How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Bombs for Your Next Party

Posted on October 15, 2025

Pizza Bombs

Planning a party and want a guaranteed hit with guests of all ages? Pepperoni pizza bombs are the perfect answer. These bite-sized, flavor-packed snacks combine all the cheesy, savory goodness of traditional pizza, wrapped in golden biscuit dough and baked (or air-fried) to perfection. Their compact size and irresistible taste make them a go-to appetizer or party treat.

Pizza bombs are essentially soft dough balls filled with gooey mozzarella, tangy marinara sauce, and spicy turkey pepperoni. They’re brushed with a seasoned butter mixture that adds richness and topped with Parmesan for an extra kick. Whether you’re using an oven or an air fryer, these little bites crisp up beautifully and deliver a big flavor in a small package.

One of the best parts about these is how versatile they are. You can swap out ingredients to fit dietary needs or experiment with different fillings to match the occasion. They’re perfect for serving at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or even game nights. You can even find plenty of pizza bombs inspiration on Pinterest to spark creativity. For instance, switching out mozzarella for cheddar or trying a pesto base instead of traditional marinara sauce can give the recipe a whole new twist.

If you’re new to this trend, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from choosing the right biscuit dough to flavor variations, make-ahead tips, and the ultimate serving ideas. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to serve up seasoned butter pepperoni pizza bombs that everyone will rave about.

Why You’ll Love These Seasoned Butter Pepperoni Pizza Bombs

These seasoned butter pepperoni pizza bombs check all the boxes when it comes to creating a party-ready snack that’s both simple to make and universally loved. They deliver bold flavor in a bite-sized format, making them ideal for feeding a crowd without the mess or stress of traditional pizza.

First, let’s talk convenience. Using refrigerated biscuit dough saves tons of time without sacrificing taste. There’s no need to roll out fresh pizza dough or wait for it to rise. Each biscuit serves as the perfect shell for your cheesy, savory filling. Once filled, they’re sealed, brushed with a mix of garlic butter and Italian seasoning, and baked to golden-brown perfection. The finishing touch — a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese — gives them that crispy, cheesy crust everyone loves.

Flavor-wise, the combination of mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, and turkey pepperoni creates a rich, familiar taste that’s irresistible. Whether served straight from the oven or dipped into extra sauce, every bite bursts with classic pizza flavors in an easy-to-eat package. They’re also perfect for dipping — marinara, ranch, garlic butter, you name it.

Plus, these snacks are highly customizable. You can take inspiration from party appetizer ideas or other easy party food recipes to create your own spin. Swap turkey pepperoni for veggie options, try different cheeses, or even use Alfredo instead of marinara. These ideas make the recipe adaptable for guests with different preferences.

Finally, these pizza bombs are a kid-friendly, adult-approved option that brings everyone to the table. Their portable size makes them ideal for any kind of party — from birthdays to tailgates. No forks, knives, or even plates required. Just grab, dip, and enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating pepperoni pizza bombs at home is simple and requires just a few staple ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in delivering that gooey, cheesy, and savory bite everyone craves. Here’s what you’ll need to make them from scratch, along with notes on their purpose and possible substitutions.

1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
This is the shortcut that makes this recipe fast and easy. Each biscuit forms the base and outer shell of the pizza bomb. You can use any brand, or even try homemade dough if you prefer. Learn more about biscuit dough and its variations if you want to experiment.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella is the go-to for that signature cheese pull. It melts beautifully and complements the other pizza flavors perfectly. You can read about the history and types of mozzarella cheese to explore alternatives like low-moisture or fresh varieties.

1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce. This adds the essential tomato base and classic pizza flavor. You can also substitute with pesto, BBQ sauce, or even a garlic cream sauce for a twist.
24 slices turkey pepperoni
Turkey pepperoni is leaner and slightly less greasy than regular pepperoni, making it a great option for lighter snacks. It delivers just the right amount of spice without overpowering the rest of the ingredients. Learn more about the differences between varieties of pepperoni.
2 tablespoons melted butter
Melted butter is used to brush the tops of the dough before baking. It helps give the pizza bombs their golden crust and rich flavor.

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
This adds a subtle garlicky kick to the butter mix. You can also use fresh minced garlic for a bolder taste.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
A blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, this seasoning enhances the overall flavor. Learn more about what’s in Italian seasoning and how to make your own custom blend at home.
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
A final sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds a sharp, nutty note and helps crisp up the tops during baking. It’s the finishing touch that takes these over the top.

These ingredients are easy to find, but you can personalize them to match the preferences of your guests. If you’re looking for creative flavor combinations, browse Pinterest’s easy party food recipes for plenty of tasty ideas that go beyond the classic pepperoni filling.

Tools and Equipment

Before you get started on your pepperoni pizza bombs, having the right tools on hand can make the process smoother and more efficient. These are common kitchen tools, but each serves a specific purpose in helping your pizza bombs come out perfectly golden, sealed, and full of flavor.

Baking sheet or air fryer
Depending on your cooking method, you’ll need a flat baking sheet for the oven or an air fryer basket. An air fryer can make the crust crispier and slightly faster to cook, while a baking sheet offers more surface area to bake a larger batch at once.
Parchment paper
Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. It also ensures the bottoms don’t get too dark or over-browned.

Mixing bowl
Use a small bowl to combine the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. You’ll use this seasoned butter to brush over each dough ball before baking.
Pastry brush
This is ideal for evenly spreading the seasoned butter over the tops of the dough. If you don’t have one, the back of a spoon or your fingers can work in a pinch.
Cheese grater (optional)
If you’re using block cheese instead of pre-shredded mozzarella or Parmesan, a grater will be necessary to prepare your cheeses.

Small spoon
Helps with portioning the sauce and filling onto each biscuit round without making a mess.

These tools are simple but essential for making your seasoned butter pizza bombs come out delicious every time.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Bombs – Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these pizza bombs is easy and fun — and once you try them, you’ll want to make them for every party or game night. Here’s a detailed step-by-step breakdown of how to make the perfect batch.

Preheat your oven or air fryer
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) or preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Prepare the biscuit dough
Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough. Separate the 8 biscuits and flatten each into a 3-inch circle using your hands or a rolling pin.

Add the filling
Place about 1 teaspoon of marinara or pizza sauce in the center of each dough round. Top with 3 slices of turkey pepperoni and a small pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Seal and shape
Fold the edges of the biscuit dough up and over the filling. Pinch the edges tightly to seal and form a ball. Make sure they’re well sealed to avoid leaks while baking.
Arrange on baking sheet or air fryer basket
Place each dough ball seam-side down, evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet or air fryer basket.

Brush with seasoned butter
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Using a pastry brush, coat the tops of each pizza bomb with this mixture.
Sprinkle Parmesan
Lightly sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of each buttered dough ball for extra flavor and texture.
Bake or air fry
- Oven: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Air fryer: Cook for 8–10 minutes, checking for doneness at 8 minutes.
Serve warm
Serve immediately while the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. Offer extra marinara sauce for dipping.

These step-by-step instructions will help you master the technique and ensure perfect results every time.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pizza Bombs Every Time

For flawless pizza bombs that are golden, cheesy, and sealed tight, keep these pro tips in mind:

Don’t overfill
It’s tempting to load in more filling, but too much sauce or cheese can cause them to leak during baking.
Pinch the seams well
Be sure the edges are tightly sealed. A small opening can lead to cheese oozing out during cooking.

Use parchment paper
This makes it easy to remove the bombs from the tray and prevents sticking or burning.
Rotate halfway through cooking
Especially in the oven, rotating the tray ensures even browning on all sides.
Use fresh cheese for better melt
Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Grating your own results in a better texture.

With these simple tips, you’ll take your seasoned butter pepperoni pizza bombs from good to unforgettable.

Baking vs. Air Frying: Which is Better?

Both baking and air frying have their benefits when it comes to cooking pizza bombs. Your choice will depend on your kitchen setup and your texture preference.

Baking in the Oven:

Great for making large batches at once
Produces evenly golden and slightly softer crusts
Best for parties or serving a crowd

Air Frying:

Faster cook time

Crust comes out crispier and slightly firmer
Ideal for small batches or quick snacks

If you’re cooking for a group, the oven offers more capacity. But for weeknight cravings or quick appetizers, the air fryer is hard to beat.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic pepperoni version, it’s easy to get creative. These variations keep things fun and flexible.

Vegetarian options
Swap out pepperoni for chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Try artichoke hearts with mozzarella and pesto for a Mediterranean twist.
Cheese lovers
Mix mozzarella with cheddar, fontina, or Parmesan cheese for extra richness and variety.
Alternative proteins
Use cooked sausage, BBQ chicken, or chopped ham instead of turkey pepperoni.

Creative sauces
Skip the marinara and try Alfredo, buffalo, or pesto sauce to switch up the base flavor.

Get inspired by pizza bombs on Pinterest and mix and match ingredients to fit your event or craving.

How to Make Them Ahead of Time

Prepping your pizza bombs ahead of time is a great way to save time on the day of your event. Here’s how to do it right:

Refrigerate unbaked bombs
Assemble the bombs and store them in an airtight container or wrapped tray in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Freeze for longer storage
Freeze unbaked bombs on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheat baked bombs
You can also refrigerate or freeze already-baked bombs and reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.

These prep options make pepperoni pizza bombs a practical option for busy hosts and planners.

How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Bombs at a Party

Presentation matters, especially when serving these irresistible bites at a gathering. Here’s how to impress your guests:

Serve with dipping sauces
Offer small bowls of marinara, ranch, spicy garlic butter, or creamy Alfredo for dipping.
Use skewers or toothpicks
Make it easy to grab by serving them on toothpicks or small skewers for mess-free snacking.
Create a party platter
Arrange pizza bombs in a circle or spiral on a large board with dipping bowls in the center.

Pair with other appetizers
Round out your spread with items from easy party food recipes like sliders, veggie cups, or fruit skewers.

The key is to make them as easy to grab and eat as they are delicious.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare), here’s how to keep your pizza bombs tasting fresh.

Refrigerate
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze
Wrap each bomb in foil or plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheat in oven or air fryer
Avoid the microwave if possible. For best results, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F or use the air fryer to restore crispiness.

Proper storage and reheating help retain the cheesy, gooey, and crispy texture everyone loves.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of biscuit dough?
Yes, homemade pizza dough works great. Just make sure to roll it thin enough to seal properly and reduce baking time slightly.

Can you freeze pizza bombs before baking?
Absolutely. Flash freeze them first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen with a few extra minutes added.

How do you keep pizza bombs from falling apart?
Be sure to pinch the seams tightly and don’t overfill. Chilling them before baking can also help them hold their shape.

What’s the best cheese for pizza bombs?
Mozzarella is traditional, but a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan or cheddar adds more depth.

Can I make vegetarian pizza bombs?
Yes! Use roasted veggies, mushrooms, or spinach as a filling. Add ricotta or feta for variety.

How long do pizza bombs stay fresh?
They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I reheat pizza bombs in an air fryer?Yes, and it’s one of the best methods. Reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes for best texture.