Save Fun, bite-sized mini pizzas shaped like basketballs—perfect for game day snacks or parties. These cheesy, customizable treats are easy to make and guaranteed to score big with kids and adults alike.
I love making these basketball pizza bites because they always bring smiles and excitement to our family gatherings.
Ingredients
- Dough: 1 lb (450 g) pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
- Sauce & Cheese: 1/2 cup (120 ml) pizza sauce, 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings & Decoration: 24 slices pepperoni (optional, for filling), 1/4 cup (25 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons cornmeal (for dusting), 2 tablespoons black olives thinly sliced (for basketball lines), 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for basketball color)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust with cornmeal.
- Step 2:
- Divide pizza dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten gently into a 2-inch (5 cm) round.
- Step 3:
- Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese in the center of each round. Add a pepperoni slice, if desired.
- Step 4:
- Pinch edges to seal and roll gently back into a ball. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5:
- Brush each ball lightly with olive oil. For a deeper basketball color, brush with a bit of tomato paste mixed with olive oil.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
- Step 8:
- Let cool for 2 minutes. Use thin strips of black olive to create basketball lines on each bite.
- Step 9:
- Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Save These pizza bites have become a fun activity for the family to decorate and enjoy together during game nights.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Rolling pin, Pastry brush, Sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), dairy (cheese), possible soy (pizza sauce). May contain: Eggs (depending on dough), processed meats (pepperoni). Always check ingredient labels if allergens are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 70, Total Fat: 3.2 g, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 2.5 g per pizza bite.
Save These basketball pizza bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and are sure to make your next party unforgettable.
Kitchen Guide
- → How do I shape the dough to look like a basketball?
Roll dough into small balls, fill with sauce and cheese, then seal and bake. After baking, use thin black olive slices to create basketball lines on each bite.
- → Can I make these with gluten-free dough?
Yes, simply substitute regular pizza dough with your preferred gluten-free version to accommodate dietary needs.
- → What toppings work well inside these bites?
Traditional fillings include sauce and mozzarella, but pepperoni, cooked sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers add great flavor.
- → How long should I bake the bites?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden and the cheese inside is bubbling.
- → Can kids help with decorating?
Absolutely! Kids can have fun placing the olive slices to create the basketball lines for a creative touch.
- → What drinks pair well with these snacks?
A crisp lager or sparkling water complements the cheesy, savory flavors nicely.