stuffed crust pizza snacks

Stuffed crust pizza snacks take all the best parts of pizza and turn them into bite-sized treats you can make in under half an hour. There is gooey cheese tucked inside soft dough with a pepperoni crown on each piece. Perfect for quick snacks or the star of your next party platter.

In our house these are a weekly request for movie night. The first time I made them my family devoured the entire batch before the movie even started.

Ingredients

• String cheese: gives the best melty pull inside each snack Slice them from sticks for easy portioning
• Unsalted butter: adds richness and helps the toppings stick Melt for easy brushing
• Oregano: brings a familiar Italian flavor Choose dried leaves for best fragrance
• Garlic powder: is the classic allium punch Always check for freshness in your jar
• Grated parmesan cheese: lends a nutty salty finish Use real parmesan for best melt and taste
• Refrigerated pizza crust: means you can have these anytime Store dough keeps the texture perfectly chewy
• Pepperoni: is for a savory bite of pizza goodness Regular slices work best for topping each snack
• Pizza sauce: for dipping rounds out the pizza experience Warm gently before serving for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit Place a sheet of foil on a baking tray and spray with nonstick spray so nothing sticks

Prep the Cheese and Topping Blend:

Unwrap all the string cheese sticks and cut each into three pieces For the topping mix oregano garlic powder and grated parmesan together in a small bowl

Divide the Dough:

Unroll your refrigerated pizza crust onto the pan Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into 24 equal squares Press any shaggy edges into neater shapes to hold the filling well

Stuff and Shape Each Snack:

Place a piece of cheese in the center of every dough square Pull the edges of the dough up and over the cheese then pinch tightly so the cheese does not ooze out

Finish with Toppings:

Arrange all stuffed pieces seam side down on your baking sheet Brush the tops with melted butter Sprinkle each with the parmesan herb mix then gently press one pepperoni into the top of every roll

Bake:

Slide into the hot oven Bake for 10 to 12 minutes Until golden brown and puffy and cheese is just starting to bubble out

Serve:

Serve hot with warm pizza sauce for dipping These are best right from the oven

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My favorite part is pressing the pepperoni on top of each roll It makes for a festive look and my kids love helping with this step These tasty snacks instantly disappeared from the cooling rack at my last game night

Storage Tips

Store leftover stuffed pizza snacks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Warm gently in a low oven or toaster oven to restore the crisp outside Avoid microwaving if possible as that can make the dough rubbery

Ingredient Substitutions

Mozzarella sticks can stand in for string cheese if needed Use turkey pepperoni or omit for a vegetarian version Whole wheat pizza dough is a good option for extra fiber and flavor Fresh herbs like basil or parsley also make a colorful topping

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm marinara pizza sauce or ranch for dipping These are ideal as an appetizer on a party tray or as a fun swap for pizza night Pair with a crisp salad or cut veggies for a balanced meal

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Cultural and Historical Context

Stuffed crust pizza is a fun twist invented in the nineties and quickly became a favorite in the United States Transforming it into snack form brings the spirit of Friday night pizza right into your lunchbox or party menu

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Seal the edges of the dough tightly around the cheese. Pinching the seams well helps keep the filling from melting out during baking.

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, mozzarella string cheese works best, but you can substitute with cheddar sticks or other meltable cheeses for variety.

→ Is it possible to make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the filled dough and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Bake just before serving for best texture.

→ Can these be frozen?

Yes, bake them fully and let them cool. Freeze in an airtight container, then reheat in the oven until warmed through and crispy.

→ What dips pair well with these snacks?

Classic pizza sauce is a favorite, but garlic butter, ranch, or spicy marinara also make delicious dipping options.