These Cheesy Pepperoni Bites are little bundles of joy! With gooey cheese and tasty pepperoni wrapped in soft dough, they make perfect snacks for any time.
Who can resist cheesy goodness? I love serving them at parties, and they’re always gone in a flash. Just pop them in the oven, and you’re ready for a cheesy adventure! 🧀🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, giving you that gooey texture. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use part-skim mozzarella.
Parmesan Cheese: It adds a rich flavor. You can swap it for Pecorino Romano if you want something sharper, or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your bites. If you’re gluten-free, almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend works as a substitute, although the texture might vary slightly.
Mini Pepperoni: Regular pepperoni slices also work great. For a healthier twist, try turkey pepperoni or even chopped veggies like bell peppers or olives!
How Do I Get My Bites to Rise and Stay Fluffy?
Getting that perfect rise is key for these Cheesy Pepperoni Bites. The baking powder is what helps them puff up. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results. Here’s how to ensure they turn out fluffy:
- Mix dry ingredients well before adding wet ones to evenly distribute baking powder.
- Avoid over-mixing the batter; combine until just mixed.
- Don’t skip preheating the oven, and make sure your muffin tin is well-greased to prevent sticking.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly fluffy, cheesy bites every time! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Cheesy Pepperoni Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 20-25 mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni cut into small pieces)
For the Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the muffin tin)
For Dipping:
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake, for a total of approximately 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have warm, cheesy bites ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important for ensuring your cheesy bites bake evenly. While the oven heats up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until it’s evenly combined. This will be the base for your cheesy bites!
3. Beat the Eggs:
In a separate small bowl, beat the two eggs until smooth. This will help bind the ingredients together making your bites fluffy and delicious.
4. Combine the Mixture:
Pour the beaten eggs into the cheese and flour mixture. Stir everything together until you create a thick batter that’s well combined.
5. Fold in Pepperoni:
Gently fold in half of your mini pepperoni slices into the batter. This adds an extra burst of flavor to every bite!
6. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Spoon the cheesy batter evenly into the mini muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full to allow for rising. Each hole should be generously packed with cheesy goodness!
7. Add Topping:
Place 1 or 2 pepperoni slices on top of each muffin bite for a tasty garnish and to make them look extra appealing.
8. Bake the Bites:
Put the filled muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly!
9. Cool and Remove:
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the bites cool for a few minutes. Use a fork or small spatula to gently pry the bites out of the muffin tin.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
If you’d like, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color! Serve warm alongside marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy your cheesy, savory snacks!
These Cheesy Pepperoni Bites are perfect for parties, game days, or a fun afternoon snack! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Can I Make These Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and fill the muffin tin a few hours in advance. Cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to let the batter come to room temperature before baking for even results.
Can I Use Different Cheeses?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, you can mix it up by using cheddar, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick. Just be aware that the flavor and melting properties may vary.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–10 minutes, which helps restore their crispiness.
Can I Freeze These Bites?
Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. For best results, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container once frozen. They can be reheated directly from the freezer in the oven!
