers?
These are delicious served with warm marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter for dipping. A side salad would also complement them well for a more complete meal.
→ Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated biscuits?
Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough or bread dough instead of refrigerated biscuits. Just divide it into appropriate portions and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Cheesy Pizza Poppers

Bite-sized pizza treats made with refrigerated biscuit dough, stuffed with cheese and pepperoni, then baked to golden perfection - a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Ranah

Category: Tasty Snacks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 poppers)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 tube (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 count)
02 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 16 small cubes
03 32 small pepperoni slices (about 2 oz)
04 2 tablespoons butter, melted
05 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
07 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

→ For Serving

08 Marinara sauce, warmed

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 02

Separate the biscuit dough into 8 pieces. Cut each biscuit in half to make 16 pieces total. Flatten each piece into a 3-inch circle.

Step 03

Place a cube of mozzarella cheese and 2 pepperoni slices in the center of each flattened biscuit piece.

Step 04

Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch firmly to seal completely. Roll gently between your palms to form a ball shape. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 05

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush the mixture over the tops of the dough balls. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 06

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 07

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  1. These pizza poppers are perfect for parties, game days, or after-school snacks.
  2. Be careful when biting into them right out of the oven as the cheese filling will be very hot.
  3. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture or use spicy pepperoni.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small bowl for butter mixture
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter)
  • Contains gluten (biscuit dough)
  • May contain soy (check biscuit dough ingredients)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 10 g
  • Protein: 4 g