Mini Pizza Bites with Meatballs

These bite-sized pizza snacks, loaded with cheesy goodness and mini meatballs, are the perfect party appetizer or game-day treat!
Ingredients
For the Dough
1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough) 🥖
All-purpose flour (for dusting) 🥣
For the Meatballs
1/2 lb ground beef or turkey 🥩
1/4 cup breadcrumbs 🥣
1 egg 🥚
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
1 tsp Italian seasoning 🌿
Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
For Assembly
1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce 🍅
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
1/4 cup mini pepperoni slices (optional) 🍕
Olive oil for brushing 🫒
Dried oregano or Italian seasoning for garnish 🌿
Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1/2 inch in diameter) and place them on the baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through. Let them cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Dough
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface.
Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches) to cut out small circles from the dough.
3. Assemble the Pizza Bites
Place a small dollop of marinara sauce in the center of each dough circle.
Add a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
Place a mini meatball in the center.
Fold the edges of the dough up and pinch to seal, forming a small pouch.
4. Bake the Pizza Bites
Place the pizza bites seam-side down on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Serve
Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for Success
Pre-made meatballs: Use frozen mini meatballs to save time. Just cook them according to the package instructions before assembling.
Cheese variation: Try mixing in shredded cheddar or provolone for extra flavor.
Freeze ahead: Assemble and freeze the uncooked bites. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.

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