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.
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)
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.
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.