Imagine a dish that combines the irresistible charm of pizza with the fun, interactive experience of pull-apart bread. These Pizza Balls are not just a recipe; they're a culinary adventure waiting to happen! Perfect for parties, game nights, or when you're craving something uniquely delicious, these bite-sized treasures are about to become your new obsession. With gooey mozzarella, customizable toppings, and a golden-brown exterior that promises a crispy crunch, these Pizza Balls are guaranteed to be the star of any meal or gathering.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 12-15 pizza balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings (e.g. pepperoni, bell peppers, onions)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
- Add the all-purpose flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a rough dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 15-20 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12-15 equal pieces.
- Flatten each piece of dough slightly and place about a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese and optional toppings (like pepperoni, bell peppers, or onions) in the center. Fold the edges over to encase the filling and roll it into a ball.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, arrange the pizza balls in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each ball.
- Once all the pizza balls are arranged, brush the tops with a little olive oil and sprinkle some additional mozzarella cheese on top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the pizza balls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the pizza balls cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping.
Tips
- Yeast Activation: Ensure your water is warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky, add flour gradually. The goal is a smooth, elastic texture.
- Filling Technique: Don't overstuff your pizza balls - a tablespoon of cheese and toppings is perfect.
- Spacing Matters: Leave some space between balls on the baking sheet for even cooking.
- Cheese Hack: For extra cheesiness, sprinkle some additional mozzarella on top before baking.
- Dipping Delight: Warm pizza sauce on the side elevates these pizza balls from great to absolutely phenomenal.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough and form balls in advance, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
