Pizza Balls Recipe

Refrigerated pizza dough: This is the base of your pizza balls, providing the doughy exterior that holds everything together.

Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a gooey and delicious filling.

Pepperoni: Chopped pepperoni adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the filling.

Pizza sauce: This is used for dipping the pizza balls, adding an extra layer of classic pizza flavor.

Olive oil: Brushing the pizza balls with olive oil helps them bake to a golden brown.

Italian seasoning: Sprinkling this on top adds a burst of herby flavor that complements the other ingredients.

When rolling out the pizza dough, ensure it's evenly spread to avoid thin spots that might tear when filled. Use a light dusting of flour on your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. For a more uniform shape, use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into squares. When sealing the pizza balls, pinch the edges firmly and roll them gently in your hands to create a smooth, round shape. This helps to keep the cheese and pepperoni from leaking out during baking. Brushing with olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

• refrigerated pizza dough - Substitute with crescent roll dough: Crescent roll dough can provide a similar texture and is easy to work with.

• refrigerated pizza dough - Substitute with homemade pizza dough: Making your own dough allows for customization and can be fresher.

• mozzarella cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese melts well and provides a different but delicious flavor.

• mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone has a similar melting quality and a slightly sharper taste.

• pepperoni - Substitute with salami: Salami offers a similar texture and a robust flavor.

• pepperoni - Substitute with cooked sausage: Cooked sausage can add a different but equally savory taste.

• pizza sauce - Substitute with marinara sauce: Marinara sauce is similar in flavor and consistency.

• pizza sauce - Substitute with pesto sauce: Pesto provides a unique and fresh flavor profile.

• olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used in a pinch and has a neutral flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with butter: Butter can add a rich flavor and helps with browning.

• italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence offers a similar blend of herbs with a slightly different flavor.

• italian seasoning - Substitute with oregano and basil: A mix of oregano and basil can mimic the flavor of Italian seasoning.

• Allow the pizza balls to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled pizza balls in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• For freezing, arrange the cooled pizza balls on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for 1-2 hours or until solid.
• Transfer the frozen pizza balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen pizza balls directly from the freezer. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and golden brown.
• For best results, avoid microwaving as it can make the pizza balls chewy and less crispy.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the pizza balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through and the cheese is melty.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the pizza balls on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the pizza balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Place the pizza balls in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they warm evenly and the dough gets a slight crisp.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the pizza balls on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Heat for 10-12 minutes, checking to make sure they are heated through and the cheese is melted.

• Oven: Used for baking the pizza balls to a golden brown perfection.

• Baking sheet: A flat surface to place the pizza balls on while they bake.

• Rolling pin: Helps in rolling out the pizza dough evenly.

• Knife: Used to cut the pizza dough into 12 squares.

• Pastry brush: For brushing olive oil onto the pizza balls.

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce.

• Mixing bowl: To hold and mix the chopped pepperoni and shredded mozzarella cheese.

• Cutting board: A surface to chop the pepperoni.

• Teaspoon: For measuring the Italian seasoning.

• Serving dish: To serve the pizza balls with pizza sauce for dipping.

Prepare the filling: Pre-chop the pepperoni and shred the mozzarella cheese in advance to save time during assembly.

Use pre-made dough: Opt for refrigerated pizza dough to skip the time-consuming process of making dough from scratch.

Batch assembly: Lay out all the pizza dough squares and fill them simultaneously to streamline the process.

Preheat efficiently: Start preheating the oven while you prepare the ingredients to ensure it's ready when you are.

Easy cleanup: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to minimize cleanup time.