Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites

Featured in: Everyday Bites

These bite-sized pizza snacks combine soft, golden dough filled with mozzarella and pizza sauce, optionally topped with pepperoni. After baking, they’re decorated with black lines to resemble basketballs, making them a fun and flavorful snack for gatherings. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, they pair well with dipping sauces like ranch or garlic butter.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 14:41:00 GMT
Golden, cheesy Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites ready to serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping. Save
Golden, cheesy Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites ready to serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping. | fryflick.com

Cheesy, bite-sized pizza snacks shaped like basketballs—perfect for game day or parties!

This recipe quickly became a hit at our family game nights because they are delicious and easy to eat.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 1 pound (450 g) refrigerated pizza dough
  • Filling: 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese 24 slices pepperoni (optional omit for vegetarian) 1/2 cup (120 ml) pizza sauce plus more for dipping
  • Topping: 1 large egg beaten 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon dried oregano Black food coloring or black olives for basketball lines

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Step 2:
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch (0.5 cm) thickness
Step 3:
Using a 2-inch (5 cm) round cutter cut out 24 circles from the dough
Step 4:
Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce a sprinkle of mozzarella and a slice of pepperoni (if using) onto the center of each dough circle
Step 5:
Fold the edges up and pinch to seal forming a ball Place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet
Step 6:
Brush each ball with beaten egg Sprinkle with Parmesan and oregano
Step 7:
Bake for 12 15 minutes or until golden brown
Step 8:
Let cool slightly Using a fine brush dipped in black food coloring or a thin strip of black olive draw basketball lines onto each bite
Step 9:
Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping
Warm, bite-sized Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites with perfect basketball lines, ideal for a game. Save
Warm, bite-sized Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites with perfect basketball lines, ideal for a game. | fryflick.com

We enjoyed these pizza bites together after a long day which made the experience extra special.

Notes

For a vegetarian version omit the pepperoni or use vegetarian pepperoni You can use mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini) for extra cheesiness Serve with ranch dressing or garlic butter for dipping Food-safe markers may also be used for basketball lines

Required Tools

Baking sheet Parchment paper Rolling pin Round cookie cutter (2-inch/5 cm) Pastry brush Small brush or food-safe marker

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) milk (dairy) and egg Pepperoni may contain additional allergens—check labels Always verify store-bought ingredient labels for allergens

Oven-baked Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites, showcasing melted cheese and pepperoni inside the pizza dough. Save
Oven-baked Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites, showcasing melted cheese and pepperoni inside the pizza dough. | fryflick.com

These pizza bites are sure to be the star of your next party Serve them warm for best taste

Recipe Guide

How do I shape the pizza bites to look like basketballs?

After baking, use a thin brush dipped in black food coloring or a strip of black olive to draw the basketball lines on each bite.

Can I make these bites without pepperoni?

Yes, simply omit the pepperoni or substitute with a vegetarian alternative to keep it meat-free.

What dipping sauces pair well with these snacks?

Try ranch dressing, garlic butter, or extra pizza sauce for flavorful dipping options.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

What dough is best for these snacks?

Refrigerated pizza dough works well, providing a soft and chewy texture when baked.

Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites

Cheesy, bite-sized basketball-shaped pizza snacks perfect for parties or game day fun.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Olivia Parker


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 24 Portions

Dietary guidelines Meat-free

Components

Dough

01 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough

Filling

01 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
02 24 slices pepperoni (optional)
03 1/2 cup pizza sauce

Topping

01 1 large egg, beaten
02 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
03 1 teaspoon dried oregano
04 Black food coloring or black olives for basketball lines

Method

Phase 01

Prepare oven and baking sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Roll out dough: Roll pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/4-inch thickness.

Phase 03

Cut dough circles: Cut out twenty-four 2-inch diameter circles using a round cookie cutter.

Phase 04

Assemble bites: Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and optionally one slice of pepperoni at the center of each dough circle.

Phase 05

Form balls: Fold the dough edges upward around filling and pinch to seal, forming balls. Position seam side down on prepared baking sheet.

Phase 06

Apply toppings: Brush each dough ball with beaten egg, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and dried oregano evenly.

Phase 07

Bake bites: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Phase 08

Decorate basketball lines: Allow to cool slightly. Using a fine brush with black food coloring or thin strips of black olive, draw basketball-style lines on each bite.

Phase 09

Serve: Serve warm with additional pizza sauce for dipping.

Tools needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling pin
  • Round cookie cutter (2-inch diameter)
  • Pastry brush
  • Small brush or food-safe marker

Allergy details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and egg.
  • Pepperoni may include additional allergens. Verify product labels.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 80
  • Fats: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Proteins: 3 g