Slam Dunk Pizza Bites

Featured in: Evening Glow Plates

These Slam Dunk Pizza Bites are cheesy, savory snacks crafted from soft pizza dough filled with mozzarella and pizza sauce. Shaped into small rounds and baked to golden perfection, they’re decorated with black lines to mimic basketballs. Easy to prepare in under 40 minutes, these bites suit gatherings and can be customized with pepperoni or vegetarian options. Serve warm with extra sauce for dipping, making them a delightful, crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:41:00 GMT
Golden brown Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites, ready to enjoy with a side of pizza sauce. Save
Golden brown Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites, ready to enjoy with a side of pizza sauce. | cheerfulchefs.com

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

This cozy chicken stew is a family favorite that warms the soul and fills the house with amazing aromas.

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

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch (0.5 cm) thickness.
Step 3:
Using a 2-inch (5 cm) round cutter, cut out 24 circles from the dough.
Step 4:
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 5:
Fold the edges up and pinch to seal, forming a ball Place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6:
Brush each ball with beaten egg Sprinkle with Parmesan and oregano.
Step 7:
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 8:
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.
Step 9:
Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
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| cheerfulchefs.com

These pizza bites always bring my family together during game nights, creating fun and laughter with every bite.

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

Bite into these cheesy Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites, perfect for your next game day spread. Save
Bite into these cheesy Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites, perfect for your next game day spread. | cheerfulchefs.com

Enjoy these fun and tasty basketball pizza bites fresh out of the oven With simple ingredients and easy steps they are sure to be a hit.

Recipe FAQs

What dough is best for these pizza bites?

Refrigerated pizza dough works well as it’s easy to handle and provides a soft, chewy texture once baked.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the pepperoni or substitute it with a vegetarian alternative without affecting the flavor.

How do I create the basketball lines on the bites?

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

What’s the best way to serve these pizza bites?

Serve them warm with extra pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping, enhancing their cheesy, savory taste.

How long does it take to prepare these bites?

About 35 minutes total: 20 minutes preparation and 15 minutes of baking time.

Slam Dunk Pizza Bites

Bite-sized cheesy snacks shaped like basketballs, ideal for parties or game day.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Evening Glow Plates

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background American

Portions 24 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

Dough

01 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough

Filling

01 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
02 24 slices pepperoni (optional, omit for vegetarian)
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 basketball lines

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Assemble bites: Place a spoonful of pizza sauce, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and a slice of pepperoni (if using) in the center of each dough circle.

Step 05

Form balls: Fold edges upward and pinch to seal, shaping each into a smooth ball, then place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 08

Decorate: Allow bites to cool slightly, then use a fine brush dipped in black food coloring or strips of black olive to draw basketball lines on each piece.

Step 09

Serve: Serve warm alongside extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and egg.
  • Pepperoni may contain additional allergens; verify labels.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 80
  • Fats: 3.5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 9 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams