Save Fun, bite-sized mini pizzas shaped like basketballs—perfect for game day snacks or parties. These cheesy, customizable treats are easy to make and guaranteed to score big with kids and adults alike.
I enjoy making these basketball pizza bites for family gatherings because they bring everyone together with smiles and full plates.
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Ingredients
- Dough: 1 lb (450 g) pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
- Sauce & Cheese: 1/2 cup (120 ml) pizza sauce, 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings & Decoration: 24 slices pepperoni (optional for filling), 1/4 cup (25 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons cornmeal (for dusting), 2 tablespoons black olives thinly sliced (for basketball lines), 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for basketball color)
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Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust with cornmeal.
- Step 2:
- Divide pizza dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten gently into a 2-inch (5 cm) round.
- Step 3:
- Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese in the center of each round. Add a pepperoni slice, if desired.
- Step 4:
- Pinch edges to seal and roll gently back into a ball. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5:
- Brush each ball lightly with olive oil. For a deeper basketball color, brush with a bit of tomato paste mixed with olive oil.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 1012 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
- Step 8:
- Let cool for 2 minutes. Use thin strips of black olive to create basketball lines on each bite.
- Step 9:
- Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Save These bites always bring joy to family game nights and create cherished memories around the table.
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Required Tools
Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Rolling pin, Pastry brush, Sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), dairy (cheese), possible soy (pizza sauce). May contain: Eggs (depending on dough), processed meats (pepperoni). Always check ingredient labels if allergens are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 70. Total Fat: 3.2 g. Carbohydrates: 8 g. Protein: 2.5 g per pizza bite.
Save These basketball pizza bites are a slam dunk for any occasion and perfect for sharing.
Recipe FAQs
- → What dough works best for these bites?
Both homemade and store-bought pizza dough work well. Gluten-free dough can be used for dietary needs.
- → How do I achieve the basketball look?
After baking, use thin slices of black olives to create lines resembling basketball seams on each bite.
- → Can I customize the fillings?
Yes, try pepperoni, cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers for variety and flavor.
- → What’s the best way to serve these bites?
Serve warm with extra tomato sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for added taste.
- → How long does it take to prepare and cook?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking takes around 12 minutes, making it a quick snack option.