Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites

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

This recipe has become a favorite at our family gatherings, especially during basketball season.

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 1215 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.

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Making these together has created some of our best family game day memories.

Required Tools

Baking sheet Parchment paper Rolling pin Round cookie cutter (2-inch5 cm) Pastry brush Small brush or food-safe marker

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) milk (dairy) and egg Pepperoni may contain additional allergenscheck labels

Nutritional Information

Calories 80 Total Fat 35 g Carbohydrates 9 g Protein 3 g per serving

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These bites are a slam dunk for any occasion and are sure to impress your guests.

Common recipe questions

→ What is the best dough to use?

Refrigerated pizza dough works well for ease and consistent texture, but homemade dough can also be used for a fresher taste.

→ Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit pepperoni or substitute with vegetarian-friendly alternatives to keep the cheesy, savory flavor intact.

→ How do I create the basketball lines?

Use black food coloring with a fine brush or thin strips of black olives to draw realistic basketball stitching on each baked bite.

→ What dipping sauces complement these bites?

Classic pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter dip pairs nicely, enhancing the cheesy and herb flavors.

→ How do I achieve the golden brown crust?

Brushing each ball with beaten egg before baking ensures a shiny, golden crust with a crispy texture.

→ Can the bites be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate them briefly before baking to save time without compromising quality.