Save to Pinterest Fun, bite-sized mini pizzas shaped like basketballs—perfect for game day snacks or parties. These cheesy, customizable treats are easy to make and guaranteed to score big with kids and adults alike.
I first served these basketball pizza bites at a family game night and they were an instant hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- Dough: 1 lb (450 g) pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
- Sauce & Cheese: 1/2 cup (120 ml) pizza sauce, 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings & Decoration: 24 slices pepperoni (optional, for filling), 1/4 cup (25 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons cornmeal (for dusting), 2 tablespoons black olives, thinly sliced (for basketball lines), 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for basketball color)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust with cornmeal.
- Step 2:
- Divide pizza dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten gently into a 2-inch (5 cm) round.
- Step 3:
- Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese in the center of each round. Add a pepperoni slice, if desired.
- Step 4:
- Pinch edges to seal and roll gently back into a ball. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5:
- Brush each ball lightly with olive oil. For a deeper basketball color, brush with a bit of tomato paste mixed with olive oil.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
- Step 8:
- Let cool for 2 minutes. Use thin strips of black olive to create basketball lines on each bite.
- Step 9:
- Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Save to Pinterest Let kids help decorate the basketball lines for extra fun and make it a memorable family activity.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, rolling pin, pastry brush, sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), dairy (cheese), possible soy (pizza sauce). May contain: Eggs (depending on dough), processed meats (pepperoni). Always check ingredient labels if allergens are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 70, Total Fat: 3.2 g, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 2.5 g per pizza bite
Save to Pinterest These basketball pizza bites bring fun and flavor to any gathering and are sure to become a favorite snack.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the dough to resemble basketballs?
Roll dough into small balls, fill with sauce and cheese, then pinch edges to seal and reshape into smooth rounds. Decorate with olive strips post-baking to mimic basketball lines.
- → Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, substitute mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives and ensure all other ingredients meet your dietary needs.
- → What baking temperature and time are best?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown with bubbling cheese.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Assemble and store covered in the refrigerator, then bake fresh before serving to maintain crust crispness.
- → What are good topping alternatives?
Try cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers to vary fillings and enhance flavors.
- → How can I add extra color to the bites?
Brush gently with tomato paste mixed with olive oil before baking for a richer orange hue resembling a basketball.