Pin 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.
This recipe is always a hit at parties and game days. My family loves helping to decorate the basketball lines, making it a fun group activity.
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℉ (200℃). 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.
Pin Letting kids help decorate makes for memorable family moments filled with laughter and creativity.
Notes
Pair with a crisp lager or sparkling water for the perfect snack experience.
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.
Pin These basketball pizza bites make a perfect, fun appetizer and are sure to be the star of your next gathering.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I shape the mini pizzas like basketballs?
Roll dough pieces into balls, fill with sauce and cheese, seal edges, then bake. After baking, use thin olive slices to create basketball line patterns.
- → Can I substitute toppings for pepperoni?
Absolutely! Sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers work great as tasty alternatives.
- → What is the best way to prevent dough from sticking during baking?
Dust your baking sheet with cornmeal and line it with parchment paper for easy handling and crisp bottoms.
- → How can I achieve a deeper basketball color?
Brush dough balls with a mix of olive oil and tomato paste before baking to enhance color and flavor.
- → Are these suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply replace traditional dough with a gluten-free version for an inclusive option.