Name: Easy Baked Pizza Puffs - Delicious Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 20-24 puffs
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; ¼ cup grated parmesan; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 pound pizza dough; 1 cup marinara sauce; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 8 ounces turkey pepperoni; Italian seasoning; Ranch dressing for serving (optional)

Pizza Puffs are more than just a snack; they’re a ticket to pure, unadulterated joy, a miniature explosion of all your favorite pizza flavors packed into a delightful, handheld package. Who doesn’t adore the concept of bite-sized versions of their beloved pizza? We certainly do! What makes these little flavor bombs so utterly irresistible is their perfect balance of crispy, golden-brown exterior giving way to a warm, gooey center brimming with melted cheese, savory tomato sauce, and your choice of delightful toppings. They’re the ultimate party appetizer, a stress-relief indulgence after a long day, or simply the most fun way to satisfy a pizza craving without the commitment of a whole pie. Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly addictive Pizza Puffs!

Ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
¼ cup grated parmesan
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 pound pizza dough
1 cup marinara sauce
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
8 ounces turkey pepperoni
Italian seasoning
Ranch dressing for serving (optional)

Preparing the Flavor Base

The first step to creating these irresistible Pizza Puffs is to infuse our butter with incredible flavor. In a medium bowl, combine the ½ cup of melted unsalted butter with the 2 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. This mixture is going to be the magical coating that gives our Pizza Puffs their signature garlicky, herby, and cheesy goodness. You can even add a pinch more salt and pepper if you like things a little bolder. Let this flavorful butter mixture sit at room temperature while you prepare the rest of your ingredients. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Assembling the Pizza Puffs

Now, let’s get down to the fun part: assembling our Pizza Puffs! Take your 1 pound of pizza dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. Gently stretch or roll the dough into a large rectangle, aiming for a thickness of about ¼ inch. The size of your rectangle will depend on how large you want your individual puffs to be, but a good starting point is roughly 12×18 inches.

Once your dough is prepped, it’s time to add the fillings. Spread the 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border of about ½ inch around the edges. This border is important to prevent the sauce from squeezing out during baking. Next, evenly sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce. The cheese will melt and bind everything together beautifully. Finally, arrange the 8 ounces of turkey pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. You can overlap them slightly or place them strategically to ensure each puff gets a good amount of pepperoni. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a little Italian seasoning over the pepperoni and cheese. This brings in those classic pizza flavors that we all love.

Rolling and Cutting

This step is crucial for creating the puff shape. Starting from one of the longer sides of your dough rectangle, carefully and tightly roll the dough up like a jelly roll. Try to keep the roll as even and compact as possible. This will ensure that your puffs are uniform in size and bake evenly. Once you have a nice, tight log of dough, use a sharp knife to slice it into ½-inch thick rounds. These rounds are your individual Pizza Puffs! You should aim to get at least 20-24 puffs from a standard 1-pound dough. If the dough feels sticky, you can lightly flour your knife or your hands.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the sliced Pizza Puffs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1-2 inches of space between each puff to allow for expansion. Now, it’s time to brush them with our flavor-packed butter mixture. Generously brush the tops and sides of each Pizza Puff with the melted butter, garlic, and parmesan mixture. Make sure to get a good coating on each one. You can even sprinkle a little extra dried oregano over the tops for an enhanced aroma and taste.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the Pizza Puffs are golden brown, puffed up, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The exact baking time will vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your dough. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from burning.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Once your Pizza Puffs are beautifully golden and irresistible, remove them from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle. While they are still warm, you can give them another light brush with any leftover flavored butter mixture if you desire even more intense flavor. Serve these delicious Pizza Puffs warm. They are fantastic on their own, but for an extra treat, serve them with a side of ranch dressing for dipping. The cool, creamy ranch is a wonderful contrast to the warm, savory puffs. Enjoy your homemade Pizza Puffs!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your delicious, homemade Pizza Puffs are ready to be enjoyed! We’ve walked through each step together, from crafting the perfect dough to filling them with your favorite toppings and achieving that golden-brown, satisfying bake. These delightful little bites are incredibly versatile and are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a fun weeknight treat. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings; the possibilities are endless! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, I encourage you to give these Pizza Puffs a try. They’re guaranteed to bring smiles and happy sighs around the table.

For serving, these are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. They’re fantastic on their own, but also pair wonderfully with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, a fresh green salad, or even a creamy ranch dressing.

Thinking about variations? You can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or even a sprinkle of parmesan. Spice up your sauce, add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers and onions, or even include cooked meats like pepperoni or crumbled sausage. The key is to keep the fillings relatively dry to prevent sogginess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough for Pizza Puffs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator. This actually helps develop more flavor. Just bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before you’re ready to shape your Pizza Puffs.

How should I store leftover Pizza Puffs?

Once cooled, store any leftover Pizza Puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them back into a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisped. Microwaving is also an option, though they may lose some of their crispness.