Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can have these delicious bites ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite pizza toppings to suit everyone’s taste.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Their bite-sized nature makes them an ideal appetizer for gatherings.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry dough, thawed
- Pepperoni slices
- String cheese sticks
- 1 egg, beaten
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry dough and cut it into three equal strips.
- Add Fillings: Place pepperoni slices along the center of each strip and top with pieces of string cheese.
- Seal and Slice: Fold the edges of the dough over the fillings and pinch to seal. Slice each filled strip into 1-inch pieces.
- Season: Arrange the pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Enjoy warm, served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 12 pieces
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Variations
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Vegetarian: Use sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives instead of pepperoni.
- Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place cooled pizza bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
What type of puff pastry should I use?
Use store-bought, all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor and texture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I freeze Puff Pastry Pizza Bites?
Yes, freeze unbaked bites on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What dipping sauces go well with these bites?
Marinara, ranch dressing, or garlic butter are excellent choices.
How can I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
Avoid overfilling and ensure the fillings are not too moist.
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, homemade puff pastry works well if you have the time to prepare it.
Are there gluten-free puff pastry options?
Some stores offer gluten-free puff pastry; check the freezer section or specialty stores.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely, finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions can be added.
How do I keep the pastry from sticking to the baking sheet?
Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
What other meats can I use besides pepperoni?
Diced ham, cooked sausage, or bacon bits are great alternatives.
Conclusion
Puff Pastry Pizza Bites are a versatile and crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the beloved flavors of pizza with the flaky goodness of puff pastry. Easy to make and customize, they’re sure to become a favorite at any gathering.
Puff Pastry Pizza Bites
- Total Time: ~27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 pieces
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the irresistible combination of flaky puff pastry and classic pizza flavors with these Puff Pastry Pizza Bites. Perfect for parties, game days, or a quick family snack, these bite-sized delights are customizable and easy to make.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry dough, thawed
- Pepperoni slices
- String cheese sticks
- 1 egg, beaten
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut into three equal strips.
- Add Fillings: Lay pepperoni slices along the center of each strip and top with string cheese pieces.
- Seal and Slice: Fold the pastry edges over the filling, pinch to seal, and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Season: Place bites on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Enjoy warm, with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use store-bought all-butter puff pastry for best results.
- Avoid overfilling to prevent soggy pastry.
- Customize fillings with your favorite pizza toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American