Imagine a party appetizer that's so irresistible, it'll have your guests begging for the recipe before they've even finished their first bite! These Puff Pastry Pizza Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary finger food. With a golden, flaky exterior and a molten center of gooey mozzarella and zesty pepperoni, these little parcels of joy are about to become your new go-to recipe for every occasion - from game day gatherings to elegant cocktail parties.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 12 bites
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Thaw the puff pastry sheet according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 30 minutes at room temperature. Once thawed, unfold the pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the puff pastry to smooth any creases and slightly increase its size. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
- Cut the puff pastry into 3-inch squares using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter. You should be able to get about 12 squares from one sheet of puff pastry.
- Take each pastry square and place about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce in the center. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing the bites difficult.
- Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pizza sauce, followed by a few slices of pepperoni.
- Fold the corners of each pastry square towards the center to create a pocket, pinching the edges together to seal them tightly. Ensure there are no openings where the filling can leak out.
- Place the sealed pizza bites on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for puffing during baking.
- Brush the tops of each pizza bite with the beaten egg using a pastry brush. This will give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the pizza bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips
- Always thaw your puff pastry completely but keep it cold - this ensures maximum puffiness and flakiness.
- Don't overfill your pastry squares; too much filling can prevent proper sealing and cause leaks.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean, even pastry squares.
- Make sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent the filling from escaping during baking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding dried herbs like oregano or basil to your cheese mixture.
- If you want a spicier version, swap regular pepperoni for spicy pepperoni or add red pepper flakes.
- Let the pizza bites rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and prevent burning your mouth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 86kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
