Cheesy Basketball Pizza Bites

Featured in: Snack Time Bites

These cheesy, bite-sized basketball-shaped snacks combine soft dough with mozzarella, pizza sauce, and optional pepperoni for a flavorful treat. The dough circles are filled, sealed, and baked until golden, with Parmesan and oregano topping. Finishing touches include black lines drawn to resemble basketballs, adding a fun element for gatherings. Perfect served warm alongside extra sauce for dipping and easily adapted for vegetarian diets.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:42:00 GMT
Golden-brown Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites, ready to enjoy with a side of warm pizza sauce. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites, ready to enjoy with a side of warm pizza sauce. | recipesbies.com

Cheesy, bite-sized pizza snacks shaped like basketballs—perfect for game day or parties!

This recipe is a slam dunk with my family as everyone loves the cheesy bites and basketball design on these pizza snacks!

Ingredients

  • Dough: 1 pound (450 g) refrigerated pizza dough
  • Filling: 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 24 slices pepperoni (optional omit for vegetarian), 1/2 cup (120 ml) pizza sauce plus more for dipping
  • Topping: 1 large egg beaten, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, Black food coloring or black olives for basketball lines

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Roll dough:
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch (0.5 cm) thickness
Cut circles:
Using a 2-inch (5 cm) round cutter cut out 24 circles from the dough
Add filling:
Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce a sprinkle of mozzarella and a slice of pepperoni (if using) onto the center of each dough circle
Seal balls:
Fold the edges up and pinch to seal forming a ball Place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet
Apply topping:
Brush each ball with beaten egg Sprinkle with Parmesan and oregano
Bake:
Bake for 12 15 minutes or until golden brown
Decorate:
Let cool slightly Using a fine brush dipped in black food coloring or a thin strip of black olive draw basketball lines onto each bite
Serve:
Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping
Bite into these cheesy, pepperoni-filled Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites perfect for game day snacking. Save to Pinterest
Bite into these cheesy, pepperoni-filled Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites perfect for game day snacking. | recipesbies.com

My family loves gathering around the TV enjoying these bites during game nights making it a cherished tradition.

Required Tools

Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Rolling pin, Round cookie cutter (2-inch/5 cm), Pastry brush, Small brush or food-safe marker

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and egg Pepperoni may contain additional allergens check labels Always verify store-bought ingredient labels for allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories 80 Total Fat 3.5 g Carbohydrates 9 g Protein 3 g per serving

Homemade and delicious, these Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites have the fun shape of basketballs. Save to Pinterest
Homemade and delicious, these Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites have the fun shape of basketballs. | recipesbies.com

These basketball pizza bites add fun and flavor to any party or game day spread.

Answers to Recipe Questions

What dough is best for these pizza bites?

Refrigerated pizza dough works well, providing a soft and chewy base that's easy to shape and bake.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the pepperoni or replace it with a vegetarian alternative or extra cheese.

How do I create the basketball lines on the bites?

Use black food coloring with a fine brush or thin strips of black olives to draw the signature basketball lines after baking.

What sauces pair well with these snacks?

Pizza sauce is classic, but ranch dressing or garlic butter also complement the flavors nicely.

What is the recommended baking temperature and time?

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Cheesy Basketball Pizza Bites

Cheesy, bite-sized snacks shaped like basketballs with mozzarella and pizza sauce.

Prep duration
20 mins
Time to cook
15 mins
Overall time
35 mins
Published by Sophie Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 24 Serving size

Dietary Details No meat included

What you need

Dough

01 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough

Filling

01 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
02 24 slices pepperoni (optional)
03 1/2 cup pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping

Topping

01 1 large egg, beaten
02 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
03 1 teaspoon dried oregano
04 Black food coloring or black olives for decoration

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Roll Out Dough: Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.

Step 03

Cut Dough Circles: Use a 2-inch round cutter to cut 24 circles from the dough.

Step 04

Assemble Bites: Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and a slice of pepperoni if using, onto the center of each dough circle.

Step 05

Shape Bites: Fold edges up and pinch to seal, forming a ball. Place seam side down on the baking sheet.

Step 06

Add Toppings: Brush each ball with beaten egg, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and dried oregano.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 08

Decorate: Let bites cool slightly. Using a fine brush dipped in black food coloring or a thin strip of black olive, draw basketball lines on each ball.

Step 09

Serve: Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Equipment You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling pin
  • 2-inch round cookie cutter
  • Pastry brush
  • Small fine brush or food-safe marker

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens, and reach out to a healthcare pro if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and egg.
  • Pepperoni may contain additional allergens; verify product labels.

Nutrition info (by portion)

Nutrition info is for guidance. Please consult a medical expert if you need advice.
  • Total Calories: 80
  • Fat content: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrate: 9 g
  • Protein content: 3 g