Cheesy Pepperoni Bites are little pockets of joy! They are filled with gooey cheese and savory pepperoni, all wrapped in a golden dough.
These bites are perfect for snacking or movie nights. I love serving them with marinara sauce for dipping—it’s like a pizza party in every bite! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives that classic cheesy stretch. If you’re looking for a change, try using provolone or a mix of Italian cheeses for a unique flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but if you need a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve had great results with almond flour too, which adds a bit of nuttiness.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese can work too, just blend it well for a smooth texture.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni is fun and flavorful! For a healthier twist, try turkey pepperoni or even diced bell peppers or olives for a veggie version.
Italian Seasoning: This adds great flavor. If you don’t have it, mix your own using oregano, basil, and thyme. Fresh herbs can also make a lovely substitute!
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Bites?
The key to light and fluffy cheesy pepperoni bites is not overmixing the dough. You want to combine all the ingredients until just mixed to keep them airy.
- When adding the cheese and flour to the egg mixture, use a spatula or a wooden spoon. This helps keep air bubbles in.
- Fill muffin cups almost to the top for a nice, rounded shape—this makes them puff up beautifully in the oven.
- Keep an eye on them while baking. They should be golden and puffed, not dry. Every oven is slightly different, so check a few minutes early if you’re unsure.
Enjoy making your cheesy pepperoni bites! They’re a crowd-pleaser and super fun to eat! 🍽️
Cheesy Pepperoni Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni slices or chopped regular pepperoni
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or oil, for greasing the muffin tin
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-18 minutes to bake. So in just about 30-35 minutes, you’ll be enjoying warm, cheesy bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, grab your mini muffin tin and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of oil, so your cheesy bites don’t stick!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Stir them together until they are nicely mixed.
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and ½ cup of ricotta cheese until you have a smooth mixture. This will bring creaminess to your cheesy bites!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the egg and ricotta mixture into the large bowl with the cheese and flour mixture. Stir it all together until just combined—don’t overmix, or your bites might be dense!
5. Add Flavor:
Now, fold in 1 cup of mini pepperoni slices, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure everything is well distributed throughout the mix!
6. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Using a spoon, scoop the mixture into the greased muffin tin, filling each cup nearly to the top. Shape the tops into nice rounded mounds for that perfect bite-sized look.
7. Sprinkle Seasoning:
For an extra touch of flavor, lightly sprinkle a bit more Italian seasoning on top of each bite before they go into the oven.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes or until the bites are puffed up and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Let Cool and Remove:
Once baked, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. After cooling, gently remove the cheesy pepperoni bites from the tin.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your cheesy pepperoni bites warm, alongside some marinara sauce for dipping. They’re perfect for parties, game day, or just a fun snack!
Enjoy every cheesy, pepperoni-filled bite! These little treats are bound to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for its meltability, you could mix in cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for an extra kick. Just ensure any cheese you use melts well!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the mixture ahead of time! Just store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, bring it back to room temperature, fill the muffin tin, and proceed with baking as directed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cheesy pepperoni bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chopped veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition. You can also add spices or herbs to adjust the flavor profile to your liking!