Craving a quick, cheesy, finger-licking snack?
Cheesy Stuffed Pizza Bites are your go-to solution.
Whether you’re hosting game night or just battling a snack attack, these golden, gooey bites deliver all the bold pizza flavor in a compact form.
Let’s dive in and turn your kitchen into a mini pizzeria.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Pizza Bites
- Ready in under an hour (with shortcuts)
- Packed with melted cheese, seasoned sauce, and savory fillings
- Kid-friendly, adult-approved
- Totally customizable with your favorite toppings
Think of them as pizza’s cooler, poppable cousin.
And the best part? You don’t need to be a chef to make them.
What Are Cheesy Stuffed Pizza Bites?
They’re bite-sized balls of soft dough stuffed with:
- Pizza sauce
- Melted mozzarella
- Savory mushrooms
- Sliced black olives
- And brushed with herby butter, then sprinkled with Parmesan
Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch on the outside and a molten, cheesy center on the inside.
Cheesy Stuffed Pizza Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 2/3 cup hot milk (not boiling, just warm)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/3 cups bread flour (about 175g)
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes (130g)
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Stuffing and Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing mushrooms)
- 1 cup diced mushrooms
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6–7 black olives, sliced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter mixed with 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break this down so it’s easy to follow, even on your busiest day.
1. Make the Dough
Why homemade? It’s fresher, softer, and totally worth it.
- In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Warm milk
- Melted butter
- Sugar
- Salt
- Yeast
- Let it sit for 15–20 minutes until foamy. That foam means your yeast is alive and ready.
- Add flour. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead:
- By hand: 15 minutes
- With stand mixer: 10–12 minutes
- Dough should be smooth and firm.
- Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Mushrooms
You want them tender, not soggy.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add diced mushrooms and sauté until soft and browned.
Set them aside to cool.
3. Cook the Pizza Sauce
Forget store-bought. This quick sauce tastes 10x better.
- In a saucepan:
- Heat olive oil
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, garlic powder, salt, basil, oregano, and black pepper
- Stir and let simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
Adjust salt to taste. - Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Preheat Oven
- Set your oven to 320°F (160°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Assemble the Bites
Here’s where the magic happens.
- Divide dough into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each into a small 3-inch round.
- Add fillings:
- 1 tablespoon pizza sauce
- 1 tablespoon mushrooms
- 2–3 olive slices
- 1 tablespoon shredded mozzarella
- Pinch the dough closed to form a sealed ball.
- Place seam side down on your baking sheet.
6. Bake Until Golden
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes.
- They should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch.
7. Brush and Sprinkle
Fresh out of the oven?
- Brush each bite with the Italian seasoning butter.
- Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan.
Let them sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly—but they’re best served warm and gooey.
Tips for Success
- Use warm milk (not hot): If it’s too hot, it’ll kill your yeast.
- Don’t overstuff the dough: It’ll leak while baking.
- Seal tightly: Pinch all seams to keep the cheese from escaping.
- Customize it: Add pepperoni, cooked sausage, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
Shortcut Version (Lazy Day Hack)
Pressed for time? Try this:
- Use store-bought pizza dough
- Use jarred marinara sauce
- Use pre-shredded cheese and your go-to toppings
You’ll still get that melty, gooey bite without the prep work.
Serving Ideas
Wondering how to serve them?
- As a party appetizer
- With a side of marinara or ranch for dipping
- As a lunchbox favorite
- On a platter next to wings for game day
These bites are versatile and guaranteed to please a crowd.
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? Here’s how to handle them:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crispy texture.
FAQs About Cheesy Stuffed Pizza Bites
Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze baked or unbaked. Reheat from frozen at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free pizza dough and double-check your sauce ingredients.
Can I make them vegan?
Swap out cheese for plant-based versions and use oil instead of butter.
What other fillings can I use?
- Pepperoni
- Cooked bacon
- Bell peppers
- Jalapeños
- Spinach and ricotta
So now you know: Cheesy Stuffed Pizza Bites are easy, delicious, and endlessly adaptable.
They’re the snack you didn’t know you needed—but once you try them, you’ll make them again and again.
Try them this weekend.
Serve them hot.
Watch them disappear.
Need more snack ideas like this?
Stay tuned—we’re just getting started.
