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.
These basketball pizza bites quickly became a favorite in my house during basketball season. I love how customizable they are and how kids can help with the decoration.
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 This recipe has brought our family together during game nights, with everyone eagerly waiting to taste and decorate their own basketball bites.
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
Per pizza bite: Calories 70, Total Fat 3.2 g, Carbohydrates 8 g, Protein 2.5 g
Save Serve these pizza bites warm and fresh for best taste and enjoy a fun snack that scores every time.
Recipe Help
- → What type of dough works best for these bites?
Soft pizza dough, either homemade or store-bought, creates the perfect texture. Gluten-free dough can also be used as an alternative.
- → How do I create the basketball lines on each bite?
Thinly sliced black olives are used to form the signature basketball lines after baking, adding both decoration and a subtle olive flavor.
- → Can I customize the fillings inside the bites?
Yes, you can add pepperoni, sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers to suit your taste preferences.
- → What is the ideal baking temperature and time?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown and the cheese bubbles.
- → How should the bites be served?
Serve warm with extra sauce for dipping to enhance their cheesy, savory flavors.