Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid-Friendly: Children adore these mini pizza bites, making them a hit for family gatherings or after-school snacks.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the toppings to suit personal preferences, accommodating various tastes and dietary needs.
- Healthier Alternative: Utilizing Greek yogurt in the dough adds protein and reduces fat content compared to traditional pizza dough.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward ingredients and steps, this recipe is accessible even for novice cooks.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unbleached all-purpose flour (whole wheat or gluten-free mix can be used)
- Baking powder
- Kosher salt
- Non-fat Greek yogurt
- Marinara or pizza sauce
- Shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- Turkey pepperoni, chopped
- Olive oil spray
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray two 12-cup standard muffin tins with olive oil.
- Prepare Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the Greek yogurt and mix until well combined, forming small crumbles. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until it becomes tacky but not sticky, approximately 15 turns.
- Form Dough Balls: Divide the dough into 16 equal portions, shaping each into a small ball. Press each ball into the bottom of the prepared muffin cups, allowing the dough to slightly rise up the sides.
- Initial Baking: Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and carefully press down the center of each dough cup to create a small well.
- Add Toppings: Spoon about 2 teaspoons of marinara sauce into each well, followed by 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle chopped turkey pepperoni on top.
- Final Baking: Return the muffin tins to the oven and bake for an additional 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pizza bites to cool in the muffin tins for 2 minutes. Use a paring knife or offset spatula to carefully remove them, cutting around any cheese that may have stuck to the pan. Serve warm, with crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings (4 bites per serving)
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace turkey pepperoni with finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or other favorite vegetables.
- Caprese: Top with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomato halves, and basil leaves for a Caprese-inspired bite.
- Pesto Delight: Substitute marinara sauce with pesto and add mozzarella for a flavorful twist.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place cooled pizza bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange pizza bites on a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 30-60 seconds, though this may result in a softer texture.
FAQs
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt in the dough?
You can substitute Greek yogurt with an equal amount of plain non-fat yogurt; however, the dough may be stickier, requiring additional flour during kneading.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough and store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.
Is it possible to freeze these pizza bites?
Absolutely. After baking and cooling, place the pizza bites on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until heated through.
Can I use regular pepperoni instead of turkey pepperoni?
Yes, regular pepperoni can be used; keep in mind it may increase the fat and calorie content of the pizza bites.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to maintain the dough’s structure.
What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses to suit your taste.
Can I add herbs to the dough?
Yes, incorporating dried herbs such as oregano, basil, or garlic powder into the dough can enhance the flavor.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the muffin tin?
Ensure the muffin tin is well-greased with olive oil spray, and consider using non-stick muffin pans or silicone liners.
Are there dipping sauces that pair well with these bites?
Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter make excellent dipping sauces for
Pepperoni Pizza Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 bites per serving)
Description
Pepperoni Pizza Bites are a healthier homemade alternative to frozen mini pizzas, made with protein-packed Greek yogurt bagel dough and baked to perfection in a muffin tin. Perfect as snacks, appetizers, or kid-friendly treats, these customizable bites are quick, easy, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients
- Dough:
- 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour (or whole wheat/gluten-free mix)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- Toppings:
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup turkey pepperoni, chopped
- Olive oil spray
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease two 12-cup muffin tins with olive oil spray.
- Make Dough: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add Greek yogurt and mix until crumbly. Knead on a floured surface for ~15 turns until tacky.
- Shape Dough: Divide into 16 portions, shaping each into a ball. Press each ball into muffin cups, forming shallow wells.
- Initial Bake: Bake dough for 15 minutes. Remove and press down centers to deepen wells.
- Add Toppings: Fill each well with 2 tsp marinara, 1 tbsp mozzarella, and chopped pepperoni.
- Final Bake: Return to oven for 3 minutes or until cheese melts.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool for 2 minutes, remove from tins, and enjoy with optional red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Substitute turkey pepperoni for diced vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- For gluten-free bites, use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.
- To prevent sticking, use silicone muffin liners or generously grease the tin.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
