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4.5 from 4 votes

Baked or Fried Pizza Balls

Jump to RecipePrintRate
By: Joanna Cismaru •Last Updated: 6/12/24 6 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Transform your pizza cravings into an irresistible adventure with these sumptuous Pizza Balls. Fusing the zest of pepperoni with the melt-in-your-mouth sensation of mozzarella, these bites redefine indulgence, one ball at a time.Baked or Fried Pizza Balls – so easy and fun to make, and of course yummy!

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  • Expert Tips
  • Discover More Delicious Recipes
  • Recipe: Baked or Fried Pizza Balls
Pizza balls stacked on a plate

Welcome to the world of bite-sized wonders! These pizza balls, a perfect fusion of crispy dough, zesty pepperoni, and velvety mozzarella, take the classic pizza experience and transform it into delightful morsels perfect for any occasion. Dive in and discover how a traditional favorite can get a playful, yet equally delicious, makeover.

Close up shot of Pizza Balls

Expert Tips

  1. Dough Variation: Store-bought pizza dough works well, but for an even richer flavor, try using homemade dough or whole wheat variations.
  2. Filling Flexibility: Feel free to experiment with fillings – bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms can be added for a vegetarian twist.
  3. Prevent Stickiness: When working with pizza dough, dust your hands and work surface with a little flour to prevent sticking.
  4. Oil Temperature: When frying, ensure the oil is around 350°F (175°C) for optimal cooking. Too hot, and the balls may brown too quickly without cooking through.
  5. Baking Alternative: For a healthier version, opt for baking over frying. The end result will be just as delicious but with fewer calories.
  6. Serving Suggestion: Pizza balls pair wonderfully with a garlic aioli or even a spicy marinara for dipping.
  7. Storage Tip: These pizza balls are best consumed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Pizza Balls in a bowl

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a plate of pizza balls being sprinkled with parmesan cheese
4.50 from 4 votes

Baked or Fried Pizza Balls

Prep 30 minutes minutes
Cook 20 minutes minutes
Total 50 minutes minutes
16
Rate Recipe Print Recipe
Discover the allure of these pizza balls, combining the crispness of dough with the zest of pepperoni and the melt of mozzarella. Ideal for get-togethers or a unique family dinner, these delightful bites elevate traditional pizza flavors into a hand-held delight. Baked or fried, they offer a fresh and irresistible take on a beloved classic.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pizza dough
  • 8 ounce pepperoni slices
  • 8 ounce mozzarella cheese (cubed or shredded)
  • oil (for frying)
  • Parmesan cheese (freshly grated, optional)
  • pizza sauce (optional)

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • If you're baking these, preheat your oven to 450℉.
  • Roll out the pizza dough so that it's about ¼ of an inch in thickness. Using a 2 inch cookie cutter cut out rounds.
  • Top each round with a pepperoni slice and a piece of mozzarella cheese. Bring dough up around filling; press edge to seal and shape each into ball. Repeat with remaining dough.
  • If you’re baking these place balls on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes or until golden.
  • If you’re frying, heat oil in a cast iron pot or a large skillet. Fry a few balls at a time until golden brown.
  • Serve with pizza sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  1. Dough Options: Both store-bought and homemade dough work well. If opting for homemade, allow it to rise properly for the best texture.
  2. Filling Variations: Feel free to switch up the fillings! Consider adding bell peppers, olives, or even some grilled chicken for a different taste.
  3. Oil Choice for Frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil, for best frying results.
  4. Oven Variance: Oven temperatures can vary. Keep an eye on the pizza balls during the last few minutes of baking to avoid over-browning.
  5. Dipping Sauces: While pizza sauce is a classic, also consider trying ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy chili dip for a twist.
  6. Reheating: For best texture when reheating leftovers, warm them in an oven or toaster oven instead of a microwave.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1ballCalories: 182kcal (9%)Carbohydrates: 14g (5%)Protein: 9g (18%)Fat: 10g (15%)Saturated Fat: 4g (25%)Cholesterol: 26mg (9%)Sodium: 543mg (24%)Potassium: 50mg (1%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 2g (2%)Vitamin A: 96IU (2%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 75mg (8%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
© Author Joanna Cismaru

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

a plate of pizza balls being sprinkled with parmesan cheese

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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I'm Joanna Cismaru, home cook, recipe developer, and the person behind JoCooks since 2011. I test every recipe in my own kitchen, multiple times, until it's actually worth making. My goal is simple: recipes that work, written the way a real person cooks.

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Hey there!

I’m Joanna Cismaru, home cook, recipe developer, and the person behind JoCooks since 2011. I test every recipe in my own kitchen, multiple times, until it’s actually worth making. My goal is simple: recipes that work, written the way a real person cooks.

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