Pizza Bites Recipe

Prep oven and dough

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease. On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the pizza dough into a roughly 10x8-inch rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

Brush the dough lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil to help create a golden bottom and to act as a barrier for sauce.

Using a 1 1/2-inch round cutter (or a knife and measuring cup), cut the dough into approximately 18–22 rounds. Re-roll scraps once and cut additional rounds if needed.

Place the dough rounds on the prepared baking sheet about 1/2 inch apart. Spoon about 1 teaspoon (roughly) of pizza sauce onto each round and spread gently, leaving a small edge for a crust. Total sauce used should be about 3 tablespoons.

Top each sauced round with about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella (divide 1 cup across rounds) and a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

Place one or two mini pepperoni slices on each pizza bite. If using extra toppings like diced bell pepper or mushrooms, distribute them sparingly—about a teaspoon per bite—so bites don't become overloaded.

Sprinkle the dried oregano and garlic powder evenly over the bites. Add red pepper flakes to taste if using.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until the edges of the dough are golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbling. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even color.

Remove from oven and let the pizza bites rest on the pan for 2 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack or serving platter.

Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce or marinara for dipping if desired.